X-Rays: How useful are they?
By James Telford APAM
As a physiotherapist, I am consistently discussing X-Raysand their relevance. Whether referring an ankle injury, or discussing knee and hip osteoarthritis with a patient, X-Rays come up often in conversation. 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 structuressuch as bones.
What can I see withan 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. 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 anX-Ray?
This is a clinical decision made by your health practitioners. Investigating fracturesand joint disorders may require an X-Ray to investigate the severity of theproblem. Otherwise, the majority ofmusculoskeletal problems do not require imaging, and the history and clinical assessment should provide enough information to develop a diagnosis.
My X-Ray showsdegeneration. 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.
