We perform digital X-Rays on site! X-Ray imaging creates pictures of the bones inside of the body. The images that appear after an X-Ray is performed are in different shades of black and white. You may be surprised to learn that this is due to different tissues absorbing different amounts of radiation. Calcium within the bones absorbs radiation the best, leaving the bones looking white and luminous. Fat and other soft spongy tissue absorb less radiation so those areas will appear grey. Air does not absorb radiation which is why the lungs look black on an X-Ray.
Why do I need an X-Ray?
The most common and familiar usage of X-Rays is to observe and check for possible broken bones or joint dislocation. They can also be used to check for disease and condition such as pneumonia, and certain cancers.
What to expect when you come in our clinic: After you have seen our provider and your injury is evaluated, an X-Ray may be ordered. If you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant you must tell the staff before you are exposed to radiation as it can be harmful to you and your baby. At our facility we are able to X-Ray the upper extremities from the elbow down to the finger tips and the lower extremities from the knee down to the toes. This procedure does not require any preparation, and is painless. Once it is deemed that your injury requires an X-Ray, a member of our trained medical staff will assist you to our X-Ray room. You will have a lead apron placed over top of you to protect your vital organs from being exposed to radiation. The technician will position you accordingly to take the images. You will be required to hold very still and the technician will walk behind a wall and either have the provider activate the X-Ray machine or if qualified do so themselves. You could be re-positioned for several views and this same process may be repeated 2-3 times to obtain multiple images. A bone X-Ray is not painful, and can usually be completed in less than ten minutes. Our experienced staff will guide you and make the process as easy as possible!
What to expect afterwards: We read the X-rays in the office, but also send all of our images directly to a Radiologist who makes the final confirmation on the images. This is done very quickly and we can usually rule out a questionable fracture. X-rays are not a perfect test and there are times where a small fracture can be missed by an X-ray. You should always follow up in one or two weeks if you are not improving and immediately if you are getting worse as the X-ray may have missed a small fracture. If you do have a fracture, we can provide you with a splint, depending on location of the fracture until you can see an Orthopedic specialist for further care. We will make sure that you have all of the resources you need for continuing care and successful healing!
