X-ray is a method of studying the internal structure of objects using x-rays. Reviews, contraindications

2024 Author: Curtis Blomfield | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 20:44

X-ray is one of the research methods based on obtaining a fixed x-ray image on a certain carrier, most often x-ray film plays this role.

The latest digital devices can also capture such an image on paper or on a display screen.

The radiography of organs is based on the passage of rays through the anatomical structures of the body, as a result of which a projection image is obtained. Most often, X-rays are used as a diagnostic method. For greater information content, it is better to perform x-rays in two projections. This will allow you to more accurately determine the location of the organ under study and the presence of pathology, if any.

The chest is most commonly examined using this method, but X-rays of other internal organs can also be taken. There is an X-ray room in almost every clinic, so it will not be difficult to pass such an examination.

What is the purpose of x-rays

This type of research is carried out in order todiagnosis of specific lesions of internal organs in infectious diseases:

• Inflammation of the lungs.
• Myocarditis.
• Arthritis.

It is also possible to detect diseases of the respiratory and heart organs with the help of X-rays. In some cases, if there are individual indications, radiography is necessary to examine the skull, spinal column, joints, and organs of the digestive tract.

Indications for conduction

If X-ray is an additional research method for diagnosing certain diseases, then in some cases it is prescribed as mandatory. This usually happens if:

1. There is confirmed damage to the lungs, heart, or other internal organs.
2. The effectiveness of therapy needs to be monitored.
3. There is a need to check the correct placement of the catheter and endotracheal tube.

X-ray is a research method that is used everywhere, it is not particularly difficult for both the medical staff and the patient himself. The picture is the same medical document as other research findings, therefore it can be presented to different specialists to clarify or confirm the diagnosis.

Most often, each of us undergoes a chest x-ray. The main indicators for its implementation are:

• Prolonged cough with chest pain.
• Detection of tuberculosis, lung tumors, pneumonia or pleurisy.
• Suspicion of pulmonary embolism.
• He has signs of heart failure.
• Traumatic lung injury, broken ribs.
• Foreign bodies in the esophagus, stomach, trachea or bronchi.
• Prophylactic examination.

Quite often, when a complete examination is required, radiography is prescribed among other methods.

X-ray benefits

Despite the fact that many patients are afraid to receive an extra dose of radiation by undergoing x-rays, this method has many advantages over other studies:

• He is not only the most accessible, but also quite informative.
• Quite high spatial resolution.
• No special training is needed to pass such a study.
• X-ray images can be stored for a long time to monitor the progress of treatment and detect complications.
• Not only radiologists, but also other specialists can evaluate the image.
• It is possible to carry out radiography even for bedridden patients using a mobile device.
• This method is also considered one of the cheapest.

So, if you undergo such a study at least once a year, you will not cause harm to the body, but it is quite possible to identify serious diseases at the initial stage of development.

X-ray techniques

Currently, there are two ways to take an x-ray:

1. Analog.
2. Digital.

The first one is older,time-tested, but requiring some time to develop the picture and see the result on it. The digital method is considered new and now it is gradually replacing the analog one. The result is displayed immediately on the screen, and you can print it, and more than once.

Digital radiography has its advantages:

• Significantly improves the quality of images, and hence the information content.
• Ease of research.
• Ability to get instant results.
• Reduces radiation exposure.
• The computer has the ability to process the result with a change in brightness and contrast, which allows more accurate quantitative measurements.
• Results can be stored for a long time in electronic archives, you can even transfer them over the Internet over distances.
• Cost efficiency.

Cons of radiography

Despite its many advantages, radiography has its drawbacks:

1. The image in the picture is static, which makes it impossible to evaluate the functionality of the organ.
2. In the study of small foci, the information content is insufficient.
3. Changes in soft tissues are poorly detected.
4. And, of course, one cannot but mention the negative effect of ionizing radiation on the body.

But be that as it may, radiography is a method that continues to be the most common for detecting pathologies of the lungs and heart. It is he who detects tuberculosisat an early stage and save millions of lives.

Preparing for X-rays

This research method is different in that it does not require any special preparatory measures. You only need to come to the X-ray room at the appointed time and take an x-ray.

If such a study is prescribed for the purpose of examining the digestive tract, then the following preparation methods will be required:

• If there are no abnormalities in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, then special measures should not be taken. In case of excessive flatulence or constipation, it is recommended to give a cleansing enema 2 hours before the study.
• If there is a large amount of food (liquid) in the stomach, lavage should be done.
• Before cholecystography, a radiopaque drug is used, which penetrates the liver and accumulates in the gallbladder. To determine the contractility of the gallbladder, the patient is given a cholagogue.
• To make cholegraphy more informative, a contrast agent is injected intravenously before it is performed, for example, Bilignost, Bilitrast.
• The irrigography is preceded by a contrast enema with barium sulfate. Before this, the patient should drink 30 g of castor oil, do a cleansing enema in the evening, do not have dinner.

