Routine X-Rays (Radiography)
What is Radiography?
Radiography or x-ray, as it is most commonly known, is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess broken bones. X-ray images of the skull, spine, joints and extremities are performed daily. The images of the injury may show very fine hairline fractures or bone chips; it can even show proper alignment and stabilization during the healing process.
Radiography involves exposing part of the body to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of the internal organs. When x-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed in varying amounts by different tissues. For example, ribs are dense and will block much of the radiation and will appear white or light gray on the image. Soft tissue such as the lungs will appear darker because more radiation can pass through it to expose the film.
What does the x-ray equipment look like?
Radiography equipment consists of a large, flat table with a drawer that holds a tray into which an x-ray film cassette is placed. The x-ray tube is mounted from the ceiling so that it can be moved over the body part to be examined.
How should I prepare for my x-ray?
Most bone radiographs don't require any special preparation. You may be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses or any metal objects that might be overlying the part to be examined. It is very important for women to inform their physician and Radiologic Technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
How long will my x-ray examination take?
Depending on the part being examined it can take anywhere from five minutes to a couple of hours.
Who interprets my x-ray procedure and how do I get the results?
The radiologist on site at AMI will interpret the x-ray exam. A radiologist is a physician who specializes in bone x-ray and all other radiologic examinations for the detection of abnormalities of the internal organs and bone structures. A signed report with the radiologist interpretation will then be available to your physician 24 hours after your exam. The physician's office will inform the patient on how to obtain the results.
Exams commonly performed:
Abdomen: Abdomen x-ray is used to evaluate the kidneys, bladder, and gas pattern in the intestines.
Chest: Chest x-ray is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination. A chest x-ray is usually done for the evaluation of lungs, heart and chest wall.
Head: Head x-rays can be divided into three different categories. The skull x-ray is used to examine the bones of the skull, including the facial bones, nose and the sinuses. A sinus x-ray is an examination of the air-filled cavities of the skull. Finally, a facial x-ray is a series of pictures of the bones in your face.
Lower (leg) and Upper (arm) extremities: Lower Extremities are x-ray exams of the foot, ankle, knee and/or leg. Upper Extremities are x-ray exams of the hand, wrist, and/or arm.
Pelvis: Pelvis x-ray is an examination consisting of images of the bones of the lower torso, also known as the pelvic girdle.
Spine: Spine x-rays are taken of the neck, upper or lower back and tailbone.