Imaging from an orthopaedic point of view: What the orthopaedic surgeon expects from the radiologist?

The paradigm of coping with sometimes gross pathology, while having some small and at first sight insignificant lesions demands for accurate radiological detection and orthopaedic treatment makes it interesting and challenging to be involved in the treatment of professional athletes. In the diagnostic process we differentiate between acute, posttraumatic and overuse injuries. We must realize the importance of reproducible routine X-rays as a first step in the diagnostic process. In case of additional diagnostics, appropriate consultation between the orthopaedic surgeon and the radiologist is essential in order to determine the best strategy.