Tomosynthesis for diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases: a systematic review

Digital tomosynthesis is a radiological method having an intermediate position between x-ray and computed tomography (CT). Benefits with the imaging technology include improved image quality, post-processing (reconstructed to 1 mm thick slices), minimal tissue overlap in the projection image and a lower X-ray dose as compared to CT. Tomosynthesis is most commonly used in breast, chest (pulmonary tuberculosis), musculoskeletal and intraoral screening examinations. There is disagreement among professionals on feasibility and clinical effectiveness of tomosynthesis in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases. Our goal was to summarize evidence relating to efficacy and feasibility of tomosynthesis in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases. Russian and foreign literature was reviewed based on methodological principles of the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions. The review included 34 articles in English and in Russian (referenced 16 to 49) describing an original study with focus on phantom, diagnostic, clinical studies. We considered articles which investigated use of tomosynthesis in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases including rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hands and feet, specific and nonspecific spine lesions and injuries, nonspecific lesions and injuries to the joints; subtle fractures and dislocations. With the advantages of tomosynthesis in clinical practice, the imaging modality can be recommended for the diagnosis of the above conditions.