X-ray - Bone

X-ray - Bone

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Podiatry (Lower Leg & Foot)
+2
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBASep 06, 2018

Background Information:

What are the other Names for the Procedure?

  • Bone X-ray
  • Radiography of Bone
  • X-ray of the Bone

What is X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure? (General Explanation)

  • An X-ray is a noninvasive medical test that produces images, by sending individual X-ray particles to the target of exploration
  • Using an X-ray - Bone procedure, images of any bone may be taken

What part of the Body does the Procedure involve?

The Radiography of Bone procedure may involve any bone in the body. The healthcare physician shall determine the site to be imaged.

Why is the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure Performed?

An X-ray - Bone scan is performed for the following reasons:

  • To detect any fractures, foreign objects, or bone cancer
  • To assist in various surgeries and joint replacements
  • To find any changes in bones and detect arthritis, injuries, and any other abnormalities of bones

What is the Equipment used? (Description of Equipment)

  • The equipment for an X-ray - Bone may consist of:
    • A table, on which the patient lies
    • An X-ray tube and machine above the table
  • If the patient cannot be taken to the X-ray machine room, then portable X-ray machines are used. These are taken to the patient’s room, where a flexible arm with an X-ray tube is moved over the patient, to take the image
  • In the emergency room, portable machines are also used, as they can be easily transported to the patient’s room

What are the Recent Advances in the Procedure?

There have been no recent advances to replace the X-ray scan procedure.

What is the Cost of performing the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure?

The cost of an X-ray of the Bone procedure depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of your health insurance, annual deductibles, co-pay requirements, out-of-network and in-network of your healthcare providers and healthcare facilities.

In many cases, an estimate may be provided before the procedure. The final amount depends upon the findings during the surgery/procedure and post-operative care that is necessary.

When do you need a Second Opinion, prior to the Procedure?

  • It is normal for a patient to feel uncomfortable and confused with a sudden inflow of information regarding a Bone X-ray procedure and what needs to be done
  • If the patient needs further reassurance or a second opinion, a physician will almost always assist in recommending another physician
  • Also, if the procedure involves multiple steps or has many alternatives, the patient may take a second opinion to understand and choose the best one. They can also choose to approach another physician independently

What are some Helpful Resources?

http://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/radiationemittingproductsandprocedures/medicalimaging/medicalx-rays/ucm115318.htm (accessed on 05/28/2014)

Prior to X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure:

How does the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure work?

  • The X-ray scanner uses radio waves that pass through the patient’s body and an image is recorded on a plate, placed on the other side of the patient’s body
  • Various parts of the body absorb radiation in differing amounts and these show up differently, in shades of gray or black, on the plate

How is the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure Performed?

  • The patient lies down on the examination table and the X-ray tube is positioned above the affected part, or region to be imaged
  • The patient is asked to remain motionless or still, in order to avoid any blurriness of the image taken
  • The radiology technologist takes the X-ray - Bone image, by the use of a control panel

Where is the Procedure Performed?

A Bone X-ray is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, at a hospital.

Who Performs the Procedure?

An X-ray of the Bone is usually taken by a radiology technologist.

How long will the Procedure take?

An X-ray - Bone procedure should take about 10 minutes.

Who interprets the Result?

  • A radiologist interprets the X-ray of the Bone results and informs the primary care physician, who then conveys the information to the patient
  • Follow-up examinations are also done to observe the progress of treatment and healing.

What Preparations are needed, prior to the Procedure?

  • Patients are asked to remove any kind of metal objects from their body, including glasses, dental work, or jewelry, as metal objects interferes with the images
  • Women are advised to inform the physician, if they are pregnant, before an X-ray of the Bone is taken

What is the Consent Process before the Procedure?

A physician will request your consent for a Chest X-ray scan procedure using an Informed Consent Form.

Consent for the Procedure: A “consent” is your approval to undergo a procedure. A consent form is signed after the risks and benefits of the procedure, and alternative treatment options, are discussed. This process is called informed consent.

