- X-ray of bones and joints - indications
- X-ray of bones and joints - how to prepare for the examination?
- X-ray of bones and joints - what is it?
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X-rays of bones and joints are performed in order to recognize post-traumatic changes in bones and joints (fractures or sprains), as well as disorders of the bone structure in rheumatic diseases. Check what is an X-ray of bones and joints and how to prepare for the examination.
X-ray of bones and jointsis usually one of the first tests that is performed when skeletal disorders are suspected. However, it is not always a precise enough method of assessing the severity of the disease. For example, a bone X-ray does not allow the early detection of osteoporosis. The changes typical of this disease are visible on the X-ray of the bone only in its advanced stage, when more than 30% of it has been lost. bone mass. Bone X-ray is useful in the case of fractures because it shows very well. It also allows to detect changes on bones, e.g. tumors.
X-ray of bones and joints - indications
X-rays of bones and joints are performed at:
- diseases of the osteoarticular system, incl. rheumatological diseases, bone cancer
- injuries, e.g. contusions, bone fractures
- bone pain, e.g. in the case of tailbone pain (coccygodynia), it may be pain related to an injury not directly related to this area (e.g. a pelvic injury), but it may also be pain of unknown etiology.
- for control after surgery or union after bone fracture
X-ray of bones and joints - how to prepare for the examination?
You do not need to prepare yourself for the examination. You only need to inform the doctor about any diseases and injuries of the spine (they may affect the picture in the photo) and pregnancy (it is a contraindication to the examination). In addition, previously taken X-ray images should be brought.
X-ray of bones and joints - what is it?
For the examination, you should uncover a given part of the body and assume a position according to the doctor's recommendation. However, if an injury or disability prevents it, it is not necessary.
The most common X-rays are anterior-posterior (rays penetrate from the front and are projected onto the X-ray film behind you behind you) and side images. Sometimes oblique images are taken, e.g. with injuries of the metacarpus and metatarsus, antero-posterior images, axial images (e.g. of the hip joint). The test takes a few minutes.