See if your bone is fractured or your joint is dislocated.
See if fluid has built up in the joint or around a bone.
See if your bones are positioned properly after treatment for a fracture or dislocation, such as after placing a cast or splint on an arm or leg. An X-ray also may be done after a doctor places a device such as a pin or an artificial joint in a bone.
Find foreign objects such as pieces of glass or metal.
Check to see if a child's bones are growing normally.
See if your bones and joints are in the correct position after joint replacement surgery.
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
Information about Extremity X-Ray
You will need to remove any jewelry that may be in the way of the X-ray picture. You may need to take off some of your clothes, depending on which area is examined. You will be given a cloth or paper gown to use during the test. You may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it does not get in the way of the test.
During the test
During the X-ray test, you will sit by or be on an X-ray table. The X-ray technologist will position your limb. If you have an injury, your leg or arm will be handled gently and supported when moved or repositioned. Pillows, sandbags, or other objects may be used to hold the injured limb in place while the pictures are taken. If you are wearing a brace or other device, it may need to be removed. A lead shield may be placed over your pelvic area to protect it from radiation.
Two or more pictures of the affected limb are usually taken. X-ray pictures may also be taken of other joints or limbs, since an injury at one point may cause damage somewhere else. Sometimes an X-ray picture of the unaffected limb is taken so it can be compared with the affected limb.
How long the test takes
An extremity X-ray usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will wait about 5 minutes until the X-rays are processed, in case repeat pictures need to be taken. In some clinics and hospitals, X-ray pictures can be shown right away on a computer screen (digitally).
You won't feel any pain from the X-ray itself. You may find that the positions you need to hold are uncomfortable or painful. This is more likely if you have an injury.
There is always a slight chance of damage to cells or tissue from radiation, including the low levels of radiation used for this test. But the chance of damage from the X-rays is extremely low. It is not a reason to avoid the test.
If you need an X-ray during pregnancy, a lead apron will be placed over your belly to protect the baby from exposure to radiation from the X-rays. The chance of harm is usually very low compared with the benefits of the test.
In an emergency, the doctor can see the initial results of an extremity X-ray in a few minutes. Otherwise, a radiologist, Opens dialog usually has the official X-ray report ready the next day.
Normal results
Normal:
The bones, joints, and soft tissue look normal. No foreign objects, such as fragments of metal or glass, are present.
No infection and no abnormal growths (tumors) are present.
The joints are normal with no dislocation or signs of disease, such as arthritis.
All parts of a joint replacement are in the correct position.
Abnormal results
Abnormal:
Fractured bones may be present.
Foreign objects, such as fragments of metal or glass, may be present.
Abnormal growths (tumors) are present.
Signs of bleeding or infection, such as a collection of blood, pus, or gas may be present.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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