Bone Radiography (X-ray)

What is Bone Radiography (X-ray)?

Radiography, known to most people as x-ray, is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. For nearly a century, diagnostic images have been created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the human body, capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on a imaging receptor.

X-ray imaging is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess bones, skulls and spines. At least two films are taken of a bone, and often three films if the problem is around a joint, (shoulder, ankle or wrist.) 

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Probably the most common use of bone radiographs is to assist the physician in identifying and treating bone fractures. X-ray images of the skull, spine, joints, and extremities are performed every minute of every day in hospital emergency rooms, sports medicine centers, orthopedic clinics, and physician offices. Images of the injury can show even very fine hairline fractures or chips, while images produced after treatment ensure that a fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing.

X-ray images can be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of degenerative diseases such as arthritis. They also play an important role in the detection and diagnosis of cancer, although usually computed tomography (CT) or MRI is better at defining the extent and the nature of a suspected cancer. On regular x-rays severe osteoporosis is visible, but bone density determination detects early loss of bone density. Bone density determination is usually done on special equipment. SSR offers this service. See DEXA, under procedures, for more information.

Patient Preparation

There is no special preparation required for most bone radiographs. Once you arrive, you may be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You will also be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that could obscure the images, since those show up on x-rays and may block the bones. Women should always inform their doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.  

Exam Information

The technologist positions the patient on the examination table; a flat image receptor will be placed under the area of the body to be imaged. Sandbags or pillows may help the patient hold the proper position. Then the technologist goes to a small adjacent room and asks the patient to hold very still during the exposure. For some exams, the patient may be asked to hold their breath. The radiographic equipment is activated, passing a beam of x-rays through the body to the image receptor. The technologist then repositions the patient for another view, and the process is repeated.

After each image, the technologist will check for proper positioning and technique. The images are then transferred to the radiologist for interpretation. The images are archived eletronically.

History of Previous Exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Results

Results will be dictated by the Radiologist who reviewed your exam and a formal written report will be sent to your referring clinician within 2 to 3 days. Your clinician will then discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your clinician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information?

For more information about these and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.