Imaging correlation is an important requisite for histopathological diagnosis in Orthopedic Pathology. This course is designed not only to emphasize the correlation of tissue findings with clinical imaging studies and but also to show how orthopedic histodiagnosis can be simplified by making these correlations.

The course will be constructed with a brief introduction to imaging including a simple explanation of the various imaging modalities with reference to construction, utilization and predictive values. Since most clinical orthopedic problems are not neoplastic, we will devote equal time to both non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases. Even though this short course is about pathology, course registrants must understand that the special emphasis of our time is on imaging studies and how they are generated and used in the differential diagnosis of bone diseases. Consequently, we will devote equal time to imaging.

In general, the material will fall into three categories: 1) Cases in which imaging yields almost statistical certainty of diagnosis; 2) Cases in which imaging studies can construct a statistically relevant diagnosis, which is only settled when correlated with histology; 3) Cases in which a pathologic diagnosis cannot be rendered without imaging studies.

Slides will be scanned and virtual images generated for pre-registrants on the USCAP website prior to the meeting. A syllabus discussing the radiological and pathological differential diagnoses with references will be distributed at the meeting for participants. After the meeting all participants will receive web access to the PowerPoint presentation given during the meeting including representative imaging studies and histological photographs along with the text portion of the syllabus.

At the completion of the course, the participants will be able to understand each of the following: 1) Why imaging studies are needed to assure accurate pathologic diagnosis in bone diseases; 2) Comprehend imaging techniques and diseases adequately enough to know when a particular imaging study suffices for diagnostic accuracy and when additional studies are needed; 3) To judge whether biopsy of a lesion is representative using imaging studies; 4) To construct a meaningful differential diagnosis using imaging studies; 5) To understand the potential dangers of not using imaging for diagnostic correlation; 6) To diagnose a particular disease with confidence or know when to use a consultant.

(LAST SCHEDULED PRESENTATION) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.