Radiology is a medical speciality that uses clinical images to diagnose and treat diseases within the body.

There are different types of radiology investigations/techniques that support the diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases. These are:

• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• CT – Computed Tomography
• Fluoroscopy/screening
• Nuclear Medicine

Not all problems with bones, muscles and joints need clinical images to make a diagnosis. There are serious side effects that can occur from repeated medical images involving ionising radiations and in most instances, a clinical image will not change the initial management of non-traumatic disease or problem. Because of this, the Health Board has Diagnostic imaging referrals  guidelines to advice and guide healthcare team to order a Radiology investigation with appropriate clinical indications.