Investigations

Question 1

What are advantages and disadvantages of X-ray?

Answer 1

Advantages - quick, easy, inexpensive, shows structural changes in bone, good for monitoring bone and joint diseases, no preparation needed

Disadvantages - radiation, limited information about soft tissues, can’t do cross-sectional imaging, provides basic anatomic information

For: bony anatomy

Question 2

What are advantages and disadvantages of MRI?

Answer 2

Advantages - no radiation, better to see soft tissue, 3D cross-sectional imaging, detailed information on anatomy, no contrast needed

Disadvantages - expensive, long process, required sedation in children, noisy scanner - distressing, picture quality susceptible to movement

For: high contrast resolution of organs and bones - looking at CNS and cancer

Question 3

What are advantages and disadvantages of CT Scan?

Answer 3

Advantages - useful when MRI contra-indicated, fast

Disadvantages - radiation, expensive, may require contrast - allergies

For: anatomical information about all organ systems, for evaluation of nonspecific symptoms and cancer

Question 4

What are advantages and disadvantages of Ultrasound?

Answer 4

Advantages - quick, portable, live imaging, widely available, no radiation

Disadvantages - operator dependant

For: real life evaluation of soft tissues - nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, muscles

Question 5

What are advantages and disadvantages of Fluoroscopy?

Answer 5

Advantages - provides video in real time, widely available

Disadvantages - expensive, radiation