MRI versus CT scans

MRI, as we all know, stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Note the stress on the word Magnetic !

Whenever a question stem on the step 2 or Step 3 says that the patient has any metallic object implants like pacemakers , prosthetic metal valves, etc - it should immediately strike you that MRI is contraindicated in such a patient - which helps in case the question is of the "What's next step in Management" style.

Even Otherwise, CT-scans are always preferred over MRI as they are cheaper and can detect pathologies with comparable effectiveness. MRIs are generally preferred in spine conditions and early stages of complicated osteomyelitis, diabetic foot or when contrast CT is not possible or contraindicated...