An X-ray image is obtained as a result of “examination” of the human body with special radiation - everyone knows this. The body consists of different components: water, fat, bones, soft tissues. The greater the density of the tissue, the worse the x-ray radiation passes through it. Then it gets onto the film and forms one or another picture. X-ray of the knee joint allows you to see the bone, soft tissues are slightly visible, and sometimes with the appropriate image quality you can also see the tendon. And the cartilage, which is also part of the knee joint, is not visible on the x-ray. However, its thickness is judged by the distance between the bones.
Interestingly, the further away the object was from the film during the study, the larger it will be in the picture. And vice versa: a closer object in the photo appears smaller. It's like looking at your shadow on a wall: if you move closer to the wall, the shadow will become smaller, and if you move away, it will grow.
This unusual effect occurs due to the fact that the X-ray beams diverge during the study, rather than traveling in parallel.
Using an X-ray of the knee joint, you can determine the disease not only of the joint itself, but also of the bones that form it: the femur and tibia. Also included in the frame is usually a section of the fibula and the patella. Whatever the reason for sending an X-ray, the doctor carefully examines everything that is visible on the X-ray, and always in two projections.
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The horrifying experiences of radiology pioneers, their patients, and the victims of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl clearly demonstrate the harms of exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation. However, the number of people who have benefited from the diagnostic or therapeutic use of this radiation exceeds the number of victims by several orders of magnitude. But despite this, many patients continue to be very wary of X-ray radiation.
A person taking a transatlantic flight from New York to Europe receives approximately 0.1 mSv of cosmic radiation. A healthy life in the meadows of the Austrian mountains increases the radiation dose received to 10 mSv per year.
With an X-ray of the knee joint, a person receives 0.01 mSv, which is 2 times less than with an X-ray of the lungs and corresponds to the dose that a person receives under natural conditions in one and a half days. Yes, yes, every second, from the moment of conception to this day, everyone is exposed to a natural radioactive background. Its intensity is low and therefore does not harm the body.
X-rays of the knee joint do not require any preparation.
It is better to expose the knee so that the fabric of the trousers and, especially, the inclusions sometimes found in it do not distort the x-ray of the joint. If a bandage is applied, it is usually not removed.
You cannot move during the examination; you are always warned about this. Due to movements, the image is blurred - this is the so-called dynamic blur. Such an image is not informative and the x-ray has to be redone, causing the patient to receive a double dose of radiation.
The quality of the image that the doctor will look at depends on the quality of the study. It is quite obvious that a poor-quality image can lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
An X-ray of the knee joint must be taken in two projections: a front and a side view. If there is only a direct projection, the study is not informative, because not everything is visible even to a very experienced radiologist.
X-rays of the knee joint can be performed in a flexed or extended position, alternately in both, depending on the purpose of the study.
The completed images are sent to a radiologist, who gives a description of the image and a conclusion on it. Based on these records, examination and other diagnostic methods, the attending physician makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.
Not all children easily remain still during the examination, which is why the pediatric radiography room is equipped with clamps. When used correctly, they do not cause any harm or pain to the child and are necessary to immediately obtain a high-quality image, thereby saving the child’s young body from repeated irradiation.
Since a child’s body is smaller than an adult’s body, during an X-ray examination, nearby organs may also be irradiated. Therefore, personal protection is used. For example, a newborn baby is completely covered with protection, leaving only the knee joint for X-rays. Older children only need protection of their genitals, because the radiation does not penetrate further. An adult, unlike a child, does not need protection during x-rays of the knee joint.
This is what the knee joint looks like on an x-ray after it has been replaced with an artificial one.
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Radiography is a method of functional examination of the body using x-rays. They have good penetrating ability and photochemical action. This means that when they hit special plates, they are able to repeat the pattern of the structures they passed through (depending on their density).
Compared to other radiation emissions, they are the least dangerous to humans. This is due to their straightness and low dispersion in tissues. Thanks to these features, radioactive particles do not accumulate in tissues and do not cause damage.
