Bone x-ray
X-ray - bone
A bone x-ray is an imaging test to look at the bones.
The skeleton consists of groups of bones which protect and move the body.
The spine is divided into several sections. The cervical vertebrae make up the neck. The thoracic vertebrae comprise the chest section and have ribs attached. The lumbar vertebrae are the remaining vertebrae below the last thoracic bone and the top of the sacrum. The sacral vertebrae are caged within the bones of the pelvis, and the coccyx represents the terminal vertebrae or vestigial tail.
This X-ray shows a malignant bone tumor (osteogenic sarcoma) of the knee. This type of tumor is usually seen in adolescents (around 15 years old). This tumor extends from the bone into the surrounding tissue.
An x-ray is a photo taken with a machine which passes electromagnetic radiation through the body, capturing an image of the internal structures.
X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray depending on density. X-rays can provide information about obstructions, tumors, and other diseases, especially when coupled with the use of barium and air contrast within the bowel.
How the Test is Performed
The test is done in a hospital radiology department or in your health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. For the test, you will position the bone to be x-rayed on the table. Pictures are then taken, and the bone is repositioned for different views.
How to Prepare for the Test
Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant. You must remove all jewelry for the x-ray.
How the Test will Feel
The x-rays are painless. Changing position for getting different views of the bone may be uncomfortable.
Why the Test is Performed
A bone x-ray is used to look for injuries or conditions affecting the bone.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal findings include:
- Fractures or broken bone
- Bone tumors
- Degenerative bone conditions
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II
- Multiple myeloma
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Osteomalacia
- Paget's disease
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Rickets
Risks
There is low radiation exposure. X-ray machines are set to provide the smallest amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.
Children and the fetuses of pregnant women are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray. A protective shield may be worn over areas not being scanned.
References
Contreras F, Perez J, Jose J. Imaging overview. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR. eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7.
Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 4/27/2023
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
