Probably the most common use of bone radiographs is to assist the physician in identifying and treating fractures. X-ray images of the skull, spine, joints, and extremities are performed every minute of every day in hospital emergency rooms, sports medicine centers, orthopedic clinics, and physician offices. Images of the injury can even show very fine hairline fractures or chips, while images produced after treatment ensure that a fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing. Bone x-rays are an essential tool in orthopedic surgery, such a spinal repair, joint replacements, and fracture reductions.
X-Ray images can be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of degenerative diseases such as arthritis. They also play an important role in the detection and diagnosis of cancer, although usually computed tomography (CT) or MRI is better at defining the extent and the nature of a suspected cancer. On regular x-rays severe osteoporosis is visible, but bone density determination detects early loss of bone density. Bone density determination is usually done on special equipment.
Routine X-rays involve exposing a part of the body to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of the internal organs. When the x-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed in varying amounts by different parts of the anatomy. Ribs, for example, will absorb much of the radiation and, therefore, appear white or light gray on the image. Lung tissue absorbs little radiation and appears dark on the image. Usually, all chest organs will appear normal, and the radiographs will be filed away. The exposes film is either placed in a developing machine, producing images much like the negatives from a 35-mm camera, or digitally stored on computer.
X-ray imaging is useful to diagnose bone injury and disease, such as fractures, bone infections, arthritis, and cancer.
Because e-ray imaging is so fast and easy, it is particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment.
X-ray equipment is relatively inexpensive and widely available in physician offices, ambulatory care centers, nursing homes, and other locations. So, examinations are usually convenient for both patients and physicians.
You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
General x-rays require no preparation.
Alaska Open Imaging Center offers general x-ray at our Wasilla and Soldotna facilities. No appointment is necessary and we must have an order for x-ray procedures from your health care provider.
AOIC utilizes the Toshiba Computerized x-ray system. It produces images of high resolution and quality. |