There are two types of radiographs (pictures): overview and targeted. In the first case, the study shows the condition of a large anatomical area - the chest, limb or head. Sight images usually show only a small area - a joint or a single bone.
This type of examination is usually performed in two projections - first from the front side of the joint, and then from the side. The need for an additional image arises due to the complex structure of the knee joint. On the front side it is covered by the patella, which overlaps the overall image.
An external or internal lateral image shows the condition of the kneecap, and it also helps eliminate doubts regarding the detected pathological object. Having seen it in one image, we will determine its exact location in another.
Any photograph of the knee joint is targeted, that is, it depicts only a small area of the skeleton. It is known that any human joint consists of a section of bone that is covered with cartilage tissue. Since the rays easily pass through the cartilage, we do not see it on the x-ray. Therefore, the joint space seems so wide, as if there is nothing between the bones.
An X-ray of the knee joint allows you to evaluate the thickness and structure of the bones that form the joint. We do not see the cartilage, but the underlying bone plate will react to its damage - in the form of areas of thinning or thickening, as well as unevenness of its contour. When assessing the joint cavity, you can see a change in its normal shape and structure, as well as the presence of protruding bone growths (osteophytes).
Depending on the purpose of the study, the picture is taken in one or two projections. But an x-ray can never be bypassed - only after it are more complex diagnostic methods (CT, MRI) performed.
A general and mandatory indication is any suggestion of injury or disease of the bones that form the joint.
It is necessary to understand that x-rays of the knee joint are not an ideal diagnostic method. But any pathology will be determined already on it. Further research is needed only to determine the method of treatment.
The quality and information content of the image is greatly influenced by the incorrect position of the patient on the table and his movement during the procedure. Usually these conditions are prevented by pain in the joint area. To reduce it, use painkillers and warm the limb.
First, the patient is placed on the manipulation table in a supine position. After pointing the device, the first picture is taken - in direct projection. For any diseases, except injuries, this is enough.
If a fracture or dislocation is suspected, an additional radiograph is taken - a lateral one. For this, the patient is either turned onto his healthy side, or, if this is not possible, the leg is abducted and done in a lying position.
Normally, in a direct photograph we will see the articular ends of the tibia and femur. They will be of the same density and without visible defects (cracks or splinters). Their surfaces and protrusions correspond precisely to each other. The joint space is the same width and symmetrical on both sides, without any particles or outgrowths inside.
A survey image is not enough to assess the condition of the soft tissues inside the joint - the cartilage plate, membrane and ligaments. There is a special procedure for this – arthrography. It involves the introduction of a radiopaque substance and air into the joint capsule.
After it is filled, the volume of the joint cavity increases and all internal structures straighten out. Then several radiographs are taken in different positions of the leg.
Unpleasant consequences of the study include a crunch in the knee and various allergic reactions. But with the right technique, they can be avoided.
Its use is indicated only for unclear severe pain and decreased range of motion in the knee, when magnetic resonance imaging is not available. It is aimed at identifying intra-articular lesions.
Organizational arrangements are similar to survey radiography. Since this procedure is considered a minor surgical intervention, the doctor explains the possible risks and complications.
The skin around the knee is anesthetized with novocaine, then treated with an antiseptic. The next step is to pierce the soft tissue with a long needle just above the kneecap and enter the joint cavity. If you hit it, then intra-articular fluid appears in the syringe.
After this, a contrast agent is injected inside and you are asked to move your leg a little (or even walk). When the contrast has evenly dissolved, several photographs are taken.
After the examination, it is mandatory to wear an elastic bandage or a soft knee brace for 3 days.
Normally, a direct projection of the knee joint shows a characteristic “wedge”-shaped shadow. Its convex part should be sharp and directed downwards - this means that the inner meniscus is not damaged.
Among diseases, meniscus injuries are almost always identified, the symptoms of which are the opposite of the normal “wedge”. It is possible to detect fractures inside the joint, ruptures of the cruciate ligaments and synovial membrane. Their sign is a defect in the internal contour of the connection, which is filled with contrast.
