Radiodiagnosis is considered relatively safe, but there is a possibility of negative consequences. An x-ray is prescribed only in extreme cases, when important information is required, and the benefits of the procedure outweigh the harm. X-ray of bones - is the most common examination in medicine.
What is this?
The study of the internal structure of objects that are projected onto paper or film due to X-rays. Bone x-rays are used to take pictures of the bones. It helps to determine the condition:
- brushes;
- wrists;
- forearms;
- elbow joint;
- shoulder;
- feet;
- ankle;
- shin bones;
- knee joint;
- hips;
- hip joint;
- pelvic bones;
- spine.
Many people are already familiar with the procedure, as the indications for x-raysbones cover a wide range of diseases, not including trauma and fractures.
Types of X-ray examinations
Radiation diagnostics of bones occurs with the help of different aggregates and research methods. It all depends on some factors:
- age of patient;
- clinical situation;
- main pathology;
- contributory factors.
This method is indispensable in recognizing the causes of pathology, plays an important role in making the correct diagnosis and treating the patient.
In medical practice, there are the following types of bone x-rays:
- Film radiography.
- Digital.
- Computed tomography.
- X-ray densitometry.
- X-ray of bones using contrast agents and other methods.
All these devices serve as an excellent help to doctors in providing the necessary assistance with:
- bone fractures and dislocations;
- clarification or detection of the location of bone fragments in fractures;
- detection of foreign bodies in soft tissues or in the bones themselves;
- control of orthopedic surgical interventions (prosthetic joints, stabilization of the spine, etc.);
- specifying certain diagnoses (arthritis, pathological proliferation of bone tissue, arthrosis, and others);
- suspected bone cancer.
Having received the results of these studies, the specialist already has a more objective picture and draws the appropriate conclusions.
Digital and film x-ray of bones
At the dawn of research in this area, a photosensitive screen or film was used as the receiving element. Today, X-ray film is the most popular electromagnetic radiation detector.
But digital radiography showed the best results. Here, the receiving element are sensors that are sensitive to x-rays. This view has many advantages:
- high sensitivity of digital sensors reduces radiation dose;
- increasing image resolution and accuracy;
- no need to process photosensitive film;
- quick and simple snapshot;
- ease of processing, transmission and storage of information.
The only drawback is that the equipment is expensive, so not all medical institutions have it.
X-ray with contrast agent
Such technologies are used infrequently, but sometimes they are urgently needed. The procedure is performed using contrast agents. Human bones differ from other body tissues in increased natural contrast. There are several radiopaque techniques for examining bone tissue:
- fistulography;
- pneumography;
- arthrography;
- angiography.
Thanks to the use of a contrast agent, clearer information is obtained, hence quality care. The negative point in such a diagnosis of bones are contraindications and some restrictions, in addition to this, the radiologist must have extensive experience.
X-ray and computed tomography (CT)
This method is even more accurate and informative. With its help, a three-dimensional image of any bone in the body or sections through any bone in different projections are obtained. A very accurate diagnostic method, but it carries a high radiation dose.
Advantages of CT over conventional bone x-ray:
- accuracy and high resolution;
- three-dimensional reconstruction of the studied part of the body;
- permissibility of obtaining any projection, when a conventional X-ray is carried out only in two or three projections;
- image is undistorted;
- in parallel, soft tissues and blood vessels can be examined;
- research is being conducted in real time.
CT is done no more than once a year due to high radiation exposure. Usually complex pathologies are examined (intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis, tumor diseases).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Thanks to this type of X-ray, a clear image of the internal devices of the body in various planes is obtained. A three-dimensional reconstruction of human tissues and organs is also performed. Radiation exposure in the MRI study is reduced to zero.
The principle of operation of the device is based on giving the atoms that make up the body a magnetic impulse. After that, the energy released by the atoms when returning to their original state is read.
This method cannot be used if there are pacemakers or implants in the body. Diagnostics is expensive, it is considered a disadvantage.
Bone densitometry
This is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive bone density test performed to diagnose osteoporosis. With such a pathology, the content of minerals in the bones decreases, usually calcium, due to which the bone tissue becomes fragile. The most dangerous osteoporosis is for the femoral neck and spine.
