Difference Between MRI and CT Scan
CT scans and MRI scans are two different medical imaging methods that provide detailed images of your internal body parts, for example bones, joints, and organs.
An orthopedic doctor in Kanpur may demand CT scans or MRIs to help diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, especially orthopedic injuries. Both types of scans have similar uses, but they produce images differently. A CT scan uses an X-ray, whereas an MRI scan uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves.
CT scans are very common and are less expensive, and as MRI provides more detailed images of injured areas, that is why it is more expensive.
What is a CT Scan?
CT Scans and MRIs both provide different ways of creating detailed images of the body parts. An orthopedic doctor in Kanpur demands it to analyze the picture to detect injury, for example, fractures, tumours, and joint damage.
During a CT scan, the patient will lie down in a large X-ray machine, which is called a CT scanner. The scanner sends pictures to a computer.
Common uses of CT scans include examining or looking for:
- Tumours
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Cancer development and response to treatment
What is an MRI Scan?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imagery, and this scan uses radio waves and magnets to create images. During an MRI scan, the patient lies under an MRI scanner. It is a machine that creates a constant magnetic field and uses radio waves to bounce off water molecules and fat cells in the body. The scanner sends the pictures to a computer. MRI produces clear and better images than CT scans, which is why MRI is more expensive than a CT scan.
Orthopedic doctors in Kanpur use MRI scans to diagnose issues with bones, and other doctors demand it for organs and joints, including those that affect-
- Ankles
- Breast
- Brain
- Heart
- Joints
- Wrists
- Blood vessels
Advantages of CT Scans
- CT scans are faster.
- They have a more open design
- Results are faster as well
- Less expensive
Advantages of MRI
- Provides clear images
- Uses advances technology
- Clear images of organs as well
- More expensive
Choosing between an MRI and CT scan
Most likely, your orthopedic doctor in Kanpur will recommend these scans on the basis of their symptoms, whether you should get an MRI or CT scan.
If your orthopedic doctor in Kanpur needs a more detailed image of your soft tissue, ligaments, or organs, the best orthopedic doctor in Kanpur will generally suggest an MRI.
Such cases include:
- Herniated disks
- Torn ligaments
- Soft tissue issues
If you need a general image of an area such as your internal organs or due to a fracture or head trauma, generally, a CT scan is recommended by the orthopedic doctor in Kanpur.
What are the differences?
The main difference between a CT scan and an MRI is the technology used to scan the patient’s injury. MRI relies on strong magnets, whereas CT scans use radiation, which some people find worrying:
- CT Scans are usually much faster than MRI scans. A normal CT scan may last 5 to 10 minutes, and an MRI can take more than 1 hour.
- MRI offers clear images of tissue structure, and it is generally preferred for the diagnosis of neurological problems and spinal problems.
- MRI scans are more noisy than CT scans.
- If a CT scan is conclusive, patients will often need an MRI scan, which will have more detailed images.
Procedure of MRI Scans and CT Scans
Both scans usually require the patient to lie down under the scanner. They will need to remain straight during the procedure so that the machine can take clear and better images.
In both cases, the technicians will leave the room during the procedure, but the person can talk to the technician through the installed speakers.
The CT Scan machine takes various X-ray images of the body part from different angles. The machine is less noisy.
MRI scanning machines are a bit noisy, which is why the technician will provide you with earplugs to protect your ears.
Choosing the right scan
The uses of MRI scans and CT scans are identical. Your orthopedic doctor in Kanpur will decide which scan is appropriate for you on the basis of the following factors:
- Medical reason for the scan
- Level of the details, which are essential for the images.
- Whether a woman is pregnant.
- Whether the patient has claustrophobia or other factors that might make MRI difficult for those patients to tolerate.
- MRI scans produce a more detailed image of soft tissues, organs, and ligaments. Conditions that are easier to see with an MRI scan include tissue damage and torn ligaments.
Conclusion
Both MRI and CT scans are less risky. Both scans offer crucial information to help your orthopedic doctor in Kanpur diagnose the problem.
Your orthopedic doctor in Kanpur will recommend which scan is better for you based on your conditions. Don’t forget to ask any questions or concerns you have so you will be comfortable with the choice they recommend.