You must sign the forms only after you are totally satisfied with the answers to your questions. In case of minors and individuals unable to personally give their consent, the individual’s legal guardian or next of kin, shall give their consent for the procedure.

What are the Benefits versus Risks, for this Procedure?

Following are the benefits of the X-ray - Bone procedure:

  • An X-ray scan is a painless, quick, and a non-invasive procedure
  • It is easily available and is (relatively) not expensive
  • An X-ray scan is very useful in detecting joint problems or bone fractures
  • The radiation does not remain in the patient’s body after the procedure

Following are the risks of the X-ray - Bone procedure:

  • Since radiation is used in an X-ray of the Bone procedure, there is a very slight risk of cancer
  • It is highly advised that women inform their doctors if they are pregnant, prior to the procedure

What are the Limitations of the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure?

  • X-rays of the Bones are not useful to determine injuries related to muscles, joints, or tendons
  • Further imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scan, may be necessary to aid the diagnosis, or to further analyze the abnormality found in the X-ray
  • In some cases, a CT scan may provide better results than an X-ray scan, such as during an emergency, osteoporosis, or a hip fracture

What are some Questions for your Physician?

Some of the basic questions that you might ask your healthcare provider or physician are as follows:

  • What is an X-ray of the Bone procedure?
  • Why is this procedure necessary? How will it help?
  • How soon should I get it done? Is it an emergency?
  • Who are the medical personnel involved in this procedure?
  • Where is the procedure performed?
  • What are the risks while performing the procedure?
  • What are the complications that might take place, during recovery?
  • What are the possible side effects from the procedure? How can I minimize these side effects?
  • How long will it take to recover? When can I resume normal work?
  • How many such procedures have you (the physician) performed?
  • Are there any lifestyle restrictions or modifications required, after the procedure is performed?
  • Are there any follow-up tests, periodic visits to the healthcare facility required, after the procedure?
  • Is there any medication that needs to be taken for life, after the procedure?
  • What are the costs involved?

During the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure:

What is to be expected during the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure?

  • An X-ray of the Bone procedure is a non-invasive procedure; the test will not cause any pain
  • The table you lie on may feel hard and the room may be cool
  • It may be difficult to lie still, during the procedure
  • Some individuals may feel nervous inside the X-ray scanner area

What kind of Anesthesia is given, during the Procedure?

No anesthesia is administered during the X-ray of the Bone procedure.

How much Blood will you lose, during the Procedure?

There is no blood loss during the X-ray of the Bone procedure.

What are the possible Risks and Complications during the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure?

There remains a slight possibility of cancer occurrence, due to radiation.

What Post-Operative Care is needed at the Healthcare Facility after the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure?

There is no post-operative care required, after an X-ray scan.

After the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure:

What is to be expected after the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure?

Generally, no complications or side effects are observed after the Bone X-ray procedure.

When do you need to call your Physician?

If the patient is experiencing an allergic reaction from the contrast reaction (if any given); then, do contact the physician.

What Post-Operative Care is needed at Home after the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure?

There is no post-operative care necessary after an X-ray of the Bone scan.

How long does it normally take to fully recover, from the Procedure?

The patient needs no recovery time after a Bone X-ray.

Additional Information:

What happens to tissue (if any), taken out during the Procedure?

No tissue is extracted from the patient during an X-ray of the Bone procedure.

When should you expect results from the pathologist regarding tissue taken out, during the Procedure?

Since no tissue is removed during the procedure, a pathologist does not get involved in the care of the patient. 

Who will you receive a Bill from, after the X-ray of the Bone radiology procedure?

It is important to note that the number of bills that the patient may receive depends on the arrangement the healthcare facility has with the physician and other healthcare providers.

Sometimes, the patient may get a single bill that includes the healthcare facility and the consultant physician charges. Sometimes, the patient might get multiple bills depending on the healthcare provider involved. For instance, the patient may get a bill from:

  • The hospital, where the procedure is performed
  • Radiologist or neurologist, performing the procedure
  • Healthcare providers, physicians, who are involved in the process

The patient is advised to inquire and confirm the type of billing, before the X-ray of the Bone procedure is performed.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

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