A bone x-ray is used to:

• Diagnose broken bones or joint dislocation.
• Demonstrate proper alignment and stabilization of bony fragments following treatment of a fracture.
• Guide orthopedic surgery, such as spine repair/fusion, joint replacement and fracture reductions.
• Look for injury, infection, arthritis, abnormal bone growths, bony changes seen in metabolic conditions.
• Assist in the detection and diagnosis of bone cancer.
• Locate foreign objects in soft tissues around or in bones.

Most bone x-rays require no special preparation.

You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, dentures, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.

X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image in a digital format which is sent immediately to the computer. The X-ray technologist will then view the image to ensure its quality before you leave.