X-Rays:Â How useful are they?
By James Telford APAMÂ
As a physiotherapist, I am consistently discussing X-Raysand their relevance. Whether referringan ankle injury, or discussing knee and hip osteoarthritis with a patient,X-Rays come up often in conversation. But are they useful? What are theside effects? When do you need one? Below are some answers to common X-Rayquestions.
What is an X-Ray?
X-Rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation. They allow us to view internal structuressuch as bones.Â
What can I see withan X-Ray?
X-Rays are predominantly used for viewing bony structureswithin the body. They are also able togauge the space within joints, metal-ware and foreign objects within the body,as well as lung and heart positioning.  Itis close to impossible to diagnose ligamentous injury via X-Ray.
Are X-Rays dangerous?
Generally, the amount of radiation patients are exposed tofrom an X-Ray is relatively minor, and equivalent to a few days of normalradiation exposure in the outside world. Exposure to X-Rays does carry a risk of causing several types of canceryears 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 healthpractitioners. 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 clinicalassessment 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 issymptomology. Whilst an X-Ray is part ofa clinical picture, research has found very little correlation between X-Rayfindings and pain, stiffness and function. Therefore, it is more important to undergo a thorough subjective andphysical examination for the health practitioner to then develop a treatmentplan.
