X-ray radiography

What is X-ray radiography?

X-ray radiography, or X-ray imaging, is a key diagnostic tool in medicine that allows the visualization of the inside of the body. This radiological technique uses X-rays, which are a form of electromagnetic radiation and have the ability to pass through structures inside the patient’s body.

When X-rays pass through tissue, they are absorbed in different ways depending on the density and composition of the tissue. Bones and metal implants absorb a greater amount of radiation than softer tissues such as muscles or internal organs, resulting in a contrast in the images.

What are the indications for X-ray imaging?

X-ray imaging is widely applicable in various medical fields, including orthopedics, dentistry, radiology, traumatology, cardiology, and many other areas. Owing to the continuous development of technology, X-ray examinations are becoming more and more precise and safer, which allows for a faster and more accurate diagnosis, and in turn, contributes to the improvement of health care and of patient outcomes.

The following are some common indications for X-ray imaging:

• Trauma and fractures: X-rays are often used to identify broken bones after injury or trauma. This includes fractures of the limbs, ribs, spine, or other bones.
• Pneumonia and other lung diseases: X-rays of the lungs can help diagnose pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and other pulmonary diseases. It reveals the presence of pulmonary infiltrates, airway obstruction, and other abnormalities in the lungs.
• Bone and joint examinations: X-rays are often used to diagnose bone and joint diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and arthrosis. It can help identify damage to the cartilage, bone deformities, or joint abnormalities.
• Diagnostics of the digestive tract: X-rays of the gastrointestinal tract, such as an X-ray of the bowel with contrast or an X-ray of the abdomen, can help diagnose problems such as intestinal obstructions, tumors, and diverticulosis.
• Dental and ENT diagnostics: X-rays of the sinuses, the nasal septum, and the teeth are necessary to determine the presence of caries, tooth root infection, sinus inflammation, and deviated nasal septum, as well as for planning oral surgery procedures.
• Cardiology diagnostics: X-ray of the chest is used to assess the size of the heart and blood vessels, to detect heart diseases, such as cardiac arrest or atherosclerosis, and to monitor the position of the heart before surgical procedures.

Preparing for an X-ray

Preparation for X-ray imaging varies depending on the type of examination and the part of the body that needs to be imaged. However, in most cases, preparation is not necessary. A few general guidelines for preparation are the following:

• Remove jewelry and metal objects: All jewelry, earrings, rings, and other metal objects should be removed. Metal objects can interfere with image quality and cause artifacts in the X-ray image.
• Dress appropriately: Come to the examination in comfortable clothes that do not have metal parts or ornaments. In some cases, you may be given a hospital gown that allows access to the part of the body that needs to be imaged.
• Inform the doctor about pregnancy: If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, be sure to inform the medical staff performing the X-ray. Although low-dose X-rays are usually safe during pregnancy, it is important to take appropriate precautions.
• Follow the instructions of the medical staff: Before the actual imaging, the medical staff may give you special instructions about your body position or other details that you need to follow during the examination. Cooperation with the medical staff will significantly affect the quality of the X-ray image itself.

How is X-ray imaging performed?

The X-ray imaging procedure is usually performed with the patient standing, sitting, or lying on the X-ray table, while the X-ray machine emits rays aimed at the specific part of the body that needs to be imaged. A radiology technician operates the equipment and records the images that are created on a film or digital X-ray sensor. These images allow the doctor to look inside the body to identify abnormalities, fractures, infections, tumors, and other medical issues.

Advantages and risks of X-ray imaging

X-rays are quick, non-invasive, and are often the first line of diagnosis for many medical conditions. It is important to note that the X-ray machine exposes the patient to a minimal dose of radiation, which is so small that it leaves neither immediate nor lasting effects on the human body. Due to the release of X-rays when the device is activated, doctors can avoid this method in practice (and refer patients for alternative radiological examinations) when it is necessary to image babies, pregnant women, or patients with some other high-risk medical conditions. In all other patients, the benefits of X-ray imaging absolutely outweigh its risks.

In situations where it is necessary to obtain more detailed information than what is obtained from an X-ray image, other types of imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) can be employed.