Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2020; 24(04): 460-474
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1710356
Review Article

The Value of Quantitative Musculoskeletal Imaging

1   Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
,
2   Department of Imaging, Monash Imaging, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
3   School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
,
1   Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
,
4   MRI Unit, Department of Radiology, HT Médica, Jaén, Spain
,
5   Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
,
6   The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
,
7   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Musculoskeletal imaging is mainly based on the subjective and qualitative analysis of imaging examinations. However, integration of quantitative assessment of imaging data could increase the value of imaging in both research and clinical practice. Some imaging modalities, such as perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion MRI, or T2 mapping, are intrinsically quantitative. But conventional morphological imaging can also be analyzed through the quantification of various parameters. The quantitative data retrieved from imaging examinations can serve as biomarkers and be used to support diagnosis, determine patient prognosis, or monitor therapy.

We focus on the value, or clinical utility, of quantitative imaging in the musculoskeletal field. There is currently a trend to move from volume- to value-based payments. This review contains definitions and examines the role that quantitative imaging may play in the implementation of value-based health care. The influence of artificial intelligence on the value of quantitative musculoskeletal imaging is also discussed.



Publication History

Article published online:
29 September 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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