But orthopedist Sergei Bubnovsky claims that a truly effective remedy for joint pain exists! Read more >>
Arthrosis (osteoarthrosis, deforming osteoarthritis) is a widespread joint disease associated with degeneration of articular cartilage.
There are arthrosis of the hip joints (coxarthrosis) . knee joints ( gonarthrosis ). arthrosis of small joints of the hands and feet, arthrosis of the shoulder, elbow, ankle joints, arthrosis of the spinal joints ( spondyloarthrosis ), arthrosis of several groups of joints (polyarthrosis), hereditary polyarthrosis ( Kelgren's disease ).
varied - joint overload, injuries, hereditary predisposition, excess weight, flat feet, etc. Under the influence of these factors, thinning and deformation of the articular cartilage occurs. The cartilage becomes uneven, the congruence of the articular surfaces is disrupted, friction appears during movements, which causes pain and inflammation. At later stages, the articular surfaces of the bones begin to change - osteophytes (bone protrusions) appear, the articular surfaces become denser, the joint space narrows, until it completely disappears.
Before the age of 50, men get sick more often than women; after 50 years, women get sick 2 times more often. than men.
Most often, arthrosis affects the joints that are most exposed to stress - the joints of the lower extremities (knees, hips), but in principle, arthrosis can occur in any joint.
Nowadays, to clarify the diagnosis of gonarthrosis, they most often resort to clinical and biochemical blood tests, radiography and magnetic resonance or computed tomography.
For this test, blood is taken from a finger. With arthrosis, a clinical blood test, as a rule, does not show any specific changes. Only in some cases may there be a very slight increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or ROE): up to 20-.
On the contrary, a significant increase in ESR (higher) in combination with night pain in the joint should prompt us to think about the possible rheumatic, inflammatory origin of these pains.
If the patient also has an increased number of leukocytes, then this circumstance confirms the presence in the body
infectious and inflammatory process, which affected the joints in particular.
However, in any case, a clinical blood test does not give clear answers; it only indicates trends and narrows the circle of diagnostic search.
When performing this test, blood is taken from a vein, and always on an empty stomach. A biochemical blood test can provide significant assistance to the doctor in the differential diagnosis of joint damage: arthrosis or arthritis?
Thus, with rheumatic diseases (arthritis), the level of so-called inflammatory markers in the blood increases significantly:
protein, seromucoid, some globulins and immunoglobulins.
With arthrosis, these biochemical parameters, on the contrary, remain normal.
True, there are cases when certain types of arthritis also do not lead to a significant change in biochemical parameters. But still, such an analysis, as a rule, helps to make a clear distinction between inflammatory and metabolic-dystrophic diseases of the joints (between arthritis and arthrosis).
What examinations should a patient undergo with arthrosis of the knee joint - gonarthrosis?
Clinical blood test. For this test, blood is taken from a finger prick. With arthrosis, a clinical blood test, as a rule, does not show any specific changes. Only in some cases may there be a very slight increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or ROE): up to 20mm.
On the contrary, a significant increase in ESR (higher) in combination with night pain in the joint should prompt us to think about the possible rheumatic, inflammatory origin of these pains. If the patient also has an increased number of leukocytes, then this circumstance confirms the presence of some kind of infectious-inflammatory process in the body, which affects the joints in particular. However, in any case, a clinical blood test does not give clear answers; it only indicates trends and narrows the circle of diagnostic search.
Blood chemistry. When performing this test, blood is taken from a vein, and always on an empty stomach. A biochemical blood test can provide significant assistance to the doctor in the differential diagnosis of joint damage: arthrosis or arthritis?
Thus, with rheumatic diseases (arthritis), the level of so-called inflammatory markers in the blood increases significantly: C-reactive protein, seromucoid, some globulins and immunoglobulins. With arthrosis, these biochemical parameters, on the contrary, remain normal.
True, there are cases when certain types of arthritis also do not lead to a significant change in biochemical parameters. But still, such an analysis, as a rule, helps to make a clear distinction between inflammatory and metabolic-dystrophic diseases of the joints (between arthritis and arthrosis).
X-ray examination of joints and bones is one of the main and generally available diagnostic methods included in the mandatory measures for diagnosing various disorders and diseases of the human musculoskeletal system.
