X-ray (Radiography) - coming up in early 2011

An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

Bone X-ray

A bone x-ray makes images of any bone in the body, including the hand, wrist, arm, elbow, shoulder, foot, ankle, leg (shin), knee, thigh, hip, pelvis or spine.

A bone x-ray is used to:

• diagnose broken bones or joint dislocation.
• demonstrate proper alignment and stabilization of bony fragments following treatment of a fracture.
• guide orthopedic surgery, such as spine repair/fusion, joint replacement and fracture reductions.
• look for injury, infection, arthritis, abnormal bone growths, bony changes seen in metabolic conditions.
• assist in the detection and diagnosis of bone cancer.
• locate foreign objects in soft tissues around or in bones.

Chest X-ray (Chest Radiography)

The chest x-ray is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination. A chest x-ray makes images of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels and the bones of the spine and chest.

The chest x-ray is performed to evaluate the lungs, heart and chest wall.

A chest x-ray is typically the first imaging test used to help diagnose symptoms such as:

• shortness of breath.
• a bad or persistent cough.
• chest pain or injury.
• fever.