X-Rays

The Fastest, Easiest Examination of Bones

X-rays are mild doses of radiation used to create images of your bones to help radiologists evaluate your skeletal system.

How Long Will it Take?

• Depending on the number of pictures required, x-rays generally take about 15 minutes.

How Does the Procedure Work?

• X-ray imaging is a painless procedure.
• Depending on the type of x-ray you require, you will be asked to lie still or stand still in front of a board.
• Sandbags or pillows may be used to hold you in position.
• Typically, at least two pictures are taken of the area of study, but more may be needed for joints.
• You will be asked not to breathe for a few seconds while the picture is taken.
• The x-ray film is then developed producing an image that is interpreted by a radiologist.

After the Procedure

• You will be asked to wait until the images are reviewed by the radiologist to determine if more images will be needed.
• The radiologist will report the results to your physician.
• There is no recovery time necessary.

History and Preparation

X-rays are the oldest form of medical imaging and are the fastest and easiest way for a physician to diagnose a broken bone and track healing.

X-rays also allow us to monitor degenerative diseases such as arthritis and detect advanced forms of bone cancer.

There is no general preparation for an x-ray procedure. Our staff may ask you to change into a gown and to remove any jewelry, eyeglasses or other metal objects which can obscure the picture.

We ask that our female patients tell us if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.