X-rays, CT scans, and MRI are imaging techniques that use different technologies to create images of the inside of the body. X-rays pass through the body and are recorded digitally. Dense structures like bone appear white on x-rays, while air appears black and soft tissues appear in shades of gray. CT scans combine multiple x-ray images from different angles to create cross-sectional images. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images without using ionizing radiation. These techniques are used to diagnose and monitor a variety of bone, joint, soft tissue, and internal organ conditions.

2. x-ray
CT scan
MRI

3. X-rays are a type of
electromagnetic radiation, just
like visible light.
An x-ray machine sends individual
x-ray particles through the body.
The images are recorded on a
computer or film.

4. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will
block most of the x-ray particles, and will
appear white.
Metal and contrast media (special dye used to
highlight areas of the body) will also appear
white.
Structures containing air will be black, and
muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of
gray.

5. The patients are positioned depending on the
type of x-ray being done. Several different x-
ray views
Patient may need to stay still when having an
x-ray. Motion can cause blurry images. He may
be asked to hold his breath or not move for a
second or two when the image is being taken.

9. Abdominal x-ray
Barium x-ray
Bone x-ray
Chest x-ray
Dental x-rays
Extremity x-ray
Hand x-ray
Joint x-ray

11. X-rays are monitored and regulated so you get
the minimum amount of radiation exposure
needed to produce the image.
For most x-rays, the risk of cancer or defects is
very low. Most experts feel that the benefits of
appropriate x-ray imaging greatly outweigh
any risks.

12. fractures of bones
Bone tumors
Degenerative bone conditions
Osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone
caused by an infection)
Additional conditions under which the test may be
performed:
Cystic fibrosis
Multiple myeloma
Osteomalacia
Paget's disease
Rickets

13. A computerized tomography (CT) scan
combines a series of X-ray images taken from
different angles and uses computer processing
to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of
the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside
your body. CT scan images provide more
detailed information than plain X-rays do.

14. You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that
slides into the center of the CT scanner.
Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's
x-ray beam rotates around you. (Modern
"spiral" scanners can perform the exam without
stopping.)
A computer creates separate images of the arm
area, called slices. These images can be
stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on
film. Three-dimensional models can be created
by adding the slices together.

16. An abscess or infection
The cause of pain or other problems in
the wrist, shoulder or elbow joints (usually
when MRI cannot be done)
A broken bone
Masses and tumors, including cancer
A CT scan may also be used to guide a surgeon
to the right area during a biopsy

17. CT is also particularly well-suited to quickly
examine people who may have internal injuries
from car accidents or other types of trauma

18. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that
uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave
energy to make pictures of organs and
structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI
gives different information about structures in
the body than can be seen with an X-ray,
ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT)
scan. MRI also may show problems that cannot
be seen with other imaging methods.

19. The patient will wear a hospital gown or
clothes without metal zippers or snaps (such as
sweatpants and a t-shirt). Make sure that the
patient is not wearing a watch, jewelry, and
wallet. Some types of metal can cause blurry
images.
The patient will lie on a narrow table that
slides into a large tunnel-like scanner.

20. Some exams use a special dye (contrast). Most
of the time, patient will get the dye through a
vein in his arm or hand before the test. The
dye helps the radiologist see certain areas
more clearly.
During the MRI, the person who operates the
machine will watch from another room. The
test most often lasts 30 to 60 minutes, but may
take longer.

21. Abnormal results may be due to:
Abscess
Bursitis of the elbow or wrist
Broken bone or fracture
Ganglion cyst in the wrist
Infection in the bone
Ligament, tendon, or cartilage injury in
the wrist or elbow
Muscle damage
Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis)

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