They provide information about the shape and position of the entire imaged structure, rather than a single point on the structure. In addition, images usually can be made in multiple planes, providing midsagittal, parasagittal, coronal, transverse and oblique sections of the structure. However, these systems have several limitations. CT and MRI create static images only. Ultrasound cannot image hard tissue.
Radiation exposure limits the duration of X-ray imaging.
This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of imaging systems, as well as the uniqueness of the measurements made with them.