Ribs - the bone part of the chest, which makes it possible to objectively assess the state of various organs and systems. The examination is done to reflect the condition of the bones and internal organs in the chest area. The method of detailed identification - X-ray of the ribs of the thoracic region - is effective in identifying and localizing damaged lungs. The presence of thoracic changes is the main part of the study.
On the x-ray, a spot on the edge of the area under study can tell the doctor about various kinds of disorders in the pictures of the chest. The radiologist must know the anatomical location of the ribs and their appearance in order to avoid misdiagnosis.
The rib x-ray shows the parameters of the thoracic region well, but radiologists do not look closely at them. Although they provide the necessary information to help in deciphering the pictures. The equipment takes black and white pictures of the chest. Structures that block radiation are shown in white, while parts that transmit it are shown in black.
What does it meansuch a survey?
X-ray is an examination that uses the smallest doses of electromagnetic radiation of significant energy to extract images, which allows specialists to analyze the internal structure of the body. The degree of influence does not harm the adult population. But it is harmful for children forming in the womb, so you need to inform the doctor about the situation before the procedure. Radiation easily penetrates through the skin, but very difficult through bone or metal. This is due to the different ability of tissues to absorb radiation, so peculiar shades of black and white stand out in the picture.
Ribs should be x-rayed after an emergency to rule out fractures. It must be remembered that X-rays are also done under other circumstances. The image is used to detect, diagnose and treat various diseases. This is the main tool for making a diagnosis, the procedure is carried out immediately after the patient consults a doctor.
What is the sequence of the procedure?
Let's list the main points of the procedure:
- No need to put shoulder blades on the lung field.
- Clavicles are in the same plane.
- The cardiovascular system of the lungs is clearly visible.
- The patient is positioned in front of the X-ray tube with the back of the body resting on the vertical detector.
- The chin must not be in the field of view.
- Hands on patient's sides.
Rib fractures can beconsequences of other injuries. For example, these include injuries to the shoulder girdle, pneumothorax/hemothorax, digestive and respiratory systems.
In addition to the direct traumatic consequences listed above, atelectasis and pneumonia can occur mainly due to weakness of the respiratory system, as well as secondary symptoms. And it adds to the morbidity and mortality after rib fractures.
What are the indications for testing?
X-ray ribs are used very often. The doctor can send for an examination to determine various changes in the chest area and to identify pathologies associated with them.
X-ray is used to identify a painful area, swollen area or third-party damage.
A photo of an x-ray of the ribs helps the specialist to determine the source of the disease. The study is used to make a diagnosis, monitor changes, determine the method of treatment and monitor the dynamics of improvement. Doctors use this method for diagnosis. The study is able to determine the presence of diseases of the respiratory system.
Rib x-ray is used to detect symptoms: fever, shortness of breath, systematic cough. The examination is used to detect neoplasms, diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Rib x-ray can reveal many diseases inside the body.
What X-ray results indicate a disease of the respiratory system?
Chest examinationhelps to detect a neoplasm, infection or accumulation of air in the cavity near the lung (pneumothorax). It can reveal chronic organ damage and complications of various kinds.
Examination of the thoracic region reveals changes after the onset of a disease associated with the heart system as well as the lungs.
Heart parameters. Changes in the parameters of the organ may indicate the development of a heart deviation, and fluid around the organ (pericardial effusion) may indicate valve dysfunction.
Blood vessels. X-rays show various elements of the cardiovascular system. As a result, her diseases can be detected.
Calcium deposits. Examination of the chest area can reveal the presence of calcium deposits in the organs of the cardiovascular system. Its presence indicates the wear of the heart valves, coronary arteries, heart muscle. Calcium deposition occurs after infectious diseases.
Fractures. Fractures of the skeletal system of the chest can be easily detected on an x-ray.
Observation of the consequences of chest treatment
Where to take an x-ray of the ribs? The necessary equipment in our time is available in almost all clinics, both public and private. To undergo an examination, you need to get a referral from your doctor.
With the help of these images in the chest, you can follow the dynamics of changes in the disease after surgery on various organs. The specialist will look at all lines or tubes installed during the periodoperations to detect the presence of defects and correct them in time.
What if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator or catheter? Pacemakers and defibrillators have wires connected to the organ to check if the heart rhythm is normal. Catheters are small tubes used to administer drugs or for dialysis. Further examination of the affected area is done after the introduction of the equipment to make sure everything is done correctly.
This examination allows you to get the outlines of the cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal systems. The instrument can detect the presence of fluid in the surrounding tissue.
If a patient comes to the doctor with complaints of chest pain, chest trauma or shortness of breath, they will be referred for a chest X-ray. Chest examination checks for respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
An x-ray of a broken rib is done to get reliable information. It is also used to test treatment. Some people have multiple x-rays taken to monitor their he alth. This examination is the most frequent method.
Examination is a priority if the doctor doubts the diagnosis and other diseases are observed. It can be used to test response to treatment.
Examination is the most common and popular. It is a priority for a patient who consults a doctor with suspected heart and lung diseases. It is used to test treatment.
Preparatory measures for the procedure
It is necessary to inform the doctor about the presence of pregnancy. It is undesirable to do the examination during the period of fetal formation, but with significant indications, when the need outweighs the risks, the process is carried out in such a way as to protect the fetus from negative factors.
Before the examination, the patient undresses to the waist. Eliminate jewelry and clothing that contributes to poor image quality.
How should the examination be carried out?
During the procedure, the body is placed between the imaging equipment and the plate that makes the image digitally or on x-ray film. The patient can move to different positions to look at the internal organs in different planes.
In what planes is a qualitative examination carried out?
During the procedure in frontal projection, the patient stands on the platform, holds his arms up or at his sides and tilts his shoulders forward. The X-ray instructor asks to take a deep breath and hold it for a certain time. After these manipulations, the heart and lungs appear more clearly on the film.
There is no pain during the examination. The patient does not feel it because the radiation passes through the body. If a person has a violation of consciousness, then the study should be carried out sitting or lying down.
A rib fracture can be detected very quickly by x-ray, but patients are concerned about exposure to radiation when examining ribs, especially if the examination is done frequently. But it shouldremember that the amount of radiation from a rib x-ray is small compared to natural sources of radiation in the environment.
Advantages of X-ray method
Pros include:
- Informative. After an x-ray of the ribs of the chest, you can fully assess the well-being of the body with the utmost accuracy.
- Accessibility. Such equipment is in every medical facility.
- Simplicity. Does not require specific preparatory measures.
- The result is transferred to the picture, and the treatment is monitored after a certain period of time.
- Mobility. The equipment allows even bedridden people to be examined.
Disadvantages of X-ray method
Among the cons:
- Deals damage to he alth. Namely, the device affects the human body with radiation, which in large quantities causes significant harm to the human body.
- Not recommended for pregnant women. Since X-ray radiation contributes to the abnormal development of the fetus of pregnant women, as well as the occurrence of diseases of the unborn child.
- In soft tissues, changes are poorly visible on the pictures. Therefore, for some types of examinations, it is more appropriate to undergo an MRI, which will more clearly show changes in the body.
