Imaging of back muscles

Question 1

What are the basis of contrast between tissues for X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound?

Answer 1

Density for everything but MRI which is T1 relaxation and T2 decay

Question 2

Field of view for X-ray?

Answer 2

2D

Question 3

Field of view for CT?

Answer 3

3D volume rendered in multiplanar 2D cross-section

Question 4

MRI field of view?

Answer 4

2D cross-section or 3D volume

Question 5

Ultrasound field of view?

Answer 5

limited 2D

Question 6

Tissue visibility for x-ray?

Answer 6

Good for bones only

Question 7

CT tissue visibility?

Answer 7

Good for bone and muscle, not good for ligaments and spinal cord/nerves

Question 8

Visibility for MRI?

Answer 8

Everything good, you can see muscle and spinal cord/nerves very well

Question 9

Ultrasound visibility?

Answer 9

Good muscle, spinal cord/nerves if superficial, bone is no good

Question 10

Radiation dosage of these scanning methods?

Answer 10

None for MRI and ultrasound. Low for x-ray, high for CT

Question 11

Why use x-ray

Answer 11

cheap, readily available

Question 12

Why use CT?

Answer 12

Readily available. Would use this over x-ray if there is damage in the midline. Also because it shows bone better, and you can start seeing muscles.

Question 13

Why use MRI despite high expenses?

Answer 13

Can see spinal cord and nerves and muscle very well

Question 14

Why use ultrasound?

Answer 14

Cheap and readily available. Can look at spinal cords for babies because bone have not ossified.