Introduction
This glossary comprises terms for musculoskeletal radiology. It focuses on the anatomical structures, disease processes, and syndromes that are fundamental to the musculoskeletal lexicon. A goal of this glossary was the presentation of authoritative terminology and knowledge. Terms were vetted and endorsed globally by leaders in musculoskeletal radiology and pathology. At the inception of this project, we obtained formal support from the presidents of 11 societies of musculoskeletal radiology during the annual meeting of the International Skeletal Society in Berlin. At its completion, we solicited input and obtained consensus agreement from 19 societies of musculoskeletal radiology.
The authors compiled a list of potential terms and selected 101 for inclusion in the glossary. Although some terms were first described decades ago, they have evolved in meaning as new knowledge has arrived. We prioritized terms that might be problematic in meaning for residents, fellows, general radiologists, and even subspecialty musculoskeletal radiologists. Given the abundance of musculoskeletal disorders and derangements, we chose to omit most terms relating to neoplasm, spine, intervention, and pediatrics.
This glossary incorporates orthopedic syndromes and rheumatological diseases that are primarily diagnosed applying a combination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging criteria. Most of the impingement syndromes fall into this category. Imaging findings can support these diagnoses but may be inconclusive in the absence of appropriate symptoms, signs, or histopathology results. In these particular syndromes and diseases, radiologists are challenged by complicated imaging features that are ambiguous and often reported inconsistently in the literature.
We concentrated on written terminology and scientific precision. Our descriptions distill knowledge and promote a musculoskeletal lexicon. Despite our careful review of the published literature, we realize that words are subjective, and meanings are inherently controversial. Individuals may disagree with our nomenclature and explanation. We included standard imaging techniques used in clinical practice and excluded experimental techniques used in research. Given our large number of terms, we eliminated illustrations because many terms would require multiple images for useful depiction. Illustrations are available through reference publications, textbooks, on-line resources, and the ISS website.
We circulated our glossary among the presidents of 19 societies specializing in musculoskeletal radiology to request endorsement and provide opportunities for input worldwide. Some presidents sought backing from executive committee members who contributed valuable feedback and substantially improved our definitions. After reviewing the glossary, the following societies chose to endorse formally its terminology.
Arabian Gulf Society of Skeletal Radiology
Asian Musculoskeletal Society
Australian Musculoskeletal Imaging Group
British Society of Skeletal Radiologists
Chinese Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology
Deutschen Gesellschaft für Muskuloskelettale Radiologie
European Society of Skeletal Radiology
Indonesian Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology
International Skeletal Society
Japanese Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology
Korean Society of Skeletal Radiology
Musculoskeletal Radiology Society of Chinese Medical Doctors Association
Musculoskeletal Society of India
Sociedad Española de Radiología Musculoesquelética
Saudi Society of Skeletal Radiology
Société d’Imagerie Musculo-Squelettique
Society of Skeletal Radiology
South African Musculoskeletal Imaging Group
Swiss Society of Skeletal Radiology
Publisher’s note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.