Different Types of Medical Imaging

Medical imaging devices, such as the MRI scanner, are often used to determine the type and severity of sports injuries. The reason for this is that the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, brain, spinal cord, and nerves show up very well on MRI scans. Many sports injuries physicians see deal with these soft tissues. By finding and treating the problem at the earliest possible time, the patient is often able to make a faster recovery. Other types of medical imaging exist. X-rays are the oldest form of imaging, and these are uses to determine if a patient has a broken bone. CAT scans, or CT scans, are similar to x-rays, but they offer three-dimensional images instead of the flat images that the x-ray provides. Often, these pictures are referred to as slices, and the doctor can see into the actual organ.