Radiation diagnostics is considered relatively safe, but there is a likelihood of negative consequences. An x-ray is prescribed only in extreme cases, when it is required to obtain important information, and the benefits of the procedure exceed the harm. X-ray of bones is the most common study conducted in medicine.
What it is?
A study of the internal structure of objects that are projected onto paper or film due to x-rays. To obtain bone images, bone radiography is used. It helps determine the condition:
- brushes;
- wrists;
- forearm
- elbow joint;
- shoulder
- feet;
- ankle joint;
- lower leg bones;
- knee joint
- hips
- the hip joint;
- pelvic bones;
- the spine.
Many people are already familiar with the procedure, as the indications for bone x-rays cover a wide range of diseases, not taking into account injuries and fractures.
Types of X-ray studies
Radiation diagnosis of bones occurs using different aggregates and research methods. It all depends on some factors:
- age of the patient;
- clinical situation;
- underlying pathology;
- related factors.
This method is indispensable in recognizing the causes of pathology, plays an important role in making the correct diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
In medical practice, the following types of bone x-rays exist:
- Film radiography.
- Digital
- CT scan.
- X-ray densitometry.
- X-ray of bones using contrast agents and other methods.
All of these devices are an excellent aid to doctors in providing the necessary assistance with:
- bone fractures and dislocations;
- specifying or detecting the location of bone fragments during fractures;
- detection of foreign bodies in soft tissues or in the bones themselves;
- control of orthopedic surgical interventions (joint prosthetics, spinal stabilization, etc.);
- specification of certain diagnoses (arthritis, pathological proliferation of bone tissue, arthrosis and others);
- suspected bone cancer.
Having received the results of these studies, the specialist already has a more objective picture and draws the appropriate conclusions.
Digital and film bone x-ray
At the dawn of research in this area, a photosensitive screen or film was used as the receiving element. Today, x-ray film is the most popular receiver of electromagnetic radiation.
But the best results were shown by digital radiography. Here, the receiving element is X-ray sensitive sensors. This view has many advantages:
- high sensitivity of digital sensors allows to reduce the radiation dose;
- increase image resolution and accuracy;
- no need to process photosensitive film;
- quick and basic picture capture;
- ease of processing, transmission and storage of information.
The only drawback is that the equipment is expensive, so not all medical institutions have it.
X-ray contrast medium
Such technologies are rarely used, but sometimes they are extremely necessary. The procedure is performed using contrast agents. Human bones differ from other body tissues in increased natural contrast. There are several radiopaque techniques for studying bone tissue:
- fistulography;
- pneumography
- arthrography;
- angiography.
Thanks to the use of a contrast medium, clearer information is obtained, hence the qualitative help. A negative point in such a diagnosis of bones is contraindications and some limitations, in addition to this, the radiologist must have extensive experience.
X-ray and computed tomography (CT)
This method is even more accurate and informative. With it, a three-dimensional image of any bone in the body or sections through any bone in different projections are obtained. A very accurate diagnostic method, but it carries a high radiation dose.
Advantages of CT before a conventional bone x-ray:
- accuracy and high resolution;
- three-dimensional reconstruction of the studied part of the body;
- the admissibility of obtaining any projection when a conventional x-ray is carried out only in two or three projections;
- the image is undistorted;
- in parallel, soft tissues and blood vessels can be considered;
- research is carried out in real time.
CT is done no more than once a year due to high radiation exposure. Complex pathologies (intervertebral hernias, osteochondrosis, tumor ailments) are usually examined.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Thanks to this type of x-ray, a clear image of the internal devices of the body in various planes is obtained. And also a three-dimensional reconstruction of human tissues and organs is performed. The radiation load in the study of MRI is reduced to zero.
The principle of the apparatus is based on giving a magnetic impulse to the atoms that make up the body. After this, the energy released by the atoms upon returning to the initial state is read.
You can not use this method if there are pacemakers or implants in the body. Diagnostics are expensive, this is considered a drawback.
Bone densitometry
This is a modern non-invasive method for determining bone density, performed to diagnose osteoporosis. With this pathology, the content of minerals in bones decreases, usually it is calcium, which makes bone tissue fragile. The most dangerous osteoporosis is for the neck of the thigh and spine.
