Which imaging technique is considered safer than radiographs, but still has its own risks?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered a safer imaging technique compared to traditional radiographs because it does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, MRI utilizes powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body. This absence of ionizing radiation significantly reduces the risk of radiation exposure-related complications, which is a concern with radiographic techniques like X-rays.

However, MRI does come with its own set of risks. For instance, patients with certain implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, or those with metal fragments in their body may not be able to undergo an MRI safely due to the strong magnetic fields. Additionally, some individuals may experience claustrophobia in the confined space of the MRI scanner, and there may be allergic reactions to contrast agents when used in conjunction with MRI.

These factors highlight that while MRI is safer than radiographs in terms of radiation exposure, it is not without its own unique risks and considerations that must be taken into account during patient evaluation and imaging choice.