Bone x-ray - Overview

Alternative Names

X-ray - bone

Definition of Bone x-ray:

A bone x-ray may detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone.

How the test is performed:

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. You will position the bone to be x-rayed on the table, pictures are then taken, and the bone is repositioned, if necessary, for different views.

How to prepare for the test:

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. You must remove all jewelry.

How the test will feel:

The x-rays themselves are painless. However, repositioning the bone may be uncomfortable.

Why the test is performed:

A bone x-ray is used to detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone.

Skeleton

Skeletal spine

Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray

Reviewed last on: 5/1/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Clement J. Basic imaging techniques in the adult. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 13, section A.

Clement J. Imaging consideration in the skeletally immature patient. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 13, section B.

Renner JB. Conventional radiography in musculoskeletal imaging. Radiol Clin North Am. 2009 May;47(3):357-72.

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