CT scans of the bones can provide more detailed information about the bone tissue and bone structure than standard X-rays of the bone, thus providing more information related to injuries and/or diseases of the bone.
CT scans create images of bones and soft tissues. However, they aren't as effective as MRIs at exposing subtle differences between types of tissue.
Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting skeletal metastatic disease of FDG PET/CT were 97%, 98%, and 98%, respectively, and of bone scan were 83%, 98%, and 93%, respectively. The lesions that bone scan most commonly missed were located in the pelvis, spine, and sacrum.
The most common way of detecting this disease and other issues with your bones is with a bone density scan. Of the three imaging technologies mention above, only the DEXA and CT bone scan are the most suitable for this task.
A bone scan might help determine the cause of unexplained bone pain. The test is sensitive to differences in bone metabolism, which are highlighted in the body by the radioactive tracer. Scanning the whole skeleton helps in diagnosing a wide range of bone disorders, including: Fractures.
Using a bone scan when cancer is suspected can be particularly helpful because the scan can find both primary cancer—or, cancer that started in your bones—and bone metastases, which is cancer that has spread to the bones from another part of your body.
A CT scan is a high-resolution X-ray that gives detailed information about organ anatomy. A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that aids in the diagnosis and tracking of several bone diseases. A CT scan uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create images of the bones.
An MRI creates 3D images of the bone, whereas a bone scan creates two-dimensional (2D) images. The MRI provides a detailed view of the bone and its surrounding structures such as the ligaments, tendons and soft tissue. It diagnoses a bone condition more definitively and accurately than a bone scan.
Bone Scan is a study used to detect any inflammatory process in the body. When the source of pain is not clear the bone scan is able to direct the attention of your physician to the area inflammation. The inflammation may be caused by fracture, infection, tumor, or high bone turn over.
Bone scan can provide early detection of primary cancer and cancer that has spread to the bones from other parts of the body. Bone scan can detect osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone or bone marrow. Bone scan helps monitor the effects of treatment on bone abnormalities.
It may be done using X-rays, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), or a special CT scan that uses computer software to determine bone density of the hip or spine. For various reasons, the DEXA scan is considered the "gold standard" or most accurate test.
A bone scan is an imaging test that's used to evaluate bone fractures, monitor bone conditions like infections, arthritis or osteoporosis, and detect cancerous cells that have metastasized to the bone from another site.
In general, CT examinations that include images of the spine contain unused and hidden bone density information (3). Opportunistic bone density screening is the use of routine CT images to extract bone density information to help detect low bone density and osteoporosis.
Answer: Damaged nerves cannot be seen on a regular X-ray. They can be seen on CAT scan or MRI, and in fact, MRI is recommended for examining details of the spinal cord.
CT imaging shows many aspects of osseous (bony) detail better than an MRI. CT imaging is often the most appropriate first choice in the case of a trauma. A CT is quick; it may take less than two or three minutes to obtain all the images. In comparison, an MRI can take 15 to 45 minutes.
While a bone density test alone can't determine whether you have arthritis, your doctor may order one if you have inflammatory types of joint disease, as these can be risk factors for bone loss.
A CT scan of the bones may be used to look at your bones for damage, lesions, fractures, or other problems. A CT scan can also look at joints and soft tissues, such as cartilage, muscles, and tendons. It is helpful in staging cancer, too.
This could show a lack of blood supply to the bone or certain types of cancer. Areas of fast bone growth or repair absorb more tracer and show up as bright or "hot" spots in the pictures.
Bone Scan, Skeletal Imaging
If a CT scan is scheduled for the same day, an IV line will be placed prior to the injection for the bone scan. You may not eat until after the CT scan is completed.
Women should get a bone scan at age 65. Men age 70 and up may want to talk with their doctors about the risks and benefits before deciding. Younger women, and men ages 50 to 69, should consider the test if they have risk factors for serious bone loss.
There are two main types of bone exams. A three-phase bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that shows how the bones process an injected agent. A DEXA bone scan is a type of X-ray that tests bone strength and density to diagnose osteoporosis.
Bone density tests are recommended for all women age 65 and older, and for younger women at higher-than-normal risk for a fracture. Men may want to discuss osteoporosis screening with their doctor if they're over age 70 or at high risk for thinning bones.
Bone Density
There is minimal preparation before having your DEXA Scan. You must not take any calcium supplements (includes prescription and over-to-counter) the day of your DEXA scan. Wear loose and comfortable clothing with no metal. Remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the study.
How Often Should I Get Tested? If you are taking medication for osteoporosis, expect to have a bone density test every 1 to 2 years. Even if you don't have osteoporosis, your doctor may suggest that you get a bone density test every 2 years, especially for women during or after menopause.