We perform a significant number of MRI arthrograms to help provide accurate reports to the orthopaedic surgeons to plan for complex surgeries. CT scans are often used for more complex bone fractures or when precise 3D imaging is required. Ultrasound is frequently used for real-time evaluation of joints, tendons, and muscles, as well as guiding procedures like joint injections or aspirations. Ultrasound-guided injections for pain management are a very important part of radiological interventions offered by our subspecialty and is widely appreciated by the specialities and GP services.
We have also recently started offering PRP injections for patients with selected conditions like tendinitis which are more resistant to steroid injections. Weekly haematology MDT is part of subspecialty musculoskeletal imaging, which is every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. On a weekly basis, we offer an orthopaedic meeting to provide valuable input to the orthopaedic surgeons to manage complex trauma, tumour and challenging cases. This MDT happens every Monday 12 to 1 am and is widely appreciated by the orthopaedic team.
We also offer informal regular meetings with the rheumatology team to discuss radiology imaging of inflammatory arthropathies. Every third Friday, we participate in the joint vascular and foot MDT clinics providing radiology input in patients with chronic foot ulcers and osteomyelitis. We have a weekly Spine MDT to discuss complex cases We also participate in spine triage clinics with neurosurgeons and pain consultants every Tuesday and Wednesdays from 10 to 12 am. At our trust, every year, we perform approximately 11000 musculoskeletal MRIs including about 800 arthrograms, 13000 Spine MRIs, 15000 diagnostic MSK ultrasound and 5000 ultrasound-guided injections for pain management.
These numbers prove the importance of MSK radiology services we provide to our clinicians, GPs, as well as for the patients. We currently have a team of 3 full-time musculoskeletal radiologists and up to 5 general radiologist who perform some musculoskeletal imaging/reporting as a part of the job plan to help with reporting numbers as well as reducing the waiting time for ultrasound-guided injections for pain management. We have a team of sonographers who perform diagnostic MSK ultrasound, and we also have trained 3 sonographers to perform ultrasound-guided injections for pain management. The successful candidate will be expected to attend and contribute to relevant weekly MDT meetings, ensuring collaborative decision-making and optimal patient care.
This position will be part of a general MDT rota, ensuring an equitable distribution of workload while maintaining high service standards. Applicants should have prior experience in musculoskeletal imaging, possess strong interpretative and reporting skills, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development. Teaching and supervising radiology trainees and junior radiologists is part of this role. There is on-call service for general radiology and is consultant led, and the on-call consultant is expected to report urgent AE and in patient CT scans from 17:00 to 20:00 and 8:00 to 9:00 on weekdays and 8:00 to 18:00 on weekends.