The study is carried out only as prescribed by your attending physician!
Radiography allows you to visualize a violation of the integrity, shape, length, thickness and structure of the bone, visualize the size and deformation of the joint. Many pathological changes that develop in bones and joints can be seen on x-rays.
Radiography of joints and bones is used not only in traumatology and orthopedics, but also in therapeutic, oncological, neurosurgical, endocrinological, neurological, rheumatological and surgical practice.
Despite the fact that today there are more modern diagnostic methods carried out using the latest technologies (CT, MRI), radiography is the main method for studying structural changes in tissue.
As a rule, to obtain the necessary information, it is enough to take photographs in two perpendicular projections. But, if necessary, the radiologist determines the need to take additional images - targeted ones, in special projections.
First of all, X-ray examination of bones and joints is necessary for the diagnosis of various injuries (fractures, dislocations, subluxations) and diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, flat feet, osteoporosis, hallux valgus, etc.). But it is also carried out to control the processes of fusion in fractures, control the quality of reposition of fragments, and control the elimination of dislocations.
Article by Dr. Evdokimenko© for the book “Pain in the Legs”, published in 2004. Edited in 2012 All rights reserved.
Joint diseases not only need to be treated correctly; They must first be properly diagnosed. Unfortunately, the situation with x-ray diagnostics of coxarthrosis is not good. And even high-quality X-ray images do not guarantee that the patient:
a) make the correct diagnosis;
b) correctly determine the stage of arthrosis.
Image 1: This x-ray shows a healthy hip joint . We can see here:
Nevertheless, for some reason this patient was diagnosed with “ second stage coxarthrosis ” and sentenced to joint replacement surgery.
A reasonable question arises: why did the doctor who described the X-ray images make such a mistake and diagnose “ second stage coxarthrosis ”?
Radiography makes it easy to detect arthrosis, and modern digital radiography machines can detect it in the initial stages. However, in some cases, magnetic resonance or computed tomography may be additionally performed to clarify some of the nuances of the disease.
Arthrosis looks different on an x-ray, depending on the duration of its course and the area of the lesion. To complete the picture, several x-rays in different projections are often required.
X-ray diagnostics allows in most cases to easily determine the presence of arthrosis of various joints in a patient. If the severity of the disease is small, then x-rays can reveal it by indirect signs.
X-ray procedures are the standard for primary diagnosis of patients with suspected arthrosis. X-rays can be used to identify the disease in its early stages. Although initially, when the disease has not yet developed strongly enough, mistakes are possible. In this case, it is better to use computed tomography.
The procedure is suitable for visualizing different groups of joints, including the spine. The joints of the knee, hand, foot and hip area are best visualized.
Osteoarthritis of the finger joints on x-ray
Arthrosis is shown both by a modern digital X-ray machine and an old one (still Soviet-made). If possible, it is recommended to undergo the examination on new equipment.
X-ray diagnostics currently remains the simplest and most accessible (it is carried out in every clinic) method of examining patients with arthrosis. It visualizes the disease quite informatively and allows one to determine its location and extent. This is a frequently used method for diagnosis in patients who first consult a doctor with relevant complaints. It can be performed on patients of any age group, regardless of health status.
X-rays should be considered in the diagnosis of arthrosis as a method of surgical examination. X-rays can reveal the disease both by indirect and direct signs. For example, indirect signs include specific types of inflammatory processes in joint tissue. This will appear as a shadow in the photo.
Often the image shows osteophytes and osteosclerosis, which are compaction of bone tissue or proliferation of bone tissue. These defects are characteristic of arthrosis even at the initial stages (although in rare cases they can be a consequence of other diseases).
To better visualize the hip joints specifically, the patient undergoes separate radiography (this is only necessary for examining the hip joint). The problem is that this method increases ionizing radiation on the patient’s body.
radiography only as part of primary diagnosis : CT is used to identify more precise nuances of the disease. X-rays are also good as part of dynamic observation (monitoring) of the course of the disease during its aggressive treatment.
