Radiography, known to most people as x-ray, is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. For nearly a century, diagnostic images have been created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the human body, capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on a "digital" plate.
X-rays allow the physician to view and assess broken bones, a cracked skull or injured backbone. X-rays also play a key role in orthopedic surgery and the treatment of sports injuries. X-ray is useful for evaluation of the chest and abdomen as well.
Common uses of X-Ray
Probably the most common use of bone radiographs is to assist the physician in identifying and treating fractures. The use of X-ray images of the skull, spine, joints, and extremities are very common in hospital emergency rooms, sports medicine centers, orthopedic clinics, and physician offices. Images of an injury can show even very fine hairline fractures or chips, while images produced after treatment ensure that a fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing. Bone x-rays are an essential tool in orthopedic surgery, such as spinal repair, joint replacements, or fracture reductions.
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