X-ray
The X-ray has been called one of the most significant advances in medical history. It is used in many different ways in medical diagnosis. Routine X-rays involve exposing a body part to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of an internal organ.
Your X-ray Exam Experience
An X-ray image is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through the body and strikes a sheet of sensitive film placed on the other side of the body. This film is then either placed in a developing machine, to produce images much like negatives from a 35-mm camera, or is digitally stored on a computer.
The most common use of X-rays is to identify and treat bone fractures. It is particularly beneficial in emergency situations.
X-ray images of the skull, spine, joints and extremities can show even very fine hairline fractures or chips. After treatment, a bone X-ray can be done to ensure that the fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing. X-rays can also be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of degenerative diseases such as arthritis. They play an important role in the detection and diagnosis of cancer, as well, although CT, MRI and PET are usually better at defining the extent and nature of suspected cancer.
X-ray is a fast and easy procedure. Patients will experience no discomfort or side effects from their examination and are allowed to leave immediately following their X-ray test.
