One of the most basic differences between the two tests is that CAT Scanning uses x-rays and MRI does not. In most situations, MRI is superior to CAT in the demonstration of soft tissue pathology. Your doctor can best advise which test would be most appropriate for you.

X-ray is electromagnetic radiation capable of penetrating solids, used to photograph and examine parts of the body, and the X signifies their unknown nature. Ultrasound is sound with a frequency greater than 20,000 Hz, approximately the upper limit of human hearing. It is used to photograph and examine parts of the body. A CAT Scan, or C (Computerized) A (Axial) T (Tomography), uses a scanner x-ray machine to take a cross section x-ray image of the body. It is also called a CT scan.

These costly, sophisticated machines require specialists who will perform the tests and interpret the results. Should your clinician recommend these tests, you will be referred to an outside agency.

CAT Scan is a commonly used term that refers to Computed Axial Tomography. CAT or CT Scanning was developed after Ultrasound and uses x-ray technology. CAT Scanning is fast, patient friendly and has the unique ability to image a combination of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels. It is a multi use imaging system. For many computed tomography examinations, patients may be asked to take a special contrast agent (orally, rectally or via injection).

PET produces images of metabolic activity as opposed to images of the body's physical structures that are derived from these other imaging techniques. Note the following example:

Both MRI and CT scans make cross-sectional images (slices) of pretty much any area of the body using a sophisticated computer system. The major difference is that an MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images while a CT scanner uses x-rays. Therefore, with the MRI studies, there is no exposure to x-rays.

Computed Tomography (CT) uses x-rays to create a cross-sectional image of the body part being examined. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a high field strength magnet and radio waves to generate a cross-sectional image.

Numerous studies have shown that even for people who have large body tattoos there is little to no potential for irritation resulting from an MRI. In the rare instance where discomfort resulted, it was localized and very temporary. Most people have more metal in their fillings than they would ever have in tattoo work. Copyright ? 1996-2007 Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, All rights reserved and strictly enforced.

After your test, call the office to schedule a follow-up appointment. Dr. Stanley will explain and discuss your results at this time.

Because an MRI scan uses a magnet and does not use X-ray or particle beams, an MRI scan produces no ionizing radiation.

The integration of our newest technolgies that assist in MISS surgery often require that radiologic procedures be tailored to fit each operation and will often require a new scan. Return to top.

X-rays films only show the bone anatomy and are produced by shooting X-ray beams through your body. Most disc pathology will be shown with an MRI scan followed by a discogram. The MRI scan shows the soft tissue and the MRI is not an X-ray. The MRI scan works because it is a big magnet and you are in it as a magnetic field is created around your body. The magnetic field changes the position of the electrons in the hydrogen atoms of the water that makes up your body.

CT and MRI differ in two basic ways.CT uses x-rays to detect and record the radiation absorbed by different tissues, and sends the data to a computer to transform into images. MRI does not use x-rays. Instead, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field to monitor the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water, the most abundant element in the body.

CT and MRI provide different kinds of information. Your doctor determines which is the most appropriate test for you, and sometimes both are necessary. While both scanners are similar in appearance, CT scanners make images is by using x-rays to plot the difference in electron density of adjacent tissues, and MR scanners, as described above, make images based on differences in the density and behaviour of hydrogen protons.

No. We must perform additional testing immediately prior to performing the selective endoscopic discectomy. At the outpatient surgical facility we must first perform a provocative discogram. This involves carefully placing a needle into the disc space and injecting a safe radiopaque contrast mixed with a blue dye into your disc space.