Radiography is one of the methods of research, its basis is to obtain a fixed image by means of x-rays. The result is usually obtained on an x-ray film or displayed (if digital devices were used) on a monitor screen or paper. The study is based on the passage of x-rays through the tissues of the body. Usually, x-rays are used as a diagnostic method. To obtain more accurate results, an x-ray in two projections is used.
Chest x-ray
Radiography of OGCs (chest organs) is the most common examination method, which allows you to identify pathologies from the respiratory, as well as the cardiovascular systems, ribs, and thoracic spine that occur with various injuries and diseases.
How do x-rays work? Passing through the body and organs, they are absorbed in different ways. The result is an x-ray. Fabrics of a denser structure look white on it, those that are softer look dark. After developing and drying, the radiologist evaluates the resulting picture. An X-ray of the lungs will show all pathologies, if any, indicate possible diseases.
Modern digital devices simplify the procedure, while the radiation dose is significantly reduced. There is mobile equipment that allows you to examine bedridden patients.
X-ray capabilities and decoding of the result
A chest x-ray helps to detect the following pathologies in the body:
- Respiratory system: bronchitis, pneumosclerosis, pleurisy, tuberculosis, cancer, lung atelectasis, pneumonia. The doctor decrypts the X-ray images and immediately sees a probable disease.
- Cardiovascular system: myocarditis, pericarditis, changes in heart size.
- Mediastinum: displacement of structures, mediastinitis.
- Musculoskeletal skeleton of the chest: fractures of the sternum or ribs, vertebrae, hemothorax, pneumothorax, wounds of the mediastinum, heart.
Radiography is also used to track the dynamics of recovery in the treatment of pneumonia. However, x-rays cannot be called a universal diagnostic method. For example, the nature of the tumor cannot be assessed by x-rays; this study is also limited for immobile patients. For such exceptional cases, computed tomography is used.
When deciphering the result of the X-ray of the OGK, the doctor assesses the size and shape of the mediastinum, the structure of the chest and soft tissues, the transparency of the pulmonary field, the intensity of the pattern, the position and structure of the roots of the lungs, the shape of the pleural sinuses and phrenic domes.
Preparation and conduct of the procedure
To conduct the X-ray procedure of the OGK, special training is not required. The doctor recommends only taking off clothes and jewelry from the area that will be irradiated. You also need to remove all objects that may interfere with the study (glasses, dentures). If there is a need for the presence of a relative of the patient, a protective lead apron is put on him.
Having removed his clothes, the patient is located opposite the photographic plate. The doctor leaves the room to the console, at his command it is necessary to raise his shoulders, cuddle up to the plate and hold his breath for a short while. You can’t move. If the patient does not have the opportunity to take an upright position, he is placed on the table. Relatives or a nurse help him with this.
The examination is painless, does not cause any discomfort. The only discomfort is the cool temperature in the room. An x-ray will be ready in 15 minutes. You will be given it immediately along with the description. Based on this, the doctor will diagnose or refer you for an additional examination.
X-ray pictures of teeth
X-ray research has become widespread in dentistry. The picture not only makes it possible to track pathologies, but also reveals deviations in the structure of the jaws. X-ray diagnosis is important when choosing the best treatment options.
There are several types of x-rays in dentistry:
- Panoramic . This picture allows the doctor to evaluate the whole panorama of the location of the teeth, determine their number, see the teeth that have not cut through, rudiments. The anatomical structure of the jaw and sinuses is also visible. A panoramic picture is important when implanting teeth, correcting a bite, removing wisdom teeth.
- Bite . Otherwise, such a picture is called interproximal radiography. A common type of snapshot. Apply it to detect periodontitis, caries. Sometimes a bite shot is taken after installing the crown to verify the correctness of the procedure.
- Sighting . With the help of a targeted image, you can see exactly what a bad tooth looks like, and establish the correct treatment regimen. An aimed shot allows you to see no more than four teeth.
- Digital . Safe modern diagnostics. 3D X-ray makes it possible to get a clear picture of the entire dentition and individual teeth. A three-dimensional image is displayed on the screen, after studying it, the doctor determines the treatment methods.
Snapshot Procedure
An x-ray of the teeth is performed according to the recommendation of the dentist: in cases of caries detection, malocclusion, diseases of the teeth, pulpitis, cysts, jaw injuries, abscesses.
Before the study, it is recommended that the patient take off all metal products, jewelry: they can distort the image data. The procedure depends on the type of image. The study takes several minutes. Irradiation has a minimum dose. The session takes place in a special room. The patient bites the photosensitive film, it should be between the device and the examined tooth.
When examining with a computer radiovisiograph, a special apron is put on the patient, the sensor is installed on the area being studied and attached to the device. The result is displayed on the computer.
When using an orthopantomograph, an x-ray is performed as follows: the patient becomes to the apparatus, the chin is fixed on the support. The teeth clamp the block, which prevents the jaws from closing. The patient should stand still. The device rotates around the head several times. Pictures can be obtained on the same day.
Decryption of the picture
On the basis of an x-ray of the teeth, the doctor writes a conclusion, which indicates the number of teeth, size and their location. All pathologies detected will also be displayed in the report.
The picture shows the location of each tooth, the slope, the condition of the bones. Darkening in the picture indicates the presence of pulpitis, denticles. Enamel defects indicate caries. Where density is reduced, enlightenment is noticeable. If caries is complex, the tooth structure is deformed, granulomas form.
A cyst can be detected - a clear outline of a homogeneous structure of an oblong shape. The cyst is located near the tooth root; it can be small and large. Large cysts can affect two teeth at once. Chronic periodontitis is seen as a sharp blackout in the picture at the apex of the root. With periodontal disease, a reduced bone marrow area is visible, atrophic processes and sclerotic changes are visible.
X-ray of the spine
In what cases does the doctor recommend an x-ray of the spine?
- For pain in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
- With muscle lumbar pain of an obscure nature.
- With limitation of mobility of the limbs.
- With injuries, falls and bruises.
- For suspected degenerative changes in the bones.
- In the diagnosis of curvature, osteochondrosis, scoliosis.
X-ray images are recommended to be performed in two projections: lateral and direct. The radiologist describes the X-ray images; he evaluates the contours of the vertebrae, the gaps between them, the intensity of the color, the presence of growths. After that, an experienced specialist is able to immediately make a diagnosis, determine the likely prognosis and the need for surgical treatment.
How is the procedure
A special preparation is not required for a picture of the upper spine. If you are examining the lumbosacral, it is recommended to prepare in advance:
- It is necessary to completely empty the intestines, otherwise the diagnosis will be difficult to make correctly.
- Exclude from the diet two days before the procedure products that promote fermentation: bread, milk, legumes, coarse fiber.
- Dinner should be excluded the day before, breakfast before the procedure.
- Refuse alcohol and smoking.
- Before the procedure, cleanse the intestines with an enema.
- At the time of shooting, there should be no metal objects on the body.
- Keep still.
The examination for the patient is absolutely painless. It is carried out for 10-15 minutes. Pictures with a description are immediately handed out.