Digital Radiography (X-ray)
X-rays provide fast, low-cost imaging for bones, lungs, and lines/tubes placement.
~1 chest X-ray (very low)
What is X-ray?
X-ray uses a small dose of ionizing radiation to create a 2D projection image. It is the first-line test for fractures, chest evaluation, and device positioning.
How it works: An X-ray tube sends photons through the body to a detector. Dense structures like bone block more rays and appear white, while air-filled areas appear dark.
Common Uses of X-ray
Fracture detection
Identify breaks, dislocations, and alignment.
Chest evaluation
Assess pneumonia, effusion, lines, and tubes.
Abdominal overview
Screen for obstruction, free air, stones.
Advantages
- ✓Fast and widely available
- ✓Low cost
- ✓Good for bones and hardware checks
Limitations
- ⚠Uses ionizing radiation
- ⚠Limited soft-tissue detail
- ⚠2D projection can hide overlapping pathology
Preparation Checklist
0 of 3 completed
⚖️X-ray vs CT
Related Imaging Modalities
Use CT for cross-sectional detail or MRI for soft tissue.
CT
CT scans use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. They are particularly useful for detecting bone fractures, tumors, and internal bleeding.
MRI
MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and soft tissues. Excellent for brain, spine, and joint imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this imaging modality.
Browse X-ray Terms
Explore common terms in X-ray reports, each with detailed explanations, clinical significance, and related lab tests to help you understand your imaging results. lab tests.
Fracture Detection on X-Ray
Discontinuity in cortical cortex with or without displacement. Signs: lucent fracture line, cortical disruption, alteration in bone contour. Acute: sharp margins, soft tissue swelling. Chronic: rounded margins, callus formation, sclerosis.
Pneumonia on Chest X-ray
Airspace opacity (consolidation) with air bronchograms. Patterns: lobar, multifocal, or interstitial. Distribution: lower lobes (aspiration), right middle lobe (children), bilateral (atypical).
Pneumothorax Detection on Chest X-Ray
Visceral pleural line visible as a thin white line separated from parietal pleura by lucent air space. No lung markings beyond this line. Size graded: small (< 15% volume), moderate (15-30%), large (> 30%). May show contralateral mediastinal shift (tension).
Pulmonary Edema on Chest X-Ray
Bilateral infiltrates with "bat wing" or perihilar distribution. Cardiogenic: enlarged heart, vascular redistribution, pleural effusions, Kerley B lines. Non-cardiogenic: normal heart size, diffuse infiltrates, no effusions.
Xray Example 1
Representative finding for this modality.
Xray Example 2
Representative finding for this modality.
Xray Example 3
Representative finding for this modality.
Xray Example 4
Representative finding for this modality.
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Medical References
This content is referenced from authoritative medical organizations:
- 1.