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Dr Steve James
Consultant profile

Dr Steve James

Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist

Profile & achievements

Specialist practice

Dr Steve James is a specialist consultant musculoskeletal radiologist whose NHS base is The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham. His independent practice is primarily based at The Priory Hospital, Edgbaston, and he also performs imaging at other sites across Birmingham.

His clinical work includes musculoskeletal ultrasound, MRI, CT and image-guided intervention.

Sports injury expertise

Dr James has a particular interest in diagnosing sports-related injuries and provides imaging services for a variety of professional and elite sports organisations.

Training & qualifications
  • University of Bristol Medical School — MB ChB, 1996
  • Radiology training in Nottingham
  • Musculoskeletal radiology fellowship — Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London
Research & publications

Original scientific papers

The following scientific papers are listed in the supplied practice biography.

  1. A survey of non-accidental injury imaging in England, Scotland and Wales. James SLJ, Halliday K, Somers J, Broderick N. Clinical Radiology, 2003; 58:696–701.
  2. The vertically orientated fibular collateral ligament – A secondary sign of anterior cruciate ligament rupture. James SLJ, Connell DA. European Radiology, 2006; 16(8):1854–6.
  3. Atraumatic avulsion of the lesser trochanter as an indicator of tumour infiltration. James SLJ, Davies AM. European Radiology, 2006; 16(2):512–4.
  4. MR imaging findings of acetabular dysplasia. James SLJ et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2006; 35(6):378–84.
  5. MR imaging features of femoroacetabular impingement. James SLJ et al. AJR American Journal of Roentgenology, 2006; 187(6):1412–9.
  6. The effect of temperature reduction on cement working time in percutaneous vertebroplasty. James SLJ, Connell DA. Clinical Radiology, 2006; 61:797–799.
  7. MR imaging of bone marrow oedema associated with focal bone lesions. James SLJ et al. Clinical Radiology, 2006; 61(12):1003–9.
  8. Ganglion cysts of the gastrocnemius origin: a series of 10 cases. James SLJ et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2007; 36(2):139–43.
  9. Femoroacetabular impingement: bone marrow oedema associated with fibrocystic change of the femoral head and neck junction. James SLJ et al. Clinical Radiology, 2007; 62(5):472–8.
  10. Ultrasound guided autologous blood injection for patella tendinosis. James SLJ et al. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2007; 41(8):518–21.
  11. CT guided sacroplasty for the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures. Heron J, Connell DA, James SLJ. Clinical Radiology, 2007; 62:1094–1100.
  12. MR imaging of soft tissue masses: the relationship between lesion size, depth and diagnosis. Datir A et al. Clinical Radiology, 2008; 63:373–378.
  13. Does the presence of focal normal marrow fat signal within a tumour on MRI exclude malignancy? Simpfendorfer CS et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2008; 37(9):797–804.
  14. CT guided sacroplasty for advanced sacral destruction secondary to tumour infiltration. Wee B et al. Clinical Radiology, 2008; 63:906–912.
  15. Imaging strategy for staging lung metastases at presentation in patients with soft tissue sarcomas. Christie-Large M et al. European Journal of Cancer, 2008.
  16. Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma: procedure technique, clinical and MR imaging follow up of 4 cases. Skeletal Radiology, 2008; 37(11):1011–7.
