Our Services / X-Rays

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is a medical test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to create images of your internal tissues, bones, and organs. The team at Coastal Ortho then interprets these images to identify tumors or bone injuries. 

When the image is produced, you typically see a black background with a faded gray color covering your bones or other dense parts of your body. Because X-rays use external radiation to produce images of the internal structures of your body, certain parts of your body allow the X-ray beams to pass through more easily than other parts. 

For example, your soft tissue, such as blood, skin, muscle, and fat, allow most of the X-ray to pass through and hardly show up in the images, giving a gray, faded appearance. However, more dense substances, like a tumor or your bone, are more resistant to the X-ray and, therefore, appear white in the images.

If you have a broken bone, the X-ray passes through the broken area and presents a dark line going through the white bone. This helps doctors easily identify the location of the break or tumor or if it exists. 

Why would I need an X-ray?

If you suffer from symptoms signifying a fracture or broken bone you may need an X-ray to identify the issue. 

These symptoms include:

• Continuous pain in the injured area
• Swelling
• Deformity
• Bruising
• Tenderness to the touch
• Difficulty moving the affected area

On the other hand, if you experience pain in your bones or joints, frequent bone fractures, lethargy, limping, swelling, or weight loss, you could have a cancerous or non-cancerous bone tumor and should require immediate X-ray evaluation. 

Additionally, X-rays can identify scoliosis and other spine issues that may cause severe back pain. 

How are X-rays performed?

When you come into Coastal Ortho to receive an X-ray, the team may ask you to remove any clothing or jewelry that could interfere with the procedure. Depending on the area receiving the X-ray, the team will help you position yourself to view the affected area easily. 

The parts of your body that are not receiving the X-ray should be covered with a lead apron to avoid exposure to the X-ray radiation. You should remain as still as possible during the X-ray process to prevent blurred images. 

The technologist at Coastal Ortho will stand behind a protective window to capture the image. Depending on the body part needing the X-ray, you may need several images taken at different angles. 

To receive an X-ray and diagnose potential issues, call Coastal Ortho or use the online booking tool today.