Joint Pain (Arthralgia): Diagnostic Tests

Obligatory medical device diagnostics.

  • X-ray diagnosis of the joint, in two planes.

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification.

  • Arthrosonography (ultrasound examination of joints) – in arthrosonography, both the soft tissues and superficial areas of the bones of a joint can be displayed (implementation, for example, in the case of unclear joint swelling); if necessary, puncture of the joint under sonographic view.
  • Computed tomography (CT) – sectional imaging method (X-ray images from different directions with computer-based evaluation), particularly well suited for the representation of bony injuries.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – computer-assisted cross-sectional imaging procedure (using magnetic fields, i.e., without X-rays); particularly well suited for imaging soft tissue injuries; here: in cases of unclear joint pain (e.g., also in cases of suspected bone marrow edema syndrome: see differential diagnoses below)
  • Endoscopy (reflection) of the joint.