Usually the disease is easily identified. It is possible to identify age-related, traumatic, infectious and autoimmune subtypes of arthrosis. Arthrosis caused by damage from chemical toxins, inflammatory processes, and metabolic disorders in the patient’s body is clearly visible.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joints on an x-ray
In some cases, even banal age-related arthrosis may be missed in the image. This happens rarely, and is usually because the disease is in the early stages.
In the initial stages, the disease is usually detected by indirect signs:
Signs visible on an x-ray of advanced arthrosis:
The X-ray diagnostic procedure for suspected arthrosis is carried out in the same way as for any other disease or injury. That is, a regular x-ray is taken.
The only caveat: if you suspect arthrosis of the hip joints, it is better to use mobile X-ray devices. This is necessary so that the patient remains in the most comfortable position for him during the examination: this way the pathological focus can be better examined.
Osteoarthritis of the knees on digital radiography
The procedure can be performed both in a public medical institution and in a private one. There is not much difference, but it is recommended to look for a clinic that performs digital x-ray diagnostics. Old X-ray machines can also visualize arthrosis, but with much worse information and accuracy.
The cost varies depending on the group of joints examined. The differences in cost for different groups of joints are not very large, but they still exist.
Cost (approximate) of x-rays for arthrosis for different groups of joints (in one or two projections):
Please note: the amounts are very approximate and current as of the end of 2017. They may vary depending on the region, hospital and the equipment used (whether it is an old machine or a new one).
If the doctor believes that the potential benefit of a series of images is greater than the potential harm, the procedure can be performed without fear. It is not recommended to perform such diagnostics on your own, on your own initiative.
If possible, it is better to avoid too frequent procedures. They are not as dangerous as the average person thinks, but still not harmless.
most common mistakes
Below we will look at the most common diagnostic errors.
Photo 1. This x-ray shows a healthy hip joint . We can see here:
Nevertheless, for some reason this patient was diagnosed with “ second stage coxarthrosis ” and sentenced to joint replacement surgery.
In fact, the patient had no trace of coxarthrosis Yes, he complained of pain in his hip, but these pains were caused by a herniated disc and pinched femoral nerve (which was later confirmed by a spinal tomogram). Accordingly, the patient did not need joint replacement surgery, and the hip pain went away after successful treatment of the herniated disc.
A reasonable question arises: why did the doctor who described the X-ray images make such a mistake and diagnose “ second stage coxarthrosis ”?
For me, the answer is obvious: the radiologist at the clinic did not have sufficient qualifications in diagnosing arthrosis (perhaps because arthrology, that is, the science of joint diseases, is still very poorly taught in institutes). And apparently, the radiologist reasoned like this: since the patient was sent for an X-ray of the hip joints, it means that he is sick with something. And since, according to this radiologist, the most common disease of the hip joints is arthrosis, then we’ll write it this way: the patient has coxarthrosis , to be sure we’ll add: the second stage. The fact that he was thus condemning the patient to undergo joint replacement surgery hardly bothered the radiologist.
It’s monstrous, but, unfortunately, I have to deal with such mistakes from radiologists all the time: almost every day people who have been diagnosed with “coxarthrosis” come to see me, but they don’t even have a hint of “disease” and the pain is caused either by piriformis syndrome muscles, either trochanteritis or herniated disc.
But there are also diagnostic errors “in the other direction”, when a patient is treated for a non-existent spinal disease, assuming that pain in the leg is caused by a pinched nerve, and they do not see progressive arthrosis of the hip joint. Such a case is presented below.
Image 2. The patient consulted a doctor about pain in the right groin and right thigh that only occurred when walking or getting up from a chair.
The doctor examining the patient approached his work very formally: he examined only the patient’s back, but did not look at his legs. And although the patient’s back was in perfect order, the doctor’s verdict was: “osteochondrosis of the spine.” As a result, the patient was treated for 2 years (!) for non-existent osteochondrosis. But as the patient only got worse, he was finally sent for examination. And they carried out, among other things, x-rays of the hip joints. After receiving x-rays, doctors were finally able (2 years later) to make the correct diagnosis: “coxarthrosis.”
