X-ray is the most frequently used form of medical imaging. It is also the quickest to obtain and easiest to perform and one of the best initial ways for a health care provider to examine your bones. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a special diagnostic test that produces very clear, detailed pictures of internal organs and structures in your body. The test uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images. While an X-ray is very excellent at evaluating bones, an MRI allows the radiologist to examine additional structures near your bones including tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, as well as any adjacent supportive organs. 

A CT (computed tomography) scan is an advanced type of X-ray exam. Multiple X-rays are acquired rapidly from various different angles around the body as the scanner passes over the body. The images are then arranged in order by a high-speed computer to produce a cross-sectional view of the area studied. CT is excellent for visualizing tumors, arthritis, vertebral fractures, or the stability of spinal fusions. 

An arthrogram is an X-ray exam of a joint, that is taken after a contrast agent is injected by your radiologist into your joint. Fluoroscopy (a live motion X-ray), assists the radiologist to ensure the contrast goes to the area desired. It is often used to diagnose the cause of pain or restricted motion of a joint as well as injury to the components of the joint including, the labrum, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones.

A nuclear medicine bone scan shows the effects of injury or disease (such as cancer) or infection on the bones. A nuclear medicine bone scan also shows whether there has been any improvement or deterioration in a bone abnormality after treatment. A radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) is injected into a vein, attaches to the bones and is detected by a special camera (gamma camera) that takes images or pictures that show how the bones are working.