Radiography refers to the process of x-raying bones. X-rays are non-invasive medical tests that doctors use to view the inside of the body to diagnose specific conditions. Radiography can make images of all the bones in the body including the wrist, hand, foot, arm, spine, leg or ankle. X-rays are helpful because they can detect broken or fractured bones, joint dislocation, locate foreign objects around bones, detect bone cancer and detect medical conditions such as arthritis or infection.
Radiography Technique
Generally speaking, a trained radiography technician will complete a radiography procedure. Because radiography uses either x-ray film or digital recordings to record images, the technician must ready the film holder or digital plate by placing it under an x-ray table. The technician will then position the body or body part on the table so that the best image can be obtained from the patient. Lead aprons are placed over other exposed body parts to ensure that they are not receiving unnecessary exposure to radiation. If the patient is confined to a bed or unconscious, a portable x-ray machine may be used. A portable machine uses a flexible arm and a compact design to allow radiography technicians to take x-rays where necessary.
The technician will the record images of the specified area of the body by turning the machine on after leaving the room, to limit personal exposure to radiation, repositioning the patient when necessary to gain several views of the area. The process takes about five to ten minutes.
Radiography Procedure
X-rays are radiation rays that pass through body in controlled circumstances. After an x-ray machine is positioned and turned on, it produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image of the inside of the body on film or a digital image recording plate.
Because different parts of the body absorb x-rays in varying degrees, types of body parts each appear differently on an x-ray. Bone absorbs most of the radiation, which is why it appears light or white. Soft tissue such as muscle, fat or organs allow more of the x-rays to pass through them, resulting in shades of gray. Once an x-ray is completed, it is examined by a physician trained in radiography to help determine a diagnosis and subsequent course of treatment.
Limits of Radiography
While radiography is helpful for some organ or bone-related diseases or conditions, it provides limited information about tendons, muscles or joints. For these reasons, other types of imaging may be necessary for patients. For example, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be used to identify tears in tissue or joints as well as bone bruising. A CAT scan (CT) is used when viewing complicated injuries; they can often be turned in to 3D images when a more complete view is needed. Ultrasound imaging is another type of imaging that involves the use of sound waves to create diagnostic images and provide views of many different body conditions, including pregnancy.
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