  17. Tumour and tumour-like lesions of the patella – a multi-centre experience. Singh J et al. European Radiology, 2009; 19(3):701–12.
  18. Proximity of the femoral neurovascular bundle during hip resurfacing. Davis ET, Gallie P, James SL, Waddell JP, Schemitsch EH. Journal of Arthroplasty, 2010; 25(3):471–4.
  19. Magnetic resonance imaging appearances following hindquarter amputation for pelvic musculoskeletal malignancy. Kotnis NA et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2009; 38(12):1137–46.
  20. Stress fractures of the lower limb in the skeletally immature in association with fibrous cortical defects/non-ossifying fibromas. Shimal A et al. Clinical Radiology, 2010; 65(5):382–6.
  21. The role of multidetector CT arthrography in the investigation of suspected intra-articular hip pathology. Christie-Large M et al. British Journal of Radiology, 2010; 83(994):861–7.
  22. Technical report: retrieval of a fractured drill tip during osteoid osteoma treatment. Davies CE, James SLJ. Clinical Radiology, 2010; 65(12):1018–20.
  23. Is bone scintigraphy necessary in the initial surgical staging of chondrosarcoma of bone? Douis H et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2012; 41(4):429–36.
  24. Thoracic spine osteitis: a series of four cases, a distinct clinical entity, a variant of SAPHO or late-onset non-bacterial osteitis? Peffers G, James SLJ, Stirling A, Jobanputra P. Rheumatology (Oxford), 2012; 51(1):191–3.
  25. Low grade central osteosarcoma – a difficult condition to diagnose. Malhas A et al. Sarcoma, 2012; 2012:764796.
  26. Can MR imaging challenge the commonly accepted theory of the pathogenesis of solitary enchondroma of long bone? Douis H et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2012; 41(12):1537–42.
  27. Post-traumatic heterotopic ossification of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis mimicking a surface osteosarcoma. Botchu R et al. Clinical Radiology, 2013; 68(12):e676–9.
  28. Imaging appearances and clinical outcome following sacrectomy and ilio-lumbar reconstruction for sacral neoplasia. Thomas M et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2014; 43(2):179–89.
  29. British athletics muscle injury classification: a new grading system. Pollock N et al. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2014; 48(18):1347–51.
  30. Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma: long-term clinical and imaging outcomes. Xie C, Jeys L, James SL. European Radiology, 2015; 25(4):1127–34.
  31. Defining the role of the tibial tubercle–trochlear groove and tibial tubercle–posterior cruciate ligament distances in patellofemoral disorders. Anley CM et al. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015; 43(6):1348–53.
  32. Imaging features of osteoid osteoma of the phalanges. Kotnis N, James SL. Skeletal Radiology, 2015; 44(10):1461–6.
  33. British athletics muscle injury classification: a reliability study for a new grading system. Patel A et al. Clinical Radiology, 2015; 70(12):1414–20.
  34. Heterotopic ossification related to the radial tuberosity: a tumour mimic. Shah A et al. Clinical Radiology, 2016; 71(1):74–8.
  35. The utility of repeat ultrasound imaging in the follow-up of metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty patients. Matharu GS et al. Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2016; 98(2):143–9.
  36. Time to return to full training is delayed and recurrence rate is higher in intratendinous acute hamstring injury in elite track and field athletes. Pollock N et al. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2016; 50(5):305–10.

