A CT scan and an MRI scan are both diagnostic tests that provide us with high-resolution pictures of the structure of any organ or area of the body.

Erik Roth had both an MRI and a CT scan done on his wrist. From a patient's perspective these two diagnostic tests seem very similar-with one exception. "An MRI is just noisier, I think a Cat scans a little different."

Radiology Technologist Michelle Robinson explains "The magnets clinky, whereas the cat scan all you do is hear a little spin from the tube rotating."

Orthopedic Surgeon John Kagan says that "The MRI shows you pretty much the pathology. It shows you whether the tendon is torn and if it is, how big the tear it is."

Dr. Kagan also says that there are no x-rays involved in producing an MRI scan and they are generally more detailed. The difference between normal and abnormal tissue is often clearer on the MRI scan than on the CT scan. "And you can even see something about the muscle. Is the muscle atrophied?"

Michelle says that both CT and MRI exams can be constructed "with or without contrast." This refers to the dye or contrast agent that is either injected into or ingested by the patient. There's also a difference in the amount of time needed for these types of tests. "An MRI usually takes longer than a cat scan. A CT chest should take not even 10 minutes whereas an MRI takes longer."

For the most part MRI's are diagnostically superior, especially if soft tissue is involved.

People with pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or other implants that contain magnetic materials may not be candidates for MRI testing.