Many people of different ages can experience diseases of the hip joint, leading to impaired walking and support function. This pathological condition is very much reflected in the quality of human life and often leads to disability.
To identify diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the doctor may prescribe an x-ray of the hip joint, which is a radiation diagnosis that allows you to get a negative image of the affected area on the photosensitive layer of a special film. Thanks to the modern device, it becomes possible to get the sharpest image both on digital media and on the monitor.
Advantages and disadvantages
An x-ray of the hip joint, like any other diagnostic method, has certain advantages. These include simplicity and accessibility, as well as the low cost of the procedure. In some cases, such an examination may be free of charge. If you have an x-ray on your hands , you can seek advice from any specialist, and the doctor will monitor the dynamics of the disease during the second examination.
Radiography also has disadvantages:
- exposure to the body of x-rays, albeit in small doses;
- inability to fully evaluate joint function;
- the studied area is often blocked by surrounding tissues, as a result of which the images overlap each other;
- without special contrasting, it is not possible to assess the state of soft tissues;
- low information content.
Indications and contraindications
If the hip joint hurts, an x-ray is taken to determine the cause of this. Such a study is considered mandatory for many diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Radiography reveals changes in the hip joint that can be caused by the following reasons:
- injuries (dislocations, fractures);
- degenerative pathology (cystic restructuring, osteoarthrosis, aseptic necrosis) ;
- bone tumors, metastases;
- inflammatory diseases (osteomyelitis, arthritis);
- congenital malformations (hypoplasia, dysplasia);
- metabolic diseases (gout, osteoporosis).
An absolute contraindication for such an examination is pregnancy at any time, as well as diseases of the thyroid gland, kidneys, and heart. In the absence of compelling reasons, it is best not to take radiography for children under 14 years old. If such a procedure is performed using a contrast drug, then the list of contraindications will be much wider. It includes the following conditions of the body:
- severe pathological condition of the liver and kidneys;
- active tuberculosis;
- allergy to substances containing iodine;
- cardiovascular failure;
- severe condition of the patient.
Radiography
If the hip joint is disturbed , an x-ray of the affected area is mandatory. This procedure is distinguished by its relative simplicity. After the patient receives a referral for examination, he must prepare for it correctly so that the result is of the highest quality.
Preparation
If you need to do an x-ray of the hip joint, usually no special preparation is required, but still it’s worth paying attention to some points.
Since the study area is located quite close to the intestine, its contents can affect the quality of the image. This is especially true of the process of gas formation. To remove the contents of the intestine, it is recommended on the eve of the study in the evening and the next morning to conduct a cleansing enema. You can also drink any laxative before the procedure.
If the x-ray will be carried out with a contrast agent, then you should pre-test it to determine the allergic reaction. The procedure is started with a negative result.
Features
Before the procedure, the patient removes tight clothing, all jewelry and objects from metal, because of them interference will occur in the pictures. To examine the hip joint, x-rays are performed in several projections. Before examination, protective lead plates are put on the patient.
To take a picture on the pelvic area, the device sends a beam of rays passing through the hip joint. At this time, the radiation begins to dissipate and stops, and the degree of such dispersion depends on the density of the examined tissue. At the same time, the image of organs and tissues through which radiation has already passed begins to appear on the film. The bone is quite clearly visible in the photo, which has a maximum density. A radiologist can evaluate the internal structure of a joint using an X-ray image placed on a luminous screen.
The study of such a site is usually carried out:
- in front with legs spread apart on the sides;
- legs with legs extended.
If an x-ray of the hip joint is performed, the norm is when a photo is taken in both projections. This allows you to establish the most accurate diagnosis. The procedure lasts about 10 minutes, while the patient receives a radiation dose of 1.5 millisievert.
X-ray decryption
Radiography may have certain errors. This is due to the fact that the x-rays that the cathode ray tube sends out diverge. If the subject is not in the middle, but at the edge of the field of the image, the image can lengthen slightly. In this case, the dimensions of the studied joints are also modified.
The accuracy of the diagnosis largely depends on how qualified a laboratory doctor is. Each disease has its own characteristics that are identified in the pictures:
- fractures - bone fragments are visible;
- dislocations - you can see the displacement of the articular surfaces;
- osteoarthrosis - narrowing of the joint space, osteophytes;
- aseptic necrosis - bone regeneration, foci of osteosclerosis;
- osteoporosis - a thinned structure, a reduced bone density is clearly visible;
- dysplasia - incomplete or abnormal development of the femoral head is detected along with the articular cavity;
- tumors - foci of dimming, volumetric formations.
Radiography for children
An X-ray of the hip joints in children is carried out only according to the doctor’s indications, since such a procedure is considered harmful and hematological pathologies may develop in the future or a change in the oncological profile will occur. Therefore, it is extremely important to find a good specialist who will prescribe a study with the smallest dosage of radiation, as a result of which the harmful effect on a small patient will be minimal.
An x-ray of the hip joint in the baby is better not to do. The doctor usually prescribes an ultrasound examination for children who are not yet a year old. Since in infants up to three months the muscles are still atrophied, it is difficult to diagnose a pathology such as hip dysplasia. X-rays in this case will not be able to help. It is advisable to carry out when the cartilage is filled with calcium and turn into bone tissue.
Conclusion
Thus, if the hip joint is damaged, x-rays are carried out without fail in order to establish the exact cause of the disease. Since such a procedure is not considered safe, it should be done no more than once every six months. If it becomes necessary for young children to conduct it, the doctor should minimize the possible harm from exposure.