The methods of imaging bone and the disadvantages and advantages of each

Question 1

X-rays

Answer 1

• An X-ray is a diagnostic test used to image body tissues such as bones, calcifications, tumours and other dense matter in the body
• This is achieved by x-ray (electromagnetic) radiation being absorbed by the tissues, appearing white, whilst other less dense tissues and gaps in the bones appear dark (Due to the x-rays being absorbed at different rates due to the different tissue densities)
• A contrast medium may be used for soft tissues to make them appear more clearly on x-rays. Some examples include barium swallow, barium enema, angiography and intravenous urogram.

Question 2

Pros and cons of X-rays

Answer 2

-Pros:
=Cheap to produce an X-ray
=Can easily diagnose bone trauma
=Non-invasive procedure
-Cons:
=Dangers of cell mutation
=No detailed imaging of the body

Question 3

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 3

• Powerful magnets are used to produce a strong magnetic field.
• Protons in tissue are then aligned with the orientation of the magnetic field.
• Radio waves are pulsed into the area of the body being scanned which causes protons in the tissues to resonate with the radio waves and the alignment of the protons are changed to either 90° or 180° in respect to the magnetic field.

Question 4

Pros and cons of MRIs

Answer 4

-Pros:
=Does not use ionising radiation
=Detailed images of soft tissues
=Non-invasive of the body
=No pain
-Cons:
=Very noisy
=Expensive
=Cannot be used with implanted electronic devices
=Very claustrophobic