Have you ever strained a muscle? Or torn a ligament? Or broken a bone? And weren’t sure what kind of scan was required? Or how to even get a scan? Well, here’s a small guide on the different types of imaging techniques and which you may require in the future.
X-ray
X-ray uses a low dose beam of radiation to pass through the body. As they pass through the body, different structures will absorb different amounts of radiation. An x-ray detector positioned behind the structure of interest captures the remaining radiation that doesn’t pass through and forms a shadow or image of the structure. X-rays are commonly used to detects bone fractures, tumours, abnormal masses, calcifications and foreign objects. There are a few risks or factors to consider before getting a X-ray which include:
- X-ray causes exposure to ionizing radiation which can lead to develop cancer if there is repeated exposure.
- Children are more sensitive to ionizing radiation compared to adults so the machine should be adjusted accordingly.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging also known as MRI, is an imaging technique that involves using magnets and applying a radiofrequency current. This causes particles within the body to release energy which can then be detected and used to form images. MRI is best suited for detecting soft tissue within the body such as the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles ligaments and tendon. It is quite often used to detect conditions within the knee, spine and shoulder. Although the technique is non-invasive and safe to perform, there are few factors to consider before getting one:
- Due to the magnetic effects, it can interfere or disrupt functioning of implants in the body
- The noise produced from MRI machines are loud (although headphones are supplied to assist with noise reduction)
- You may experience a strange twitch response
- Individuals with claustrophobia may experience anxiety or panic attacks being stuck in a tube for prolonged periods (of approximately 30 mins)
- Pregnant women should be cautious during the first trimester
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography or CT scan is a technique that uses narrow beams of x-rays that are quickly rotated around a section of the body. This creates a signal that is processed by a computer and then creates a cross-sectional image, or a slice of the structure. These slices can then be combined to form a three-dimensional (3D) image of the structure. As a result, CT scans are predominantly used to detect diseases or injuries within the body such as tumours or lesions in the abdomen or, heart diseases, head injuries such as tumours, clots, haemorrhages, and lung conditions such as tumours, blood clots and excess fluid. There are a few risks or factors to consider before getting a CT scan which include:
- Like X-ray imaging, CT scans causes exposure to ionizing radiation but to a much larger extent, which can lead to develop cancer if there is repeated exposure.
- Children are more sensitive to ionizing radiation compared to adults so the machine should be adjusted accordingly.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses a transducer to emit ultrasound waves that reflect back from a structure and creates an echo. These echoes are detected by the transducer and relayed back to the computer to create an image of the structure. Ultrasound is quite often used to detect internal organs within the body which include the heart, blood vessels, eyes, thyroid, brain, breast abdominal organs, muscles and also during pregnancy.
For many of these imaging techniques and depending on the condition, they can be bulk billed with a referral from your local General Practitioner. However, you can also obtain a referral from an allied health professional, such as an Osteopath. Although, again depending on the condition, you may be required to pay for the imaging to be done.
If you might have a condition that requires imaging performed or have any queries or questions, please come down and see one of the Osteopaths at Canterbury Health Hub, where we can assist you.