A few questions

[rooster]

1. how do define 'normal variant'?
2. how do you define 'anomaly'?
3. do you think the two are interchangable terms? why?
4. what term would you apply to a fabella? why?

All replies welcomed to help settle a difference of opinion on this. Thanks

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[doepug]

1. Normal variant = atypical finding that is normally seen in some percentage of the population. Generally has no clinical significance, and is considered within the spectrum of normal findings.

2. Anomaly = abnormality, without reference to whether a finding has clinical relevance.

3. I don't use anomaly in my reports -- feel it is too vague.

4. Fabella = normal variant. Lots of people have one, and it has little to no clinical bearing. These are not routinely reported at my institution, given how normal they are.

 

[f_w]

> 1. how do define 'normal variant'?

Anything I can find in Keats.

(something worth reporting so some surgeon looking at the images won't operate on it)

> 2. how do you define 'anomaly'?

Why would I use that word in a report. There are findings and then there are normal variants, I don't think there is anything in between.

> 3. do you think the two are interchangable terms? why?

No.

> 4. what term would you apply to a fabella? why?

Normal variant. I might be wrong, but I don't think they have any clinical significance.