Ribs - the bone part of the chest, which makes it possible to objectively assess the state of various organs and systems. Examination is done to reflect the condition of the bones and internal organs in the chest area. A method of detailed identification - an x-ray of the ribs of the chest area - is effective in identifying and localizing damaged lungs. The presence of thoracic changes is a major part of the study.
On an X-ray, a spot on the edge of the study area can tell the doctor about various kinds of violations in the pictures of the chest. The radiologist must know the anatomical location of the ribs and their appearance to exclude an incorrect diagnosis.
An x-ray of the rib shows the parameters of the chest area well, but radiologists do not look very closely at them. Although they provide the necessary information to help decrypt the pictures. The equipment takes black and white pictures of the chest. Structures that delay radiation are shown in white, and the parts that transmit it are shown in black.
What does a survey mean?
An X-ray is an examination in which the smallest doses of electromagnetic radiation of significant energy are used to extract images, which allows specialists to analyze the internal structure of the body. The degree of influence does not harm the adult population. But it is harmful for children forming in the womb, so you need to inform the doctor about the situation before the procedure. Radiation easily penetrates through the skin, but is very difficult through bone or metal. This is due to the different ability of radiation absorption by tissues, so peculiar shades of black and white stand out in the picture.
It is necessary to take an x-ray of the ribs after an emergency in order to exclude fractures. It must be remembered that X-rays are also done under other circumstances. The picture is used to detect, diagnose and treat various diseases. This is the main tool when making a diagnosis, the procedure is carried out immediately after a patient visits a doctor.
In what sequence is the procedure carried out?
We list the main points of the procedure:
- No need to impose shoulder blades on the pulmonary field.
- Clavicles are located in one plane.
- The cardiovascular system of the lungs is clearly visible.
- The patient is located opposite the x-ray tube, the back of the body rests on a vertical detector.
- The chin should not be in the picture field.
- Hands are on the patient's sides.
Fractures of the ribs may be the result of other injuries. For example, these include injuries to the shoulder girdle, pneumothorax / hemothorax, digestive and respiratory systems.
In addition to the direct traumatic consequences listed above, atelectasis and pneumonia can occur mainly due to weakness of the respiratory system, as well as secondary symptoms. And this increases pain and mortality after fracture of the ribs.
What indications should be examined?
X-ray ribs are used very often. The doctor can send for examination to determine various changes in the chest area and to identify related pathologies.
X-rays are used to detect a painful area, swollen area or third-party damage.
An x-ray photo of the ribs helps the specialist determine the source of the disease. The study is used to make a diagnosis, control changes, determine the method of treatment and view the dynamics of improvement. Doctors use this method for diagnosis. The study is able to determine the presence of diseases of the respiratory system.
X-rays of the ribs are used to determine signs: fever, shortness of breath, systematic cough. The examination is used to detect neoplasms, diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
An x-ray of the rib can reveal many diseases within the body.
What X-ray results indicate respiratory disease?
Examination of the chest area helps to detect a neoplasm, an infectious infection or an accumulation of air in the cavity around the lung (pneumothorax). It can detect chronic organ damage and complications of various kinds.
Examination of the thoracic region reveals changes after the onset of a disease associated with the heart system, as well as the lungs.
Heart parameters. Changes in the parameters of the organ may indicate the development of a deviation of the heart, and fluid near the organ (pericardial effusion) may indicate impaired valve activity.
Blood vessels. X-rays show various elements of the cardiovascular system. As a result, her diseases can be detected.
Calcium deposits. Examination of the thoracic region may reveal the presence of calcium deposits in the organs of the cardiovascular system. Its presence indicates the deterioration of the heart valves, coronary arteries, heart muscle. Calcium deposition occurs after infectious diseases.
Fractures. Fractures of the skeletal system of the chest can be easily detected on an x-ray.
Observation of the effects of chest treatment
Where to x-ray the ribs? The necessary equipment in our time is in almost any clinics - both public and private. To undergo an examination, you need to get a doctor’s referral.
Using these images in the chest, one can trace the dynamics of changes in the disease after surgery on various organs. The specialist will look at all the lines or tubes installed during the operation to detect the presence of defects and correct them in time.
What if there is a pacemaker, defibrillator or catheter? Pacemakers and defibrillators have wires connected to the organ to check the normal heart rate. Catheters are small tubes used for drug administration or dialysis. Further study of the affected area is done after the equipment is commissioned to make sure that everything is done correctly.
This examination allows you to get the outlines of the cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal system. The equipment can detect the presence of fluid in the surrounding tissue.
If the patient consulted a doctor with complaints of chest pain, chest injury or shortness of breath, then he will be referred for chest x-ray. Examination of the chest reveals the presence of problems of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
An x-ray of a broken rib is done to obtain reliable information. It is also used to verify treatment. Some people have several radiographs taken to monitor their health. This examination is the most common method.
The examination is a priority if the doctor doubts the diagnosis and other diseases are observed. It can be used to test the response to treatment.
A survey is the most common and popular. It acts as a priority for the patient who consulted a doctor with suspected heart and lung diseases. It is used to test treatment.
Preparatory measures for the procedure
It is necessary to inform the doctor about the presence of pregnancy. An examination is undesirable to do during the period of fetal formation, but with significant indications, when the need exceeds risks, the process is carried out in such a way as to protect the fetus from the effects of negative factors.
Before the examination, the patient strips to the waist. You need to remove jewelry and clothing that contributes to the appearance of pictures of poor quality.
How to carry out an examination?
During the procedure, the body is between the equipment making the images and the plate, which makes the image digitally or on an x-ray film. The patient can move to different positions to look at the internal organs in different planes.
In which planes do a qualitative examination be performed?
During the procedure in direct projection, the patient stands on the platform, holds his hands up or on the sides and tilts his shoulders forward. X-ray instructor asks to take a deep breath and hold it for a certain time. After these manipulations, the heart and lungs appear more clearly on the film.
There is no pain during the study. The patient does not feel it, because radiation passes through the body. If a person has a violation of consciousness, then the study should be carried out sitting or lying down.
An x-ray of a rib fracture can be detected very quickly, but patients are concerned about the effects of radiation when examining the ribs, especially if the examination is done frequently. But it should be remembered that the amount of radiation from the x-ray image of the ribs is small compared to natural sources of radiation in the environment.
The benefits of the x-ray method
The pluses include:
- Informational content. After an x-ray of the ribs of the rib cage, one can fully assess the well-being of the body with extreme permissible accuracy.
- Availability. Such equipment is located in every medical institution.
- Simplicity. It does not require certain preparatory measures.
- The result goes to the picture, and treatment is monitored after a certain period of time.
- Mobility. The equipment allows even bedridden people to be examined.
The disadvantages of the x-ray method
Among the cons:
- Damage to health. Namely, the device acts on the human body by radiation, which in large quantities causes significant harm to the human body.
- Not recommended for pregnant women. Since X-rays contribute to the abnormal development of the fetus of pregnant women, as well as the occurrence of diseases of the unborn child.
- In soft tissues, changes are poorly visible in the images. Therefore, for some types of examinations, it is more appropriate to undergo an MRI, which will more clearly show changes in the body.