CT Scan Vs. Nuclear Bone Scan

Although CT scans and nuclear bone scans can both detect conditions related to bones, the CT scan can also provide information about other body parts.

CT Scan

• A CT scan (also called computerized tomography or CAT scan) uses a type of X-ray machine that rotates around your body, creating cross-sectional images of the inside of your body.

Reasons for CT

• According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor may order a CT scan to help diagnose muscle and bone disorders; find the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot; help with procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy; detect and monitor diseases such as cancer or heart disease; and detect internal injuries and internal bleeding.

Nuclear Bone Scan

• A nuclear bone scan involves having a small amount of radioactive (nuclear) material injected into your body. This injection causes your bones to send out radiation waves, which a special camera detects and uses to create images of the bones.

Reasons for Bone Scan

• According to Cedars-Sinai, a bone scan is useful for diagnosing bone cancer or other tumors, bone infections, bone fractures that do not show up on an X-ray, bone disorders, the cause of unexplained bone pain, and cancer that has spread to the bone.

Considerations

• Although both CT scans and bone scans involve radiation, the amounts are generally accepted as safe.