OSUMC - Section of Musculosceletal Imaging

Musculosceletal imaging is the branch of radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries affecting the bones, joints and muscles of the body. This type of imaging is essential for identifying a wide range of conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tumors.

The history of musculoskeletal imaging dates back to 1885 when Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered the x-rays.  The first medical image was the hand of his wife, clearly revealing her bones, and a ring. It instantly revolutionized the diagnosis of fractures, and created the specialty of musculoskeletal imaging.  Over the years, advancements in imaging technology have greatly improved the quality and accuracy of the musculoskeletal studies.  

In 1970's Computed Tomography (CT) provided cross-sectional views. allowing radiologists to see complex bone structures.  In the 1980's Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revolutionized the field by enabling detailed visualization of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Each  imaging modality has its own strengths and limitations, making it important for radiologists to choose the most appropriate study.

In addition to helping diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, imaging studies are also used to monitor treatment progress and guide interventions such as injections and/or surgeries.  Radiologists trained in musculoskeletal imaging a crucial role in interpreting these studies, and by providing accurate diagnoses guide patients' care. 

Dr. Joseph S. Yu was born in San Paulo, Brazil. His undergraduate studies were at the Ohio State University (1979-1983).  He received his MD degree from the Ohio State College of Medicine in 1987. His internship was at East Carolina University College of Medicine, Greenville, NC.  His residency was in the Department of Radiology at OSU from 1988 to 1992. Upon the completion of his residency and board certification, he did a fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging at the University of San Diego, CA (1992-1993). Dr. Yu returned to OSU and established the section of Musculoskeletal Imaging which during his tenure grew to national and international prominence. Dr. Yu was a prolific writer, having published more than 131 papers in refereed journals and more than 43 book chapters. His academic output exceeded that of any other member in our department, leading to his promotion in 1994 to the rank of Professor of Radiology and Orthopedic Surgery. In addition, he served as the Vice Chair, overseeing educational processes for medical students, resident, and fellows and from January 2009 to August 2010, he held the position of Interim Chair of the Department of Radiology.

Dr. Marcella Dardani received her DO degree from the University of New England, Biddeford, ME, in 1985. She did an internship at Firelands Regional Medical Center GME in Sandusky, OH and a residency in Radiology at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH from 1986 to 1989.  She did a Fellowship in Body Imaging from 1990-1991.  She was certified by the American Board of Radiology in 1995. She has published five articles in referee journals focusing on the use of conventional and advanced imaging such as MRI of the musculoskeletal system.  Dr. Dardani is an Assistant Professor of Radiology and her passion is teaching residents in the area of her expertise, the musculoskeletal system.

Alan Rogers, received his MD degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 2002.  His internship was at the Ascension Saint Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, ID.   His Radiology residency was at the Ohio State Department of Radiology from 7/1/2003 to 6/30/2007. He was certified by the American Board of Radiology on 6/6/2007. Upon completing his residency he did a Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging at OSUMC from 7/1/2007 to 6/30/2008.  Dr. Rogers is known for his expert interpretation of radiographs, and advanced imaging studies such as CT and MRI of the musculoskeletal system. He has published 16 articles in referee journals.  He also performs minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as joint injections and biopsies.  Alan was one of the best residents in our department; the patients he serves are fortunate that he elected to stay as an attending.

This post is dedicated to al Radiology residents, fellows, and attendings who have provided expert and compassionate care to patients at the Ohio State Medical Center, since 1943, when the department was founded by                               Professor Hugh Means.

Ohio State Hospital Medical Directors

Manuel Tzagournis was the first medical director of the OSU hospitals before becoming the Acting Dean in 1980, then the Dean in 1981 until 1985, and finally the Vice President of Health Sciences in 1994 until 2002.

Hagop Mekhjian had his education at the American University of Beirut from which he got a BA in 1958 and his MD in 1962.  He did an internship and a Residency in Internal Medicine between 1961 and 1964 in his home country.  He continued his studies in the United States; in 1965 he did a residency in Gastroenterology at Lahey Clinic in Boston, and in 1966 did a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Cincinnati General Hospital.  In 1967, he became a Research Assistant in Gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic. Between 1970 and 1977, he served in the Army in Falls Church, Virginia.  He ascended the academic ladder from Assistant Professor of Medicine in 1969 to Professor in 1988 and Professor Emeritus in 2010.  He is licensed to practice medicine in the States of Florida and Ohio. He was the Medical Director of the Ohio State Hospitals between the years 1985 and 2010.  The Ohio State created an Endowed Lectureship in his name in 2015.  He authored or co-authored 132 papers in referee journals. He was an active researcher with 23 awards.  Hagop lives in Columbus, Ohio with his loving wife of 50 years Janice, their two children and their grandchildren.