Review articles

  1. Giant-cell tumours of the hand and wrist: a review of imaging findings and differential diagnoses. James SLJ, Davies AM. European Radiology, 2005; 15(9):1855–66.
  2. Surface lesions of the bones of the hand: a pictorial review. James SLJ, Davies AM. European Radiology, 2006; 16(1):108–23.
  3. MR imaging of autologous chondrocyte implantation: a pictorial review. James SLJ, Davies AM.
  4. Spinal infection in adults and children. James SLJ, Davies AM. European Journal of Radiology, 2006; 58(1):27–40.
  5. Benign primary tumours of the ribs: a pictorial review. Hughes EK et al. Clinical Radiology, 2006; 61(4):314–22.
  6. The role of MR imaging in the characterization of appendicular bone tumours: a pictorial review. Alyas F et al. European Radiology, 2007; 17(10):2675–86.
  7. Post-operative imaging of soft tissue tumours. James SLJ, Davies AM. Cancer Imaging, 2008; 8:8–18.
  8. Focused assessment with sonography for trauma: the FAST scan. Christie-Large M, Michaelides D, James SLJ. Trauma, 2008; 10:93–101.
  9. Bone marrow oedema associated with benign and malignant bone tumours. James SLJ, Panicek DM, Davies AM. European Journal of Radiology, 2008; 67(1):11–21.
  10. Tumour and tumour-like lesions of the intercondylar notch of the knee. Li P, James SLJ, Davies AM. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology, 2008; 52(5):434–46.
  11. Hip arthroplasty Part 1: prosthesis terminology and classification. Pluot E et al. Clinical Radiology, 2009; 64(10):954–60.
  12. Hip arthroplasty Part 2: normal and abnormal radiographic findings. Pluot E et al. Clinical Radiology, 2009; 64(10):961–71.
  13. Soft tissue tumours with muscle differentiation. Davies CE et al. Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, 2010; 14(2):245–56.
  14. Imaging in the diagnosis, prognostication and management of lower limb muscle injury. Douis H, Gillett M, James SLJ. Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, 2011; 15(1):27–41.
  15. The investigation and radiological features of primary bone malignancy. Kuchenbecker T, Davies AM, James SLJ. Orthopaedics and Trauma, 2010; 24:252–265.
  16. Musculoskeletal imaging: current and future trends. Douis H, James SLJ, Davies AM. European Radiology, 2011; 21(3):478–84.
  17. The role of ultrasound in the assessment of post-operative complications following hip arthroplasty. Douis H et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2012; 41(9):1035–46.
  18. Tumours and tumour mimics in the olecranon. Kularatne U et al. Clinical Radiology, 2015; 70(7):760–773.
  19. Imaging of extremity soft tissue masses: pitfalls in diagnosis. Patel A, Davies AM, James SL. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 2015; 76(Suppl 6):344–52.
  20. Spinal imaging update: an introduction to techniques for advanced MRI. Patel A, James SL, Davies AM, Botchu R. Bone & Joint Journal, 2015; 97-B(12):1683–92.

