Extremities X-ray

X-rays of the extremities include all x-rays of appendages such as fingers, hands, wrist, forearm, elbow, upper arm, toes, feet, lower leg, knees, etc. X-rays of the extremities are particularly useful as the first step in diagnosing injuries to the bones and other problems involving soft tissues joints.

There are many reasons to perform an x-ray on an extremity:

• To assess the bones of the extremity for injuries such as fractures,
• To diagnose conditions such as infection, arthritis, tendinitis,
• Identify bone spurs,
• Identify tumours,
• Identify congenital abnormalities,
• Evaluate bone growth and development in children.

X-rays of joints may be done to:

• Evaluate damage to soft tissues such as cartilage, muscle, tendons, or ligaments,
• To assess for the presence of fluid in the joint,
• Identify other abnormalities of the joint such as bone spurs,
• Identify narrowing of the joint,
• Identify structural changes of the joint.

It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken.

You will need to remove all clothing, jewellery or metallic objects in the specific area that is to be x-rayed e.g. rings will need to be removed if you are to have an x-ray of your hand.

You will be positioned on the x-ray examination table and a plate will be placed under the area of the body being imaged and the x-ray machine above. Sandbags, pillows or other positioning devices may be used to help you maintain the correct position until the image is taken. In some instances a lead apron may be placed over your pelvic area or chest when feasible to protect these areas from x-ray radiation exposure.

You may be repositioned for another view and the process is repeated. Two or three images (from different angles) will typically be taken.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during the x-ray and relatives must wait outside. A staff member will be behind the glass window a short distance away watching the patient at all times during the scan should there be any concerns.

Once all the images are complete then you will be free to go. A bone x-ray examination is usually completed within five to 10 minutes.