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Radiology and Radiological Science

Our team of musculoskeletal radiologists at the Johns Hopkins Musculoskeletal Radiology Section work very closely with other specialists, including orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, neurosurgeons, rheumatologists and oncologists, to provide a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of patients.

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Patient Care: Subspecialty Centers of Excellence

In addition to being recognized for excellence in routine evaluation of patients with common sports injuries, the Musculoskeletal Radiology Section is also recognized nationally and internationally for specialized diagnostic imaging studies and interventional procedures.

Diagnostic Imaging

  • High-resolution imaging of joint injuries, including:
    • Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists and hands
    • Dynamic and weight-bearing evaluations of the joints of the upper and lower extremities
    • Imaging of patients with arthritis
  • High-resolution assessment of the peripheral nervous system and patients with chronic pain
  • Imaging of joint replacements, with specialized metal reduction techniques
  • Imaging of bone and soft tissue tumors
  • Imaging of muscle disorders
  • Whole-body MRI
  • Evaluation of musculoskeletal diseases with novel MRI techniques, including functional and metabolic techniques

Interventional Procedures

We perform image-guided joint aspirations, biopsies and therapeutic procedures. When deemed necessary, we utilize MRI to take advantage of advanced imaging techniques to target disease processes. Our procedures include:

  • Image-guided joint injections and aspirations
  • Image-guided biopsies
  • Peripheral nerve pain management
  • Specialized magnetic resonance-guided interventions and therapies

MARS & SMART Imaging 

Metal implants can create distortion on MRI scans, limiting the ability to accurately assess surrounding anatomy. In order to reduce this distortion, often called metal artifacts, the Musculoskeletal Division at Johns Hopkins Radiology offers advanced imaging through Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence (MARS) technology, enhanced by a proprietary approach known as SMART Imaging. 

SMART Imaging builds further upon standard MARS protocols by incorporating advanced MRI techniques developed and trademarked by Johns Hopkins radiologists who are subspecialized in musculoskeletal radiology. By using multiple specialized imaging sequences, this approach significantly reduces metal artifacts and improves visualization of tissues both immediately surrounding and more distant from orthopedic implants. This enhanced visibility helps Johns Hopkins radiologists detect important findings that may otherwise be difficult to see, including tumor recurrence, infection, fractures, and other post-surgical abnormalities. 

The SMART protocol is particularly valuable in evaluating patients with joint replacements and complex orthopedic reconstructions, where high-quality imaging is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This approach to imaging is valuable for the care of patients who are treated by orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic oncologists, and other clinicians managing complex cases near metal implants. 

Johns Hopkins musculoskeletal faculty members have received international recognition for their work with the SMART protocol at the International Skeletal Society. They have produced numerous research publications in the areas of prosthetic joints, tumor reconstructive surgery and trauma, highlighting the impact of these advanced techniques in improving diagnostic accuracy in these settings. 

Developed and refined at Johns Hopkins, SMART imaging is another example of the department’s continued leadership in advancing musculoskeletal imaging and improving diagnostic accuracy in complex cases. 

Our Clinical and Research Experts

Laura M. Fayad, MD MS

  • Chief of Musculoskeletal Imaging

Expertise: Diagnostic Radiology

Primary Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD

Research

Research pursuits in the Johns Hopkins Musculoskeletal Radiology Section occur through the Subspecialty Centers of Excellence. Our musculoskeletal imaging researchers develop novel imaging techniques and treatments for a variety of musculoskeletal diseases and conditions. Examples of research interests include:

  • High-resolution joint imaging
  • Arthritis and dynamic joint imaging
  • Peripheral nerve disorders in the brachial plexus and extremities
  • Tumor functional and metabolic imaging
  • Interventional MRI applications
  • Muscle disorders
  • Women’s sports medicine imaging
  • Gender differences in sports injuries

Education

Our division offers a 12-month dedicated musculoskeletal imaging fellowship, which provides superior clinical training in CT, ultrasound and MRI, and in the performance of musculoskeletal interventions. We also offer a research fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology for scientists, physicians or medical trainees to study the applications of musculoskeletal imaging.

 

Contact Information

Musculoskeletal Radiology
Administrative Support: Rose Deise
[email protected]