Research technique

At present, almost everyone knows where to take an x-ray, what this study is. The method of its implementation is as follows:

1. Patientput in front of the X-ray machine, if required, the study is carried out in a sitting position or lying on a special table.
2. If tubes or hoses are inserted, make sure they have not moved during preparation.
3. The patient is prohibited from making any movements until the end of the study.
4. The medical worker leaves the room before starting the x-ray, if his presence is mandatory, then puts on a lead apron.
5. Pictures are most often taken in several projections for greater information content.
6. After developing the images, their quality is checked, if necessary, a second examination may be required.
7. To reduce projection distortion, place part of the body as close to the cassette as possible.

If the x-ray is done digitally, the image is displayed on the screen and the doctor can immediately see abnormalities. The results are stored in a database and can be stored for a long time, if necessary, can be printed on paper.

How X-ray results are interpreted

After taking an X-ray, it is necessary to correctly interpret its results. To do this, the doctor evaluates:

• Location of internal organs.
• Bone integrity.
• Location of the roots of the lungs and their contrast.
• How distinguishable are the main and small bronchi.
• Transparency of the lung tissue, the presence of blackouts.

If conductedx-ray of the skull, it is necessary to identify:

• Presence of fractures.
• Severe intracranial hypertension with brain enlargement.
• Pathology of the "Turkish saddle", which appears as a result of increased intracranial pressure.
• Presence of brain tumors.

To make a correct diagnosis, the results of an x-ray examination must be compared with other analyzes and functional tests.

Contraindications for x-rays

Everyone knows that the radiation exposure that the body experiences during such a study can lead to radiation mutations, despite the fact that they are very small. To minimize the risk, it is necessary to take x-rays only strictly on doctor's orders and in compliance with all protection rules.

It is necessary to distinguish between diagnostic and preventive radiography. The first has practically no absolute contraindications, but it must be remembered that it is also not recommended for everyone to do it. Such a study should be justified, you should not prescribe it to yourself.

Even during pregnancy, if other methods fail to make a correct diagnosis, it is not forbidden to resort to x-rays. The risk to the patient is always less than the harm that an undetected disease can bring.

Pregnant women and children under 14 should not take X-rays for prevention.

X-ray examination of the spine

X-ray of the spine being performedquite often, the indications for its implementation are:

1. Pain in the back or limbs, feeling of numbness.
2. Detection of degenerative changes in intervertebral discs.
3. Need to identify spinal injuries.
4. Diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the spinal column.
5. Detection of curvature of the spine.
6. If there is a need to recognize congenital anomalies in the development of the spine.
7. Diagnosis of changes after surgery.

The X-ray procedure of the spine is performed in the prone position, you must first remove all jewelry and undress to the waist.

The doctor usually warns you not to move during the examination so that the pictures are not blurry. The procedure does not take more than 15 minutes and the patient does not cause any inconvenience.

There are some contraindications for X-rays of the spine:

• Pregnancy.
• If an x-ray was taken using a barium compound in the last 4 hours. In this case, the pictures will not be of high quality.
• Obesity also makes it difficult to get informative pictures.

In all other cases, this research method has no contraindications.

X-ray joints

Such diagnostics is one of the main methods of examination of the osteoarticular apparatus. X-ray of the joints may show:

• Disturbances in the structure of articularsurfaces.
• The presence of bone growths along the edge of cartilage tissue.
• Calcium deposits.
• Development of flat feet.
• Arthritis, arthrosis.
• Congenital pathologies of bone structures.

Such a study helps not only to identify violations and deviations, but also to recognize complications, as well as determine the treatment tactics.

Indications for joint x-rays can be:

• Joint pain.
• Changing its shape.
• Pain while moving.
• Limited mobility in the joint.
• Injured.

If there is a need to undergo such a study, it is better to ask your doctor where to get an X-ray of the joints in order to get the most reliable result.

Requirements for Radiological Examination

In order for an X-ray examination to give the most effective result, it must be carried out in compliance with certain requirements:

1. The area of interest should be in the center of the image.
2. If there is damage to the tubular bones, then one of the adjacent joints must be visible on the picture.
3. If one of the bones of the lower leg or forearm is fractured, both joints must be recorded on the picture.
4. It is advisable to take x-rays in different planes.
5. If there are pathological changes in the joints or bones, then it is necessary to take a picture of a symmetrically located he althy area so that you can compare andevaluate the changes.
6. To make a correct diagnosis, the quality of the images must be high, otherwise a second procedure will be required.

If you follow all these recommendations, then there is no doubt that radiography will give the most informative result.

How often can I have x-rays

The effect of radiation on the body depends not only on the duration, but also on the intensity of exposure. The dose also directly depends on the equipment used for the study, the newer and more modern it is, the lower it is.

It is also worth considering that different parts of the body have their own exposure rate, since all organs and tissues have different sensitivities.

Carrying out x-rays on digital devices reduces the dose by several times, so it can be done more often on them. It is clear that any dose is harmful to the body, but it should also be understood that radiography is a study that can detect dangerous diseases, the harm from which to a person is much greater.