Extremity x-ray

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

X-ray

Overview

Risks

Results

Extremity x-ray

Definition:

X-rays of the extremities (the hand, wrist, foot, and ankle) are images of internal structures. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation like light, but of higher energy, so they 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. (See also bone x-ray.)

How the test is performed:

Extremity x-rays are performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to position the extremity to be x-rayed on the table. The pictures are then taken, usually with repositioning of the extremity for different views.

How to prepare for the test:

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry from the area being imaged.

How the test will feel:

In general, there is no discomfort, although you may be slightly uncomfortable while the extremity is positioned for the x-ray.

Why the test is performed:

Extremity x-ray is used to detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of the extremity.

Review Date: 11/3/2004
Reviewed By: Jeffrey J. Brown, MD FACR, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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