E2323. What’s in a Name? Eponyms in Musculoskeletal Radiology
Authors
Gerardo Torres;
University of Puerto Rico
Valerie Vargas;
University of Puerto Rico
Maria Tonkopiy;
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
Gabriel Camareno;
Universidad Central del Caribe
Sylvia Eliza;
University of Puerto Rico
Elizabeth Trullenque;
University of Puerto Rico
Background
Many pathologies and radiological findings have been named after scientists that made significant contributions to their discovery, understanding, classification and/or comprehension. These are called eponyms, a term that comes from the Greek word eponymous, which means “named after”. To use these eponyms correctly, it is important to have an understanding of their historical background and context. Furthermore, since medical eponyms remind us of those individuals’ work, there is a need to acknowledge the effort of those physicians who have earned their own eponyms. Consequently, the purpose of this exhibitt is to highlight the contributions of physicians who have been honored with eponyms, particularly those pertinent to musculoskeletal radiology.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Review musculoskeletal pathologies named after scientists who discovered and/or helped further their understanding. Describe the anatomy of eponymic lesions and recognize their clinical presentation. Provide examples of these pathologies on imaging studies. Explain the historical significance and lesion’s etymology.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
In this educational exhibit we will discuss different musculoskeletal pathologies including pathophysiology and/or mechanism of injury. Using x-ray and selected CT images, we will demonstrate and characterize multiple fractures including Barton, Colles, Smith, and Hutchinson, among others.
Conclusion
This educational exhibit highlights common musculoskeletal pathologies in their historical context and exalts the scientists and doctors who first described them. We present key imaging findings for better identification and differentiation between eponymic pathologies including similarly named or comparable image findings. After viewing our educational exhibit, the reader should be able to efficiently recognize the salient imaging features and have better appreciation of named musculoskeletal pathologies.
