Usually, when a doctor orders an MRI after you have already had an X-ray, it is because either the X-ray was not informative enough, or they suspect that the injury/disease requires a more in-depth examination of the soft tissues, nerves, or pathological subtle changes not seen on X-rays. Here is a brief explanation of why and what this means for your care.
Limitations of X-ray
While X-rays represent the primary diagnostic imaging modality in many disease states, particularly those affecting bone, they represent a speedy, readily available, and excellent option at detecting fractures, dislocations, mal-alignments, and even some tumors or infections with bone pathology. X-rays recommended use of ionizing radiation which is very low risk on its own but accumulates when repeated exposure occurs. X-rays also only provide a flat two-dimensional image (and therefore cannot be used as a mechanism for viewing the anatomy in three-dimensions) and cannot visualize soft tissue structures, except for on rare occasions. If a doctor suspects injury or disease to a soft tissue structure, the X-ray will not provide any indication as to the severity or whether the pathology exists at all.
MRI Benefits
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses strong magnets and radio waves to create extremely detailed 3-dimensional images of the body’s internal structures. MRI is very safe since it does not use ionizing radiation like X-rays. This makes it much safer for patients who receive imaging studies repeatedly, or patients who are at risk for long-term exposure such as children and pregnant women. MRI is also a powerful tool to visualize soft tissue such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, blood vessels, and brain and spinal cord. MRI has been invaluable in diagnosing sports injuries (meniscal tears, ACL injuries, rotator cuff tears), joint abnormalities, spinal disc abnormalities, nerve root compression, and certain tumors or cysts.
When a doctor might recommend an MRI after an X-ray
The following are a number of reasons for moving from X-ray to MRI:
1. Soft Tissue Injuries: The doctor has completed the first treatment plan for the patient with soft tissue injuries, which would be the sprains, inflammation or tears of the muscles, tendons or ligaments; X-rays have shown no other damage seen, showed no fractures, and patient had limited range and pain.
2. Fractures (Minor or Complex): Minor fractures that could be very subtle or complex might possibly be missed using an X-ray when clinical evaluation shows a significant injury. While MRI of the bone is less likely to be useful, an MRI could demonstrate significant injurious components missed by the X-ray.
3. Joint issues or Spine-related issues: A MRI would provide a useful additional assessment for patients with disc herniations, spinal cord entrapments or vascular-related assessments.
4. Compression and/or mal-positioning of the nerve and associated vasculature: MRI is the gold standard for visualizing nerves or vascular routes for diagnostic purposes.
5. Chronic or recurrent symptoms: A patient that has had a significant persistent pain from an injury that has had limited treatment opportunities, have a prior healthcare history of
Practical Considerations
MRI is finer in detail but is not as affordable, quicker, or sustainable as X-ray. The MRI field can also be claustrophobic for some patients, and while MRI will take 30-60 mins, the MRI specifically has rare issues with certain metal implants/devices due to the magnetic field.
Conclusion
Your physician will pick an MRI after considering the X-ray because the MRI will provide a more full and detailed picture of your condition, especially if soft tissue, nerve or subtle bone abnormalities are suspected. MRI provides more clarity of diagnosis and more directed treatment to improve your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why would a doctor order an MRI instead of an X-ray?
If a doctor wanted to know more about soft tissue structures, he would order an MRI instead of an X-ray
Q. Why is an MRI better than an X-ray?.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is generally a better imaging tool than X-rays for soft tissue, organs, and the brain giving more detailed and clearer pictures.
Q. Why would a doctor order an MRI after an X-ray?.
If an X-ray is not enough information for the doctor, they may order an MRI following the X-ray instead, which is basically a better view of what’s going on inside the body.
Q. How much does an MRI cost?
You can check prices at Carebox website, here you can analyse and compare prices between best imaging centres in Rohini, Delhi.
Q. Does MRI show nerve damage?
Yes, an MRI can show nerve damage.
