Bone X-ray

A bone x-ray creates images of any bone in the body and is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. Bone x-rays can include but are not limited to images of the hand, wrist, arm, elbow, shoulder, spine, pelvis, hip, thigh, knee, leg (shin), ankle or foot.

X-rays of particular bones could be useful to:

Diagnose fractured bones,
Diagnose joint dislocation,
Assess proper alignment and stabilisation of bony fragments,
Help guide and plan orthopaedic surgery,
Assess bones for injury, infection, arthritis, abnormal bone growths and bone changes,
Detect and diagnose bone cancer,
Locate foreign objects in soft tissues around or in bones.

Preparation

There is no preparation required for an x-ray of a bone.

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.

Procedure

Depending on the area being examined you may need to remove clothes to expose the area to be imaged.

You will be positioned on the x-ray examination table and a plate will be placed under the area of the body being imaged. 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 radiation exposure.

It is important to hold very still while the image is being taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. Depending on the area being imaged you may need to follow some breathing instructions.

You may also be repositioned for multiple views and the process repeated. It is not unusual to have two or three images (from different angles) taken.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during an 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.

Results

A specialised doctor will carefully analyse your images and make a report for your referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on their computer. If you are an out-patient and require a copy of the images then a disc of images can be made available within 5 working days after the x-ray.