Vaishali Soneji Lafita MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kirkland W. Davis MD, Presenter: Research support, Endocare, Inc

Donna Genette Blankenbaker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Humberto Gerardo Rosas MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kenneth S. Lee MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Arthur August De Smet MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mnemonics help us remember differential diagnoses. These lists are especially common in musculoskeletal radiology. Unfortunately, we may be able to remember the mnemonics but not the specific appearance of each diagnosis included in each list. This exhibit will review some of the common MSK mnemonics and their differentiating features.

This exhibit will illustrate and discuss typical imaging features for a number of “popular” musculoskeletal mnemonics. Among the mnemonics discussed will be: • FEGNOMASHIC: bubbly lucent bone lesions • PORKCHoPS: multiple wormian bones • FETISH: vertebra plana • CHARMS: frayed/indistinct metaphyses • FEMALE: solitary lucent diaphyseal lesion • 5 Bees Like Pollen: sclerotic metastases • RAD SHIP: acroosteolysis • SHIRT Pocket: distal clavicle erosion

Musculoskeletal radiology mnemonics can be helpful in constructing a differential diagnosis, but only if one recognizes the appearance of each of the specific entities and knows the clinical and imaging features that differentiate them.

Lafita, V, Davis, K, Blankenbaker, D, Rosas, H, Lee, K, De Smet, A, Musculoskeletal Mnemonics: What Do They Look Like?.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6008433.html