There are several types of such research:
- Ultrasound densitometry is the safest way of non-radiation modern methods, which determines bone density.
- X-ray densitometry is a highly accurate method for determining bone mineral mass.
- Photon absorptiometry - measures bone absorption of a radioisotope.
The method allows you to detect the slightest loss of density (from 3 to 5%). The higher the loss, the worse the resistance of bones to damage. The method is based on the degree of reflection of ultrasonic waves from the surface of the bones. Method advantages:
- procedure doesn't last long;
- financially available;
- no pain;
- may be given repeatedly to pregnant women.
How bad is a bone density x-ray? The absence of radiation exposure shows that this method is absolutely harmless.
Preparations for the procedure
Any successful research and treatment depends on preparation. Usually it's all oversimple, but it all depends on the localization of the site you want to view:
- X-ray of the skull does not provide for any special actions. Women must remove jewelry from their ears, hairpins, hairpins, if there is a piercing in the tongue and nose, it must also be removed.
- For an informative X-ray photo of the bones of the extremities, it is necessary that the patient's skin does not have oil dressings, iodine, or patch bands. If there is a plaster cast, the specialist specifies whether the plaster will be removed. If it is necessary to remove the plaster cast, the procedure is carried out under the supervision of a doctor, after which the plaster is applied again.
- Examination of violations of the integrity of the bones of the ribs, shoulder girdle, sternum, upper sections of the spinal column does not require any preliminary preparations.
- But preparation for X-ray of the bones of the lumbosacral spine and hip joint is necessary. This requires 48 hours before the examination to limit the intake of food provoking gas formation, to make a cleansing enema.
Carrying out the procedure
During the examination, any part of the skeleton must be exposed and carefully listen to the recommendations of the specialist:
- turn in the right direction;
- hold your breath;
- keep calm.
To visualize different parts of the body, you should clearly follow the requests of the radiologist:
- In case of bone fracture, X-ray of the hip jointperform as follows: the patient undresses, lies down on the table with arms extended along the body, remains motionless and completely calm for the duration of the procedure (about a minute).
- Radiation diagnostics of the cranium is performed in the supine or sitting position. The patient's head (with the help of special devices) is fixed in the desired position. Depending on the need and appointment of a specialist, the picture can be taken in several projections.
- Description of the x-ray of the bones of the lower extremities. The procedure involves the use of a variety of additional means (linings, pillows, rollers) to fix the leg in the desired position. For this, the patient is laid on the table, the leg is fixed, the chest and pelvis are covered with a lead apron and photographs are taken. During the procedure, the breath is held, immobility is maintained. When assessing the condition of the joints, an examination of the problem with the load on the leg is prescribed. Sometimes you need to take multiple shots.
For comparison, a picture is often taken of a he althy limb. A child with an x-ray of a bone fracture is given a picture of the growth site of bone formation from the opposite side. All procedures are absolutely painless and last a maximum of 10 minutes.
Preparing children for x-rays
Things can be a bit tricky with kids. Sometimes you have to find a special approach to the child, it all depends on the age. It is difficult for younger children to remain calm and still in the right position, and besides, they are afraid of doctors. With the active cooperation of parents and he alth professionals, everything canpass quickly and safely.
An x-ray of bones or other organs is prescribed for a child as a last resort, when there are no other diagnostic methods and there is little time to establish the correct diagnosis.
For a child, the allowable dose of x-rays varies, it all depends on the disease itself and the regularity of the examinations.
Doctors advise children under 14 not to undergo the procedure.
Benefits and risks
The main he alth risk is considered to be radiation exposure to the human body. The radiation dose directly depends on the quality of the device, the more modern it is, the safer it is. How often can x-rays of bones or other organs be taken?
There are no special restrictions for the examination, but the procedure should be approached with caution:
- women during pregnancy and lactation;
- critically ill patients;
- patients with hyperkinesis.
X-rays can be harmful if taken in large doses. It is necessary to carry out the procedure only as prescribed by the doctor.
