An MRI scanner.
Both MRIs and bone scans are diagnostic imaging procedures.
They are used to help diagnose issues within the body such as fractures, strains, diseases and conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
MRI
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.
MRIs use radio waves that are read by magnets in a scanner. The waves help to produce images of different areas of the body in several different planes.
Why MRIs are Performed
MRIs are performed to help identify disease or assist the doctor in diagnosing issues within the brain, spine, bone, muscle, ligaments, abdominal region and cardiovascular system.
Bone Scan
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test.
During a bone scan, a "radioactive tracer" is injected into the body and then pictures are taken of the tracer within the body. The tracer reads abnormalities by showing as "hot" (detecting the presence of diseases such as cancer, arthritis or infection), or "cold" (indicating items like other types of cancers).
Why Bone Scans are Performed
A bone scan is used to evaluate diseases of the bone, such as cancer, deteriorating bones, diseases, fractures and infections.
MRI vs. Bone Scan
According to WebMD, a "bone scan does not distinguish between normal and abnormal bone growth by itself." Therefore, bone scans are sometimes paired with additional techniques--such as MRI--to help determine a more definitive diagnosis.
MRIs are often able to provide greater detail and detect some diseases that bone scans cannot. The quality of MRI images and ability for early disease detection make MRIs a useful tool in diagnosing and creating treatment plans for patients.
However, MRIs are more costly than bone scans and are often more difficult to schedule due to time constraints.
Tags: bone scan, Bone Scan, bone scans, issues within, such cancer
