Skip To a specific X-Ray use case:
- Diagnosing Fractures
- Evaluating Joints
- Foreign Object Detection
- Biopsy Guidance
- Diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB)
- Pre-Surgical Planning
- Chest X-ray
- Dental X-ray
- Abdominal X-ray
- Scoliosis Screening
- Projectile Injuries
- Catheter Placement
- Tailbone or Coccyx Injuries
- Kidney Stone Detection
- Upper GI Series
- When Should I Consider Getting an X-Ray?
Whether you found yourself in the emergency room after falling out of the tree as a kid or not, we have all come across X-rays at some point in our lives. An X-ray is a type of imaging test that makes use of electromagnetic radiation to generate pictures of the inside of your body.
They are an incredibly safe and effective way for medical professionals to diagnose medical conditions. Here are 15 use cases where an X-ray may be prescribed. Remember, only licensed medical practitioners will be able to provide accurate diagnosis and recommendations.
1. Diagnosing Fractures
The go-to imaging technique for diagnosing bone fractures, or more colloquially ‘broken’ bones. From arms and legs to ribs or your pelvis, X-ray imaging provides medical professionals with a clear indication as to the type and severity of your break.
2. Evaluating Joints
Amongst other methods, X-rays can be incredibly helpful for examining joints for signs of arthritis. They help to identify bone spurs, joints that may be narrowing, or even inflammation. If you have persistent pain in your joints, your local physician may recommend getting an X-ray done.
3. Foreign Object Detection
Should you have ingested or swallowed a foreign object, X-rays are a useful tool for locating them. This assists physicians with determining a plan of action for removing it.
4. Biopsy Guidance
A biopsy involves removing cells or tissues to diagnose diseases. In some cases, X-rays could be used to guide the needle throughout a biopsy to make sure it collects tissue from the correct location.
5. Diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB)
TB or Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium that attacks the lungs. Although it is not completely indicative, X-rays may be a part of the diagnostics process that reveal abnormalities associated with TB.
6. Pre-Surgical Planning
For procedures involving bones or joints, X-rays can be used to provide a type of roadmap for surgeons. This is useful for mitigating potential hiccups or unnecessarily invasive measures.
7. Chest X-ray
Alongside fracture diagnosis, chest X-rays are one of the most common conducted by medical professionals. It is used to check the lungs, heart, main artery, ribs, and diaphragm for some lung cancers, congestive heart failure, or fluid around the lungs.
8. Dental X-ray
Another common application for X-rays is to look at teeth and jaws for dental problems such as cavities, bone loss, or abscesses. Dentistry is a diverse and specialised industry which means that there are a variety of dental X-rays that depend on the area of your mouth needing attention.
9. Abdominal X-ray
Visualisation of the intestines, as revealed in an abdominal X-ray is useful for identifying perforations, potential blockages, and inflammation. If you feel pain in your abdomen, an X-ray may be able to help identify the issue.
10. Scoliosis Screening
Scoliosis, or the sideways curvature of the spine is a condition that often occurs during puberty when most children experience a growth spurt. X-rays of the spine can help with early detection of scoliosis which is critical for treatment and management of the condition.
11. Projectile Injuries
X-rays can be used to locate projectiles such as bullets, shrapnel, or other foreign objects that embed themselves in bone tissue. New technologies allow X-rays to be conducted and reported on faster than ever, making this a viable option for physicians.
12. Catheter Placement
Much like feeding tubes, medical professionals can verify the positioning and placement of a catheter that needs to be inserted into a blood vessel or other cavities. This can help to alleviate misinertions and as a result, patient pain.
13. Tailbone or Coccyx Injuries
Tailbone fractures or dislocations can be difficult to diagnose through alternative methods. X-rays help visualise the injury, giving medical professionals a better overall understanding of the patient.
14. Kidney Stone Detection
Although uncommon, X-rays can occasionally be used to identify kidney stones. These are hard deposits of minerals and acid salts that combine in concentrated urine and cause pain when they become too large.
15. Upper GI Series
These are a series of fluoroscopic X-rays that include the upper gastrointestinal tract such as your oesophagus and stomach. After drinking a contrast material, medical professionals can visualise these to identify ulcers, blockages, and more.
When Should I Consider Getting an X-Ray?
It is important to consult a medical professional before getting an X-ray. They are a medical tool and should only be ordered as well as conducted by a licensed physician.
Doctors may recommend an X-ray for a number of the above reasons, some of the primary symptoms indicating the necessity for an X-ray include:
- Fractures after experiencing a fall, a blow to the body, or any sudden pain.
- Joint pain such as that caused by inflammation or bone spurs.
- Abdominal pain which could be due to bowel obstruction or foreign objects.
- Chest pain which might be caused by pneumonia or congestive heart failure.
- Persistent pain that does not improve despite rest, especially if it is located in a bone or joint.
Consulting a licensed physician will always be the most ideal course of action to determine whether an X-ray will be necessary.