American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What imaging technique can assist in diagnosing tendonitis?

1. X-ray

2. CT scan

3. Ultrasound

4. MRI

The correct answer is: Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an effective imaging technique for diagnosing tendonitis because it provides real-time imaging of soft tissues, allowing for direct visualization of tendons and their surrounding structures. This method can reveal changes in tendon structure, such as swelling, thickening, or the presence of fluid, which are indicative of tendonitis. Ultrasound is also valuable for assessing blood flow to the area, which can be useful in determining the severity of the condition. While X-rays are useful for identifying bone abnormalities, they do not provide detailed images of soft tissues like tendons. CT scans can offer more detailed images than X-rays and are good for visualizing complex structures, but they are not as commonly used for soft tissue evaluation as ultrasound. MRI is also a suitable imaging modality for tendonitis, providing detailed images of both soft tissues and bones. However, ultrasound is often preferred in many cases due to its availability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to assess movement and blood flow in real-time. Thus, ultrasound stands out as a practical and efficient choice for diagnosing tendonitis.