What are X-Rays? X-Rays for Different Body Parts & Risks Associated

Also known as radiographs, X-Rays are a vital part of any medical examination. They are conducted to examine injuries which are not visible to the eyes. Various types of radiographs are done according to the patient’s needs. Each type examines different parts of the body and helps detect problems related to them. Read along to know what an X-ray is, its different types, and when you need to get it done.

X-Ray is a medical examination procedure that captures pictures of the body's internal parts. It uses radiation to create these pictures. These pictures can be developed on a film or viewed digitally on a screen. It helps doctors recognise the problem efficiently and provide precise treatment.

X-Rays are used to determine various medical conditions. There are different types of x-rays to diagnose different conditions:

1. Skull X-Ray

Skull x-rays are conducted when an individual goes through an injury in their skull. An x-ray of the skull helps look at the bones around the skull, including the facial and cranial bones. This helps detect tumours and fractures, sinus infections or infections in the ear.

Parts diagnosed: Cranial bones, frontal bones, parietal bones, temporal bones, etc.

How is the test performed?

For this, patients are made to lie on the x-ray table or sit in a chair. Then, they are assisted by technicians to move their heads to different positions to take pictures.

2. Neck X-Ray

When individuals experience pain in their neck for a relatively long period, they are advised for a neck x-ray. Neck x-rays are conducted to detect dislocation of joints or fractures in the spinal cord.

Parts diagnosed: Neck, shoulder, upper back, spinal cord

How is the test performed?

Neck x-rays require 2-7 images. First, patients are made to lie on the x-ray table while pictures are captured in the machine. Then, they are asked to change the positions of their neck until the doctor gets the right image. A technician sits next to them throughout the procedure.

3. Chest X-Ray

Chest X-Rays are conducted when people experience severe chest pain, persistent cough, coughing blood or difficulty breathing. It helps diagnose conditions like fractures in the ribs or spine, lung cancer, tuberculosis, or any other disease in the chest or lungs.

Parts diagnosed: Lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.

How is the test performed?

There are two images taken for chest x-rays. Patients are asked to stand facing the x-ray machine for one picture and face sideways for another. They are asked to hold their breath while the pictures are taken.

4. Abdominal X-ray

This is performed when an individual is facing issues in their abdomen. Abdominal X-Rays are done when patients experience unexplained stomach pain or nausea. It is done to identify conditions like kidney stones, bladder stones or intestinal blockage.

Parts diagnosed: Spleen, stomach, and intestine.

How is the test performed?

Patients lie on their backs while the x-ray machine is placed over their abdomen. They are asked to hold their breath while pictures are captured in the machine. Patients are assisted on and off the table by a technician.

If need be, they are asked to stand so that the machine can take pictures of the side of their stomach.

5. Bone X-ray

Bone X-Rays are conducted to check conditions like fractures, dislocated joints, arthritis, cancer spreading through the bones, etc.

Parts diagnosed: Arm, leg, hand, foot, ankle, shoulder, knee, hip and hand

How is the test performed?

For this, patients are asked to place whichever bone is to be diagnosed on the X-ray table. Then, they are asked to position the bone differently while pictures are taken.

6. Joint X-Ray

Joint X-rays are conducted when an individual faces discomfort in their joints. It is done in order to look for problems like fractures, arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, etc.

Parts diagnosed: Knees, shoulders, hips, ankles or wrists

How is the test performed?

Patients are required to place the particular joint on the x-ray table. Technicians assist them in changing the position of the joints during the process.

7. Kidney, Ureter and Bladder X-ray

It is also known as KUB X-ray. KUB X-rays are conducted if individuals face trouble in their abdominal areas or have gastrointestinal problems. In addition, it is the first step in detecting problems related to the urinary tract. It identifies problems like kidney stones and checks the size and shape of the kidneys and bladders.

Parts diagnosed: Kidney, ureter, bladder.

How is the test performed?

Patients are asked to sit, lie, or stand sideways for the x-ray according to their needs. A trained technician accompanies them throughout the process.

Dental X-Rays are conducted to examine dental infections. In addition, it helps identify the condition of your roots, jaw and facial bones. This also helps in identifying problems like tooth decay, infections, cysts or dental tumours, along with changes in the bone.

The different types of dental x-rays are as follows:

1. Panoramic X-Rays

Bitewing X-Rays capture one part of the mouth. It shows details of that particular part's upper and lower teeth and helps detect tooth decay and changes in bone density. In case there is any breakdown of dental fillings, it is also captured in the bitewing x-ray. This x-ray is generally conducted to locate the area which causes discomfort.

Parts Diagnosed: Upper and lower teeth lines, roots and gums

2. Periapical X-rays

A periapical x-ray shows all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. It shows the entire tooth from the crown to the part connected to the jaw. Periapical x-rays are conducted to detect any abnormalities in the root and surrounding bone structure. This x-ray is usually conducted to find damage in the jawbone or the tip of the tooth root.

Parts Diagnosed: Whole tooth, roots and jaws

3. Occlusal X-rays

Occlusal x-rays show the entire development and placement of the teeth on the top and bottom surfaces of the mouth. It helps dentists to detect problems like delay in the eruption of a tooth or to spot an extra tooth which might cause damage to an already healthy tooth. This x-ray helps to diagnose conditions like a fracture or cysts, which are difficult to detect.

Parts Diagnosed: Tooth line, fracture or cysts

1. Panoramic X-Rays

Panoramic x-rays show all the teeth in the mouth in both the upper and lower jaws. It is usually conducted to detect tumours but is also used to study tooth development.

Parts Diagnosed: Upper and lower jaw, surrounding tissues, roots and teeth

2. Cephalometric projections

These are also known as Ceph X-rays. They show pictures of an entire side of the head. It is usually done to detect disorders like sleep apnea and Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Parts Diagnosed: Jawline, teeth, soft tissues around the jaw bone

3. Computed Tomography (CT)

This is done to determine the size of body implants and their location for their placement. As a result, computed Tomography has a higher radiation exposure rate than the rest.

Parts Diagnosed: Muscles, bones, fat, organs, blood vessels