Here's what we see in the patient's picture:
Such radiological changes correspond to coxarthrosis of the second stage.
Image 3. Here is a photo of a patient who was diagnosed with coxarthrosis on time, at the first stage of the disease. But, despite a timely serious diagnosis, the patient herself was very careless about her health and ignored the correct treatment prescribed by doctors for 5 years. This is what her joint looked like after 5 years:
All these radiological signs correspond to coxarthrosis of the third stage. The third stage of coxarthrosis was also confirmed during the examination of the patient. Unfortunately, due to the fact that the patient was negligent about her health and did not receive treatment on time, she had to undergo surgery to replace the hip joint.
Article by Dr. Evdokimenko© for the book “Pain in the Legs”, published in 2004.
Arthrosis (Greek arthr) is a group of diseases that damage the joints of the human body.
( Photo No. 1 ) The left side of the picture of a healthy person. On the right, a person with severe arthrosis on the right hip joint. It can be seen that the channel has completely closed. Severe pain occurs and the patient cannot get to his feet.
There are more than 100 different forms of arthrosis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (damage to the articular ends of articulating bones) is the result of joint trauma , joint infection or age-related factors.
Other forms of arthrosis include rheumatoid arthrosis (rheumatism), gout, psoriatic arthrosis and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthrosis occurs due to joint infection. All forms have one common symptom - joint pain .
All types of arthrosis are accompanied by pain, the nature of which determines its type. Characterized by redness of the skin, limited mobility in the knee joint, and changes in its shape. Disease-prone joints often crack unnaturally when stressed. The patient may experience difficulties in cases where it is necessary to undergo physical activity.
Elements of the medical history determine the diagnosis. Important elements are the time of onset and rate of development of the disease, the presence of morning immobility, pain, “locking” of the joint due to inactivity, etc. For a more accurate diagnosis, radiography and tomography are used.
Osteoarthritis pain occurs due to inflammation that occurs around the joint. Joint damage due to illness, daily chafing, muscle tension. Joint pain is often constant. The pain may be localized to the affected areas.
Osteoarthritis is divided into primary and secondary
There are 4 degrees of arthrosis:
Arthrosis of the patellofemoral joint
Patellofemoral osteoarthritis is damage to the cartilage between the kneecap and femur. Unlike other types of knee OA, which occur on the inside (medial) and outside (lateral) of the knee and cause difficulty walking on level surfaces, patellofemoral osteoarthritis causes pain in the front of the knee when squatting and rising from a sitting position. In this case, a knee brace helps a lot. Patients who wore the brace daily were observed to have significantly less joint damage on MRI and a decrease in knee pain.
Prevention and treatment of arthrosis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis, like rheumatoid arthrosis, cannot be completely cured without surgery, but measures can be taken to prevent the condition from getting worse. Weight measurement is key to improving symptoms and preventing disease progression. For osteoarthritis, physical therapy is indicated to strengthen muscles and joints. In particular, ESMA equipment is effective for its treatment. Patients also require drug treatment. When the disease progresses rapidly and the pain is constant, surgery may be suggested. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis does benefit from joint replacement for many people. There are synovial injections - injections of intra-articular fluid. They allow the patient to be relieved of pain for 8 months, after which the procedure is repeated. Bee venom treatment is also effective in relieving pain.
( Photo No. 2 ) X-ray of a knee with an artificial prosthesis after joint replacement surgery.
Includes a set of procedures: massage, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, herbal preparations, dietary supplements, aromatherapy, heat and cold treatment, health exercises, diet.
According to statistics, today more than 43 million Americans experience pain when bending their knee. According to statistics, this is one of the main causes of disability in the country. About 1 in 7 Americans suffer from it. With age, the likelihood of developing arthrosis increases.
Professional medical equipment and devices for sports rehabilitation medicine ESMA.
The photo shows the following device models:
Computer medical equipment - apparatus - complex ESMA 12.48 FAVORITE
Multifunctional portable device ESMA 12.04 MINIMAX
An X-ray of the shoulder joint is a method of diagnosing the disease using rays. Radiography provides fairly accurate information about all pathological changes in the area of the affected joint and nearby.