Case reports

  1. Skeletal muscle involvement in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the head and neck region. James SLJ, Cozens N, Robinson I. Ultrasound, 2005; 13(4).
  2. Paraganglioma of the cauda equina with subarachnoid haemorrhage. Li P et al. Clinical Radiology, 2007; 62(3):277–80.
  3. Bilateral osteochondrosis of the superior pole of the patellae in association with osteochondritis of the lateral femoral condyle. Ghali A et al. Clinical Radiology, 2008; 63:478–482.
  4. Needle tract recurrence following radiofrequency ablation of recurrent sacrococcygeal chordoma. Tapp MJF et al. European Journal of Radiology Extra, 2008; 66:113–117.
  5. Bilateral lower limb calcific myonecrosis: a case report. Wee B et al. European Journal of Radiology Extra, 2008; 64:79–82.
  6. Abnormality of the infra-patellar fat pad in a patient with HIV: MR findings with histological correlation. Pluot E et al. European Journal of Radiology Extra, 2008; 68:29–32.
  7. Calcific tendonitis of the adductor brevis insertion: a case report. Tamangani J et al. Clinical Radiology, 2009; 64:940–3.
  8. Giant cell tumour of the triquetrum. Kotnis NA et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2009; 38(6):593–5.
  9. Subperiosteal aneurysmal bone cyst of the metacarpal: a case report. Shimal A et al. European Journal of Radiology Extra, 2009.
  10. CT-guided sacroplasty for the treatment of Zone II sacral insufficiency fractures. Douis H, James SLJ. Clinical Radiology, 2009; 64(10):1037–40.
  11. A 45-year-old woman with a pre-sacral mass lesion: diagnosis and discussion. Nagra I, Stirling AJ, James SL. Skeletal Radiology, 2010; 39(2):183–4, 199–200.
  12. Erdheim–Chester disease presenting with destruction of a metacarpal. Davies AM et al. Clinical Radiology, 2010; 65(3):250–3.
  13. Profunda femoris pseudoaneurysm following Birmingham hip resurfacing via an anterolateral approach. Thomas M et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2012; 41(7):853–6.
  14. Bilateral calcific myonecrosis in association with epilepsy: a case report. Karkhanis S et al. Clinical Radiology, 2013; 68(6):e349–52.
  15. Intraosseous hibernoma: a case report and review of the literature. Botchu R et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2013; 42(7):1003–5.
  16. Osteoid osteoma of the cuboid managed by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Chakraverty J, Al-Mokhtar N, James SL. Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 2014; 53(2):212–5.
  17. Acute symptomatic calcific discitis in adults: a case report and review of literature. Shah A et al. Skeletal Radiology, 2015; 44(12):1819–24.
Books
  • Imaging Bone Tumours: Techniques, Applications and Subtypes — Davies AM, Sundaram M, James SLJ.
  • Musculoskeletal Radiology Section Editor — Aids to Radiological Differential Diagnosis, 5th and 6th editions.
  • Hand and Wrist Imaging — Davies AM, Grainger A, James SLJ.
Book chapters
  1. Bone Tumours. Radiotherapy in Practice: Imaging — S James, D Spooner, 2008.
  2. Bones. Aids to Radiological Differential Diagnosis, 5th edition — S James, 2008.
  3. Spine. Aids to Radiological Differential Diagnosis, 5th edition — S James, 2008.
  4. Joints. Aids to Radiological Differential Diagnosis, 5th edition — S James, 2008.
  5. Interventional techniques. Imaging Bone Tumours: Techniques, Applications and Subtypes — James SLJ, 2008.
  6. Hand and Wrist. Imaging Bone Tumours: Techniques, Applications and Subtypes — Kotnis N, Davies AM, James SLJ, 2008.
  7. Patella. Imaging Bone Tumours: Techniques, Applications and Subtypes — Pluot E, Davies AM, James SLJ, 2008.
  8. Tumour and tumour-like conditions associated with Paget’s disease of bone. Imaging Bone Tumours — Davies AM, Pluot E, James SLJ, 2008.
  9. Who was who in bone tumours. Imaging Bone Tumours — Pluot E, James SLJ, Davies AM.
  10. Radiation-induced tumours. Imaging Bone Tumours — Davies AM, James SLJ, 2008.
  11. Imaging in Oncology: Bone Tumours. James SLJ, Davies AM, 2008.
  12. Incidental findings and pseudotumours in sports injuries. Medical Radiology – Diagnostic Imaging Sports Injuries in Children and Adolescents — Davies AM, Anderson-Sembach SE, James SLJ, 2009.
  13. Bone Tumours of the Hand and Wrist. Hand and Wrist Imaging — Kotnis N, Davies AM, James SLJ, 2010.
  14. Pathology of bone tumours. Diagnostic Histopathology — Puls F, James SLJ, Mangham C, 2012.
  15. Imaging of joint replacements. Joint Replacement Technology, second edition — Botchu R, James SLJ, 2012.
  16. Malignant bone tumours. Grainger and Allison — Davies AM, James SLJ, Saifuddin A, 2012.
  17. Tumour-like lesions of bone. Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System, second edition — Douis H, James SLJ, Davies AM, 2014.
  18. Primary Bone Tumours. Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System, second edition — Douis H, James SLJ, Davies AM, 2014.
Electronic publications
  • Benign and Malignant Rib Lesions — e-learning directive for specialist radiology registrars and training academies, James SLJ, Davies AM.
  • Sclerotic Bone Lesions — e-learning directive for specialist radiology registrars and training academies, James SLJ, Davies AM.
Selected scientific presentations
  1. A survey of non-accidental injury imaging in England, Scotland and Wales. British Society of Paediatric Radiology, Sheffield, 2003.
