imaging

X-Rays

Electromagnetic waves focused on hard tissue viewing, where majority passes through body and bones stop X-rays while soft tissue does not.

ABCS

A mnemonic for evaluating X-ray images: Alignment and Adequacy. Bones Cartilage

Alignment

How the X-ray is positioned to ensure the entire area of interest is captured.

Adequacy

The amount of X-ray needed to achieve a clear view.

Bones

The first structures visible on an X-ray.

Cartilage

Not directly visible on X-rays but inferred by the space between bones.

Soft Tissue

Structures visible on imaging that are not visible to the naked eye.

CT Scan

A series of X-rays processed by a computer to create a 3D model of the body.

Ischemic Stroke vs. Hemorrhagic Stroke

Types of strokes differentiated by blood loss versus blockage.

MRI Scan

An expensive and slow imaging technique that is effective for complex soft tissue injuries.

How MRI Works

Protons align with magnetic fields; radio waves disrupt this alignment, which, when turned off, causes protons to release energy and create an image.

T1 vs. T2

T1 images are captured initially, while T2 images are captured milliseconds later, showing different properties of tissues.

Contrast

Substances injected into the body to enhance visibility of structures during CT or MRI scans.