Andrew Thomas, got a Bachelor degree in History and Science from Harvard University in 1991. He earned his MD degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1995. It was the respect his grandparent had for their physians that inspire him to become a doctor.  Andy did an internal medicine residency at OSUMC from July 1995 to June 1998. He received a MBA from Fisher College of Medicine in 2000.  He was the Assistant Medical Director from 1999 to 2005, and Associate Director until 2010 and Medical Director at OSU Hospitals since 2013.  Dr. Thomas is Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine.  He has published 48 papers in peer-review journals.  His colleagues describe him as a collaborate, and thoughtful leader.  As the chief clinical officer of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, his role is the oversight of inpatient and outpatient services and assuring collaboration between departments.  Dr. Thomas still sees patients, something uncommon, but admirable for a busy administrator. I knew Andy since the time he was a medical resident.  He was intelligent and caring, and I will always remember what he told me when I converted Radiology to a filmless department, that its impact to the resident training and delivery of correct care was immense. Andy says that he has spent some of the best years of his adult life at Ohio State and in Columbus, with his wife Lisa and their three children. 

OSUMC is fortunate to have had leaders like Drs. Manuel Tzagournis, Hagop Mehkjian and and Andrew Thomas 

                                     Authored by D. G. Spigos, MD

                        Professor Emeritus and former Chairman

                                  Department of Radiology 1992-2004

It is dedicated to Manuel, Hagop and Andy who in addition for being               colleagues were and have remained great friends for life.

Ohio State College of Medicine

 The Ohio State University College of Medicine lineage goes back to the Willoughby University of Lake Erie, founded in 1834 in Willoughby, Ohio a small settlement by Lake Erie. Dr. Westel Willoughby (1798-1844) was the school's founder and first president.  It is noteworthy that Ohio was a new State at that time with a population of about 937,000.  In 1846, the institution moved to Columbus an was chartered as Willoughby Medical College of Columbus in 1847 and in 1876 to Columbus Medical University . 

In 1907, it merged with Starling Medical College to form Starling-Ohio Medical College.  Almost immediately upon opening, the school was contacted by a wealthy business owner Lyne Starling, who offered $35,000 to construct a new hospital and school complex in Columbus.  The concept of a hospital dedicated to teaching medical students was groundbreaking at that time.  This institution transferred all its assets to the Ohio State University in 1914, forming the modern Ohio State College of Medicine.  In 1916, the Columbus Children's Hospital (now Nationwide Children's Hospital) affiliated with the Ohio State College of Medicine.

Early in the 20th century the college establishes its presence on the OSU campus by including Hamilton and Kinsman Halls, and the Starling-Loving University Hospital.

During WWII the college introduced a two-year pathway to a medical degree in order to address wartime needs.  In 1970, the college launched an independent study program in medical education which was extended to three years , and then four years in 1980s.  In the 20th and 21st centuries the College of Medicine expanded its research and education by hiring well known scholars. Today, the Ohio State College of Medicine continues to be a leader in medical education, research, and patient care, with a focus on cutting edge advancements and innovative programs.

Walking through the doors of the old hospital at OSUMC in the spring of 1992, as a visiting professor, I felt both excited and overwhelmed. My first impression was that it was massive.  Clinics, hospitals, research buildings, staff, resident and student traffic.  Later in the fall when I was hired to become the chairman of radiology, I felt like stepping into both the future and the familiar.  The future because the technology here was world-class from a high field 1.5 Tesla magnet built in a new outpatient suite, and the familiar because from day one, the people reminded me why I chose academic medicine in the first place.  In my first few weeks at OSUMC, I realized that the department doesn't just interpret images, but we were deeply embedded in patient care, education and innovation. One of my first impressions was how collaborative this place was when in our noon conference, my lecture about "Splenic Embolization", a treatment I had developed at the University of Illinois in the 70s, the staff of the department and those of other departments had an open mind and were willing to try it in order to benefit their patients.  I came to OSUCM for the opportunity to assist in the further advancement of imaging, intervention and research and the chance to shape the next generation of radiologists.  I stayed until I retired because of the people - the culture of excellence                            and the commitment to patient care.

                Authored by D. G. Spigos M.D, Professor Emeritus, 

             at the Ohio State University and West Attica University.

This post is dedicated to the faculty, the residents, the fellows and students during my tenure as the Chairman of the Department of Radiology from 1992 to 2004.  I would like to mention and thank two individuals in particular; the late Dr. Charles Mueller who was the Acting Chairman and the person who invited me as a visiting professor and Dr. Manuel Tzagournis who was the Dean and the person who recruited, and guided me when he appointed me as the Chairman of Radiology.