  2. Percutaneous radiological gastrostomy: follow up. European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology, Budapest, 2003.
  3. Giant-cell tumours of the hand and wrist. European Society of Skeletal Radiology, Oxford, 2005.
  4. MR imaging of bone marrow oedema associated with tumour and tumour-like lesions. International Skeletal Society Closed Meeting, Singapore, 2005.
  5. MR imaging findings of acetabular dysplasia. European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, 2006.
  6. MR imaging features of femoroacetabular impingement. European Congress of Radiology, Vienna and ESSR Bruges, 2006.
  7. The spectrum and prevalence of MRI changes identified in patients presenting with groin injury. ESSR Izmir and ISS Budapest, 2007.
  8. Imaging strategy for staging lung metastases at presentation in patients with soft tissue sarcomas. ESSR Galway, 2008.
  9. Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma – experience and follow up in 5 cases. ESSR Galway, 2008.
  10. Magnetic resonance imaging features of chondroblastoma recurrence. ESSR Genoa, 2009.
  11. Is bone scintigraphy required in the initial staging of chondrosarcoma? ESSR Crete, 2011.
  12. Imaging soft tissue masses in children. RCR Scientific Meeting, London, 2013.
  13. Measurement of the tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance on CT and MRI. ESSKA Conference, Amsterdam, 2014.
  14. Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma: long-term clinical and imaging outcomes. European Musculoskeletal Oncology Society, Vienna, 2014.
  15. Follow-up of metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty patients: the utility of repeat ultrasound scanning. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting, 2015.
Scientific exhibits
  1. Atraumatic avulsion of the lesser trochanter as an indicator of tumour infiltration. ESSR Oxford, 2005.
  2. Surface lesions of the bones of the hand. International Skeletal Society, Singapore, 2005.
  3. Giant-cell tumours of the hand and wrist. International Skeletal Society, Singapore, 2005.
  4. MR imaging of autologous chondrocyte implantation. European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, 2006.
  5. MR imaging of soft tissue masses: the relationship of lesion size, depth and diagnosis. ESSR Bruges and RSNA Chicago, 2006.
  6. CT arthrography of the hip. Royal College of Radiologists Annual Meeting and British Trauma Society, 2007.
  7. Tumour and tumour-like lesions of the intercondylar notch of the knee. European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, 2008.
  8. Radiofrequency ablation of chondroblastoma. ESSR Galway, 2008.
  9. Who was who in bone tumours. European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, 2009.
  10. Tumours and tumour-like conditions in Paget’s disease of bone. European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, 2009.
  11. Imaging appearances following sacrectomy and lumbo-pelvic reconstruction for sacral neoplasia. European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, 2012.
  12. Direct access for MRI of the lumbar spine: a review of GP imaging requests. RCR Annual Meeting and RCGP Conference, 2013.
  13. The British Athletics muscle injury classification: a validity study. European Congress of Radiology, 2015.
  14. Follow-up of metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty patients. British Hip Society, 2015.
  15. British athletics muscle injury classification: a reliability study. BSSR, Norwich, 2016.
Medical event imaging
  • AEGON Classic, The Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham — 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016
  • European Gymnastics Championships, National Indoor Arena, Birmingham — 2010
  • London Olympics — Medical team, 2012
  • U17 World Women’s Football Championship, St George’s Park, Burton — 2013
  • Rugby World Cup — Lead Radiologist, Midlands, 2015
Conference organisation & named lectures
  • Imaging and Intervention — Imaging Day Lead, 10th International Trauma Care Conference, Telford, 2009
  • Post-treatment imaging — Royal College of Radiologists Study Day, Birmingham, 2012
  • British Society of Skeletal Radiologists Bi-annual Refresher Course, Birmingham, 2014
  • International Skeletal Society 41st Annual Meeting, Edinburgh, 2014 — Local Organising Committee member
  • The Founder’s Lecture: Bone Tumours: Back to the Future — International Skeletal Society, Paris, 2016
Teaching, guidelines & memberships
  • College Tutor and Clinical Supervisor for Radiology Specialist Registrars, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — since September 2012
  • Film-viewing tutorials for first- and second-year registrars, plus pre-FRCR film viewing for third-year registrars
  • Author of two sessions for the Royal College of Radiologists’ Integrated Training Initiative for Specialist Registrar Training Academies
  • Regular lecturer for orthopaedic, rheumatology, oncology and anaesthetic trainees; examiner on a Mock FRCS Orthopaedic course
  • Contributor to The Royal College of Radiologists’ Making the Best Use of Clinical Radiology Services, MBUR7 trauma section
  • Member: International Skeletal Society, Royal College of Radiologists and British Society of Skeletal Radiology