There are several types of such research:
- Ultrasonic densitometry is the safest method of non-beam modern methods that determines the density of bone tissue.
- X-ray densitometry is a highly accurate method for determining the mineral mass of bone tissue.
- Photon absorptiometry - evaluates bone absorption of a radioisotope.
The method allows you to detect the slightest loss in density (from 3 to 5%). The higher the loss, the worse the bone resistance to damage. The method is based on the degree of reflection of ultrasonic waves from the surface of the bones. The advantages of the method:
- the procedure does not last long;
- financially accessible;
- no pain;
- can be prescribed to pregnant women repeatedly.
How harmful is bone density x-ray? The absence of radiation exposure indicates that such a method is absolutely harmless.
Preparation for the procedure
Any successful research and treatment depends on the preparation. Usually everything is extremely simple, but it all depends on the location of the site that you need to view:
- X-ray of the skull does not provide any special action. Women should remove jewelry, hairpins, hairpins from ears, if there is a piercing on the tongue and nose, it must also be removed.
- For an informative x-ray photo of the bones of the limbs, it is necessary that the patient's skin be free of oil dressings, iodine, and stripes of the patch. In the presence of gypsum, the specialist determines whether the gypsum will be removed. If it is necessary to remove the plaster cast, the procedure is under the supervision of a doctor, after which the plaster is again applied.
- An examination of the violation of the integrity of the bones of the ribs, shoulder girdle, sternum, and upper parts of the spinal column does not require any preliminary preparations.
- But preparation for an x-ray of the bones of the lumbosacral spinal column and hip joint is necessary. This requires 48 hours before the examination to limit the use of food provoking gas formation, to make a cleansing enema.
Procedure
During the study, any part of the skeleton must be exposed and carefully listen to the recommendations of a specialist:
- turn in the right direction;
- hold breath;
- keep a state of rest.
To visualize different parts of the body, the radiologist’s requests should be clearly followed:
- When a bone fracture occurs, the x-ray of the hip joint is performed as follows: the patient undresses, lays on the table with his arms extended along the body, remains motionless and completely calm for the duration of the procedure (about a minute).
- Radiation diagnosis of the cranium is carried out in a lying or sitting position. The patient's head (using special devices) is fixed in the desired position. Depending on the need and appointment of a specialist, a picture can be taken in several projections.
- Description of the x-rays of the bones of the lower extremities. The procedure involves the use of a variety of additional tools (linings, pillows, rollers) to fix the leg in the right position. For this patient, they lay on a table, fix the leg, chest and pelvis cover with a lead apron and take pictures. During the procedure, breathing is delayed, immobility is maintained. When assessing the condition of the joints, an examination of the problem with the load on the leg is prescribed. Sometimes it takes a few shots.
For comparison, they often take a picture of a healthy limb. When an x-ray of a bone fracture is taken, the child is taken with a picture of the germ section of the bone formation from the opposite side. All procedures are completely painless and last a maximum of 10 minutes.
X-ray preparation of children
With children, things can be a little more complicated. Sometimes you have to find a special approach to the child, it all depends on age. It is difficult for younger children to remain calm and still in the right position, in addition, they are afraid of doctors. With the active cooperation of parents and medical workers, everything can go quickly and safely.
An X-ray of bones or other organs is prescribed to the child in an extreme case, when there are no other methods of diagnosis and there is little time to establish the correct diagnosis.
For a child, the permissible dose of x-rays varies, it all depends on the disease itself and the regularity of the examinations.
Doctors advise children under 14 years of age not to carry out the procedure.
Benefits and risks
The main health risk is radiation exposure to the human body. The dose of radiation directly depends on the quality of the device, the more modern it is, the safer. How often can x-rays of bones or other organs be done?
There are no special restrictions for the examination, but with caution, the procedure should be approached:
- women during pregnancy and lactation;
- patients in serious condition;
- patients with hyperkinesis.
X-rays can be harmful if taken in large doses. Perform the procedure only as directed by the doctor.