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X-ray - skeleton

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

X-ray
X-ray
Skeleton
Skeleton
Skeletal spine
Skeletal spine
Hand X ray
Hand X ray
Skeleton (posterior view)
Skeleton (posterior view)

Alternative Names    Return to top

Skeletal survey

Definition    Return to top

A skeletal x-ray is an imaging test used to detect fractures, tumors, or conditions that cause wearing away (degeneration) of the bone.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider’s office by an x-ray technologist. The test may be done while you lay on a table or stand in different positions in front of the x-ray machine, depending on the bone that is injured. You may be asked to change position so that different x-ray views can be taken.

The x-ray particles pass through the body. A computer or special film records the images that are created.

Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

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

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

The x-rays themselves are painless. However, changing positions and placing the injured area in the necessary position may be uncomfortable. If the entire skeleton is being imaged, the test usually takes 1 hour or more.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test is used to detect or diagnose:

A skeletal x-ray is often used in children suspected of being abused.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Abnormal findings include fractures, bone tumors, degenerative bone conditions, and osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone caused by an infection).

Risks    Return to top

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays machines are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.

Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray. A protective shield may be worn over areas not being scanned.

References    Return to top

Tamisiea DF. Radiologic aspects of orthopedic diseases. In: Mercier LR, ed. Practical Orthopedics. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 16.

Rogers LF. Talianovic MS, Boles CA. Skeletal trauma. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds.Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 46.

Update Date: 5/2/2009

Updated by: 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.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.