When your doctor says you require bone imaging to diagnose and treat a health issue, you need a bone scan/MRI. In order to get a clear picture of bone health and spot illnesses in the bones, these two procedures are essential.
Read on to learn more about bone scan vs. MRI, how each imaging modality works, and which choice is best suited for a particular purpose.
What medical conditions need a bone scan or MRI?
In order to select which test is best for you, you will need to consider your specific medical situation and your goals. Bone scans have traditionally been the recommended method for evaluating individuals suffering bone pain and other symptoms that indicate bone disease or some infection. But new studies show that MRIs are very accurate in detecting bone infections, malignancies, and other associated diseases.
MRI scan
Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency to produce pictures of the body’s internal structures. It is possible to create 3D photographs of a particular location to portray interior organs and structures precisely. This instrument’s precise images may help detect bone cancer quickly and accurately.
Bone scans
If you have cancer or other bone infection or disease, bone scans or MRIs are beneficial. However, the imaging capabilities of each scan type are somewhat different.
Bone scan
Bone scans are ideal for detecting bone infections because they may quickly detect osteoblasts as a sign of bone illness.
A bone scan may swiftly identify the cause of your bone discomfort if you suffer it regularly. For example, it can precisely spot regions of bone deterioration, detecting small infections and fractures as early as possible because of its capacity to recognize osteoblasts. A bone scan helps your doctor determine the source of your bone pain and develop an effective treatment strategy.
This technique is capable of detecting a variety of bone diseases, including:
- Metastasized cancer cells in the bone
- Bone damage caused by infection
- Osteoporosis
MRI
It is necessary to get an MRI to get the most accurate picture of the bones in your body. An MRI’s ability to provide 3D images enables it to detect interior diseases like cancer early. These tools help your doctor to acquire a precise diagnosis of your health issues so that you may begin focused therapy sooner rather than later.
MRI is often preferred by doctors when deciding between a bone scan and an MRI for cancer screening. In comparison to standard bone scans, MRIs are more successful in detecting cancer of the bone because they may show an aberrant look or actual abscesses in bones. There are several advantages to using MRIs, including detecting cancer at an earlier stage than bone scans.
- Osteomyelitis
- Anomalies present at birth
- Bone marrow disease
- Tumors
- MRIs can properly identify these additional bone disorders
- Herniation
- Inflammatory disease
- Osteonecrosis
Advantages of bone scan and MRI:
You and your doctor may decide together on the best imaging procedure for your particular case. The benefits of an MRI over a nuclear bone scan will depend on your specific scenario and medical diagnostic requirements.
Bone scans can quickly identify the source of a person’s bone discomfort. Because of its affordability, this approach is ideal for determining the root cause of bone discomfort.
An MRI may provide your doctor with more detailed images and earlier identification of cancer, which are both important considerations when evaluating a patient’s risk of developing bone cancer. These advantages may be crucial in determining the optimal treatment strategy for you, depending on your condition.
What to do before a scan:
The best way to prepare and feel as relaxed as possible for a bone scan or an MRI scan is to keep these best practices in mind. As you prepare for the treatment, you don’t have to make major adjustments to your everyday routine. Unless your doctor gives you particular instructions, you may eat and normally drink while having an MRI or bone scan.
Before your exam, follow these instructions.
Anticipate inquiries about your general health, family history, current medicines, and smoking history when you come for your consultation.
Avoid metal zippers and buckles in your attire, and refrain from wearing metal jewelry if at all feasible.
To make the procedure easier for you, dress comfortably and loosely.
Tell your doctors if you’re pregnant before having a bone scan, which uses low quantities of radiation. Radiation-free MRIs will not be concerned about a possible pregnancy.
Differences between MRIs and Bone Scan
For the most part, the two types of imaging are quite similar; however, MRI uses radio waves, while bone scans use X-rays.
Here are some more:
- A Bone scan is less costly than an MRI.
- Additionally, MRIs take longer than bone scans to complete because they are more complex. An MRI may take anything from 10 minutes to over an hour, depending on the area. About 40 minutes is the usual MRI time.</li
- MRIs provide more information than bone scans.
- Bone scans expose individuals to radiation for a limited period of time. Not at all.
- Patients who are anxious about being in enclosed environments can benefit from the open design of the bone scanner. Instead, a gantry, which resembles a doughnut, revolves around the patient. On the other hand, an MRI machine’s chamber is often enclosed, allowing for more of the scanning area. Patients anxious about being in a confined space might benefit from open MRI equipment.
Similarities Between the MRIs and Bone Scan:
Both imaging methods have a number of characteristics in common.
- There are dangers to both, such as radiation exposure during an MRI.
- When using an MRI or bone scan, the contrast dye might cause a response in certain people.
- Both find and keep track of cancers, depending on where the cancer is in the body.
- Individuals who have a phobia of being in confined quarters may have anxiety during either procedure, but there are various ways to assist them in relaxing.
We hope the information presented in this blog helps you understand the differences better.