Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification (in the case of concomitant injuries, foreign bodies)
- X-ray diagnostics of the musculoskeletal system – X-rays of the injured region are the first medical device diagnostics leading the way for further examinations – Indications: Stab wound (e.g., in the thorax (chest): pneumothorax?), gunshot wound (projectile?, fragments?, gunshot fracture?).
- X-ray of the thorax (radiographic thorax), standing in expiration [pneumothorax: radiopaque, collapsed lung; typical vascular drawing absent]Note: In more than half of cases, pneumothorax remains occult (“hidden”) on radiographic thorax.
- Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound of the abdominal organs) – is used to assess possible injuries caused by a violent impact.
- If necessary, computed tomography (CT) – sectional imaging method (X-ray images from different directions with computer-based evaluation); particularly well suited for the depiction of bony injuries (e.g., gunshot wounds to the head).
- If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – computer-based cross-sectional imaging procedure (using magnetic fields, i.e., without X-rays); particularly well suited for imaging soft tissue injuries
- If necessary, sonography (ultrasound) – in case of fluid accumulation in the soft tissue structures or suspected abscess (encapsulated pus cavity).
