X-ray of the extremities & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is an X-ray of the limb?

An X-ray of the limb is an image projection of your hand, arm, wrist, leg, knee, sole or ankle. This X-ray is performed if there are complaints of bone fractures or joint dislocations. This test is also done to check for possible injury or damage caused by the condition, such as infection, arthritis, abnormal growths of bones (tumors), or other bone problems, such as osteoporosis.

X-rays or x-rays are a form of radiation, using light energy or radio waves, which emit rays, like the rays in a flashlight. X-rays can penetrate most objects, including the human body. The way it works is by scanning using a detector that will print a film or reflect directly onto the computer. Thick tissue, such as bone, will absorb energy from the x-ray rays and appear white in the projected image. Other, thinner tissues, such as muscles and organs, will not absorb much x-ray energy and will make them grayish in the projected image. X-rays that pass through the air, such as through the lungs, will appear black.

When should I have an X-ray of my limb?

Your doctor may recommend an X-ray of the extremities to check for the following conditions:

• fractured or broken bones
• infection
• arthritis
• bone tumor
• dislocation (a joint that is pushed out of its normal position)
• swelling
• clots of fluid in joints
• abnormal growths on the bone

You may also need an X-ray to make sure an injury, such as a broken arm, is healing properly.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having an X-ray of the limb?

You may need to ask your doctor about the levels of radiation to be used during the procedure and the associated risks for the condition you are complaining about. It is important to always collect and keep all history of radiation exposure, such as previous X-ray images, so that you can discuss it with your doctor. The risks associated with radiation exposure may be related to the cumulative number of history of X-ray examinations and / or other therapy over a long period of time.

If you are pregnant or are about to become pregnant, you should inform your doctor about this. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may put you at risk for fetal defects. If the doctor thinks an X-ray examination is necessary, special precautions will be taken to minimize the effects of radiation exposure on the fetus.

There may be other risks depending on the medical condition you were in when you were running the test. Be sure to always discuss with your doctor before the procedure.

Process

What should I do before undergoing an X-ray of the extremities?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Remove any jewelry around the area to be scanned. You don't need to do anything before taking an X-ray.

How is an X-ray of the limb?

The procedure is performed in the radiology department of a hospital or in your doctor's office by a radiologist. You will be asked to remove any clothing and jewelry on the body part that will be scanned. Then, you will be asked to position the body part horizontally on the X-ray table. It is not recommended to move around during the procedure. You will also be asked to hold your breath while the image is scanned so that the projection is not blurry. This procedure is fairly quick and painless.

What should I do after having an X-ray of the extremities?

Especially in emergency cases, the doctor will immediately be able to know the initial results of the X-ray in a few minutes. Generally, the radiologist will provide the test results the day after the procedure.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal result
Normal:	Bones, joints, and organ tissues appear normal and function properly. There were no foreign particles / objects, such as broken pieces of iron or glass.
There were no infections and tumors in the bones.
Joints function normally, no dislocations or signs of arthritis were detected.
The joints are where they belong.

Abnormal results
Abnormal:	A fracture was detected.
Foreign particles / objects, such as broken pieces of iron or glass, were found.
There was a tumor on the bone.
There are signs of bleeding or infection, such as blood clots, pus, or gas.
Dislocation is detected.
The bones may show signs of damage from a disease, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, gout, Paget's disease, or rheumatoid arthritis in the palms or feet.
There is swelling of the organ tissue, even though the bone looks normal.
There is an infection, or loose or worn parts of the artificial joint.