In the past, doctors used conventional planar X-ray imaging to assess complex joint and spinal trauma. Today, a computed tomography (CT) scan is the preferred diagnostic technique for these complex cases.

Discuss why the CT scan has replaced the conventional X-ray for assessing complex joint and spinal injuries, while a conventional X-ray remains the primary choice for assessing simple limb fractures.

In your answer, you should:

• describe the basic physical principles of how a CT scanner produces an image
• discuss the diagnostic advantages of a CT scan over a conventional X-ray for complex injuries
• explain why a conventional X-ray procedure is more suitable for assessing simple limb fractures.