CT Scan vs. Nuclear Bone Scan: Understanding the Difference

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.