X-Rays:Â How useful are they?
By James Telford APAMÂ
As a physiotherapist, I am consistently discussing X-Rays
and their relevance. Whether referring
an ankle injury, or discussing knee and hip osteoarthritis with a patient,
X-Rays come up often in conversation.Â
But are they useful? What are the
side effects? When do you need one? Below are some answers to common X-Ray
questions.
What is an X-Ray?
X-Rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation. They allow us to view internal structures
such as bones.Â
What can I see with
an X-Ray?
X-Rays are predominantly used for viewing bony structures
within the body. They are also able to
gauge the space within joints, metal-ware and foreign objects within the body,
as well as lung and heart positioning.  It
is close to impossible to diagnose ligamentous injury via X-Ray.
Are X-Rays dangerous?
Generally, the amount of radiation patients are exposed to
from an X-Ray is relatively minor, and equivalent to a few days of normal
radiation exposure in the outside world.Â
Exposure to X-Rays does carry a risk of causing several types of cancer
years or decades into the future, but this risk is thought to be very small.
Do I require an
X-Ray?
This is a clinical decision made by your health
practitioners. Investigating fractures
and joint disorders may require an X-Ray to investigate the severity of the
problem. Otherwise, the majority of
musculoskeletal problems do not require imaging, and the history and clinical
assessment should provide enough information to develop a diagnosis.
My X-Ray shows
degeneration. Do I require surgery?
The main indicator for any type of orthopaedic surgery is symptomology. Whilst an X-Ray is part of a clinical picture, research has found very little correlation between X-Ray findings and pain, stiffness and function. Therefore, it is more important to undergo a thorough subjective and physical examination for the health practitioner to then develop a treatment plan.
