Bone x-ray

Alternative Names: X-ray - bone

A bone x-ray may detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone.

Why is the Test Performed?

A bone x-ray is used to detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone.

How is the Test Performed?

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. You will position the bone to be x-rayed on the table, pictures are then taken, and the bone is repositioned, if necessary, for different views.

Preparation for the Test

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. You must remove all jewelry.

How will the Test Feel?

The x-rays themselves are painless. However, repositioning the bone may be uncomfortable.

Bone x-ray Risks

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.

Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray. A protective shield may be worn over areas not being scanned.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal findings include fractures, bone tumors, degenerative bone conditions, and osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone caused by an infection).

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II
• Multiple myeloma
• Osgood-Schlatter disease
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Osteomalacia
• Paget's disease
• Primary hyperparathyroidism
• Rickets

Skeleton	Skeletal spine	Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray

Review Date: 5/1/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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