X-rays, CT Scans and MRIs oh my!

One of the more common questions asked by patients is what's the difference between X-ray, CT and MRI?

Diagnostic imaging techniques help narrow the causes of an injury or illness and ensure that the diagnosis is accurate. These techniques include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

These imaging tools let your doctor "see" inside your body to get a "picture" of your bones, organs, muscles, tendons, nerves, and cartilage. This is a way the doctor can determine if there are any abnormalities.

X-rays

X-rays (radiographs) are the most common and widely available diagnostic imaging technique. Even if you also need more sophisticated tests, you will probably get an X-ray first.

The part of your body being pictured is positioned between the X-ray machine and photographic film. You have to hold still while the machine briefly sends electromagnetic waves (radiation) through your body, exposing the film to reflect your internal structure. The level of radiation exposure from X-rays is not harmful, but your doctor will take special precautions if you are pregnant.

Bones, tumors and other dense matter appear white or light because they absorb the radiation. Less dense soft tissues and breaks in bone let radiation pass through, making these parts look darker on the X-ray film. Sometimes, to make certain organs stand out in the picture, you are asked given barium sulfate or a dye.

You will probably be X-rayed from several angles. If you have a fracture in one limb, your doctor may want a comparison X-ray of your uninjured limb. Your X-ray session will probably be finished in about 10 minutes. The images are ready quickly.

X-rays may not show as much detail as an image produced using newer, more powerful techniques.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT) is a modern imaging tool that combines X-rays with computer technology to produce a more detailed, cross-sectional image of your body. A CT scan lets your doctor see the size, shape, and position of structures that are deep inside your body, such as organs, tissues, or tumors. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before undergoing a CT scan.

You lie as motionless as possible on a table that slides into the center of the cylinder-like CT scanner. The process is painless. An X-ray tube slowly rotates around you, taking many pictures from all directions. A computer combines the images to produce a clear, two-dimensional view on a television screen.

You may need a CT scan if you have a problem with a small, bony structure or if you have severe trauma to the brain, spinal cord, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. As with a regular X-ray, sometimes you may be given barium sulfate or a dye to make certain parts of your body show up better.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another modern diagnostic imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike CT scans, MRI works without radiation. The MRI tool uses magnetic fields and a sophisticated computer to take high-resolution pictures of your bones and soft tissues. Tell your doctor if you have implants, metal clips, or other metal objects in your body before you undergo an MRI scan.

You lie as motionless as possible on a table that slides into the tube-shaped MRI scanner. The MRI creates a magnetic field around you and then pulses radio waves to the area of your body to be pictured. The radio waves cause your tissues to resonate.

A computer records the rate at which your body's various parts (tendons, ligaments, nerves, etc.) give off these vibrations, and translates the data into a detailed, two-dimensional picture. You will not feel any pain while undergoing an MRI, but the machine may be noisy.

An MRI may help your doctor to diagnose your torn knee ligaments and cartilage, torn rotator cuffs, herniated disks, hip and pelvic problems, and other problems. An MRI may take 30 to 90 minutes.

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Dr Lederman is honored to be faculty at the 32nd Annual San Diego Shoulder Institute Meeting

Dr Lederman is honored to be faculty at the 32nd Annual San Diego Shoulder Institute Meeting in June 2015.  The SDSI meeting is the largest dedicated shoulder meeting with international faculties and attendees.  Dr Lederman will lecture on "Repair options for the subscapularis tendon in shoulder replacement” and will serve as lead faculty for surgeon education labs in Anatomic shoulder replacement, Reverse shoulder replacement, shoulder arthroscopic surgery and Latarjet reconstruction.  

Dr. Lederman and colleagues will also present 2 original research posters: "A Reproducible Ratio for Calculation for Glenoid Bone Loss Using CT or MRI and Simple Measurements that all Clinicians Can Use.” by Dr Lederman and "Gender has a Significant Affect on Post-operative Functional Outcome Scores in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty". Samuel Harmsen MD, James D Kelly MD, Ryan McLemore PhD, Armodios Hatzidakis MD, Tom R Norris MD, Thomas B Edwards MD, Evan S Lederman, MD. Dr. Harmsen, the lead author, will be joining TOCA after completing his fellowship in October, 2015. 

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602-277-6211

www.tocamd.com

What Is an MRI and Why Do I Need It?

What Is an MRI and Why Do I Need It? 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the body's organs and structures. Unlike CAT scans or X-rays, MRI doesn't use radiation. An MRI scanner is a large doughnut-shaped magnet that often has a tunnel in the center. Patients are placed on a table that slides into the tunnel. Some hospitals and radiology centers use what are called "open" MRI machines. They have larger openings and are helpful for patients with claustrophobia (a fear of being in tight, enclosed spaces), but sometimes use a smaller magnet and might not have as high a quality image. During the MRI exam, radio waves manipulate the magnetic position of the body's atoms, which are picked up by a powerful antenna and sent to a computer. The computer does millions of calculations to create clear, cross-sectional black-and-white images of the body. These images can be converted into three-dimensional (3-D) pictures of the scanned area that can help pinpoint problems in the body. MRI is used to: Provide clear images of body parts that can't be seen as well with an X-ray, CAT scan, or ultrasound. MRI is particularly helpful for diagnosing problems with the joints, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. They can detect a variety of conditions, including problems of the brain, spinal cord, extremities, pelvis, wrists, hands, ankles, and feet and can identify infections and inflammatory conditions or to rule out problems such as tumors .

Do I need an x-ray if I already have an MRI? 

An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body — particularly your bones. Typically x-rays are done in the office and generally provide a better look at you bone structure, alignment, and provide assessment of fractures and arthritis. These are usually a precursor to getting an MRI and give us valuable information that the MRI does not. The MRI and x-ray complement each other and are often both needed for a thorough evaluation.

Dr Grant Padley-TOCA

TOCA
602-277-6211
www.tocamd.com
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