Bone X Rays Health Article

Definition

Bone x rays are a diagnostic imaging test in which ionizing radiation passes through the bone. This enables an image of the bone to be produced either digitally or on film.

Purpose

Bone x rays are ordered to detect disease or injury to the bones, such as broken bones (fractures), tumors, or other problems. They are often used to rule out a fracture vs soft-tissue injury. They can determine bone density, texture, erosion, and changes in bone relationship and anatomy. Bone x rays also evaluate the joints for diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Precautions

Precautions should be taken to protect patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation. Patients should be shielded with lead aprons as much as possible especially when undergoing numerous x rays over short periods of time. Women of childbearing age who could be pregnant should avoid x rays of their pelvic region, lumbar spine, and abdomen unless absolutely necessary. The fetus is especially at risk during the first trimester of pregnancy. If other types of x rays are necessary, a lead apron should be used to shield the abdominal and pelvic regions.

Description

X rays are a common diagnostic test in which a form of energy called ionizing radiation penetrates the patient's body. In bone x rays, electrical current passes through an x-ray tube and produces a beam of ionizing radiation that passes through the bone(s) being examined. This produces a picture of the inside of the body on film. The physician reads the developed film on a wall-mounted light box.

Alternatively, digital x rays are a new type of x ray in which conventional equipment is used to take the x ray but the image is produced via computer. In a digital x ray, the image is created on a reusable plate. After being read by a laser reader, the information is sent in digital form to a storage unit connected to a computer network from which the radiologist reads the image. An electronic report can then be sent to the patient's physician. In addition, these digital images can be reviewed by any radiologist that has access to the digital viewers anywhere in the world.

Bone x rays can detect injury or disease from many causes, including malfunctions in the patient's bone chemistry, bone breaks, and bone fractures. X rays are especially helpful in diagnosing simple and incomplete fractures that cannot be detected during a physical examination. X rays can also be used to check the position of the fracture site. Some bone diseases can be definitively diagnosed with bone x rays, while others may require additional tests.

Osteoporosis, a common bone disease, can be detected in bone x rays, but other tests are then ordered to determine the extent of the disease. For osteomalacia and rickets, a blood test and x rays of the affected bone are usually definitive; in some cases a bone biopsy (micro-scopic analysis of a small amount of tissue) is also done. In a rare bone disease called Paget's disease, x rays may be used in conjunction with bone, blood, and urine tests to make a diagnosis. In another rare bone disease, fibrous dysplasia, bone x rays or a bone biopsy (microscopic analysis of a small amount of tissue) are used to confirm the diagnosis. Bone x rays are definitive in diagnosing osteogenesis imperfecta. For osteomyelitis, bone x rays are used in conjunction with a blood test, bone scan, or needle biopsy to make the diagnosis. For arthritis, x rays of the bone commonly taken, and are occasionally combined with blood tests. In bone tumors, bone x rays are helpful but they are not always definitive.

Bone x rays are performed by a radiographer (technologist), and interpreted by a radiologist. They are taken in a physician's office, radiology unit, outpatient clinic, or diagnostic clinic. Bone x rays generally take a few minutes to complete. There is little or no discomfort associated with the test, but some people find it difficult to remain still or in the positions required for the image. The results are often available in minutes.

During the test, the patient lies on a table or sits on a stool (for most upper extremities). The technologist taking the x ray will check the patient's positioning and place the x-ray machine over the part of the body being examined. After asking the patient to remain motionless, he or she

steps out of the area and sets appropriate technical factors to create the proper exposure, and takes the x ray.

Preparation

The patient is asked to remove clothing, jewelry, and any other metal objects from the area being x rayed. If appropriate, a lead shield will be placed over other body parts to minimize exposure to radiation.

Aftercare

The patient can immediately resume normal activities.