This technique uses a non-invasive research method. X-rays interact differently with tissues of internal organs that have unequal density.
As a result, on an X-ray of the shoulder joints, you can see a two-dimensional image of all the parts being examined, including the scapula and collarbone. To determine the location of the lesion as accurately as possible, two photos are taken at once in a lateral and anterior projection.
Typically, radiography is taken after receiving a referral from a traumatologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist or surgeon. The study is carried out in the radiology department of a hospital or community clinic.
Including x-rays can be done at a paid center or private clinic that provides a similar service.
There are no absolute contraindications to undergoing radiography.
Meanwhile, such research can be harmful for pregnant women and children. It is also not recommended to undergo the study very often in a short period of time.
In this case, the doctor may prescribe a different, less harmful and safe diagnostic method.
No special preparation is required before undergoing x-rays. There is a separate room for research, equipped with special insulation.
The subject lies down on a specially designed table. The doctor chooses the position depending on which projection of the affected joint is needed - straight or lateral.
Next, the doctor covers the genitals and thyroid gland with special lead plates or an apron to prevent X-rays from reaching this area.
A high-quality image can be obtained if a modern, high-quality apparatus is used for research. In this case, the doctor doing the x-ray must have the necessary experience. Also, quality directly depends on the behavior of the patient, who needs to follow all the instructions of the radiologist.
If all the rules have been followed, the image will display information about the condition of the tissues of the shoulder joint. If the patient does not follow the instructions and moves during the examination, the image may be damaged, resulting in the need for a repeat X-ray.
In some cases, excess body weight can cause the problem. Due to the abundance of fat cells, X-ray radiation is distorted, and the image in the image may appear unclear. It is also important to choose the right projection to get the most complete picture of the disease.
After the x-ray is sent to a radiologist, the doctor assesses the condition of the anatomical structure that forms the shoulder joint, identifies the contour and size of the joint spaces, and the size of the skeletal system. The image can also reveal the presence of neoplasms in soft and bone tissues.
After studying the information, the doctor writes a conclusion, which the patient must show to the attending physician who gave the referral for an x-ray.
X-ray examination, like other diagnostic methods, is dangerous if taken without medical indications, without consulting a doctor.
Meanwhile, modern radiography equipment is distinguished not only by high quality and manufacturability, but also by increased safety for patients. Thus, the radiation dose received during X-rays is much lower than with older equipment.
Thus, during a single study, a patient receives an average of 0.001 mZt; a person receives a similar dose of radiation throughout the day under natural conditions. In order not to worry about your own health, it is better to undergo the examination in a trusted and high-quality clinic that has modern, safe equipment installed.
It is important to consider that the less the patient is in the area exposed to x-rays and the further away from the emitted device, the lower the radiation dose will be. For this purpose, there is a special protective screen located between the X-ray tube and the subject.
A similar role of protection is played by aprons, skirts, hats, and collars, in which layers of lead are installed. X-rays can especially have a negative effect on the functioning of the reproductive system and hematopoietic cells. There are special clothes for children, as a result of which only the area of the body being studied is exposed to radiation.
Despite the fact that the dose is safe, there is no need to undergo other types of examinations, such as fluorography or mammography, on the same day. Each dose received from radiation must be recorded in the radiation passport, which is included in the patient’s card.
If x-rays are needed during pregnancy, the abdomen must be protected with a lead apron.
An X-ray examination can be performed at a public clinic or at a private medical center for a fee. Private services will be more expensive, but the patient will not have to wait in line and wait in advance to get an appointment with a radiologist.
In addition, public clinics, due to lack of finances, do not always have the latest equipment for performing x-rays. A private clinic, as a rule, has more modern and safe equipment.
When compared with diagnostic methods such as CT and MRI, the cost of radiography is quite low. The price in an expensive clinic is no more than 3 thousand rubles, but on average, a procedure in a paid clinic will cost 2 thousand rubles.
With additional payment, the results of the study are recorded on electronic media so that it is possible to provide the data to the doctor.