The x-ray is the earliest form of medical imaging and remains quite in demand. It makes use of electromagnetic waves to produce pictures of the body’s internal organs. An x-ray shows doctors images of your internal structures in shades of black and white.
X-rays are usually the first medical imaging procedure requested by a doctor for diagnostic purposes. X-rays are not only used to form diagnoses but also to help with treatment, check on progression of a condition or injury, and to assess progress following treatment.
No matter what the reason is for your doctor requesting an x-ray, rest assured that it’s a good decision because it can help diagnose any condition you have quickly and efficiently. X-ray images are available immediately, which helps you get answers quickly.
Here are the top 3 uses of x-rays.
Fractured Bones
Patients who sustain a bone injury are usually asked to undergo x-rays. Even if a fracture is diagnosed without an x-ray, it can still provide significant information about the fracture. The images can tell a doctor if the fracture is complete (the bone is broken into two pieces) or if it’s partial. The x-ray can also depict if the bone has moved out of its original place and if the fracture has caused the bone to shatter or break in multiple pieces. Based on the findings from the x-ray, a doctor can determine how to treat the fracture in the best way possible so it heals correctly.
Mammography
A mammogram is another very common application for the x-ray and is requested for patients who want to get tested for abnormal growths in the breast. Mammograms use x-rays to capture images of what’s inside the breasts. It is used to detect abnormal growths so a determination can be made if further testing is necessary. Mammograms have drastically reduced deaths associated with breast cancer since 1990 because it allows for early diagnosis.
Urinary Tract Conditions
Another common use of x-rays is to look into the body’s organs for issues. IVP or intravenous pyelogram x-ray involves injecting a contrast material into the body prior to performing the x-ray to help highlight issues in the bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The contrasting material helps highlight abnormalities better in the x-ray images. Common examples of when an IVP x-ray may be requested is if you have blood in your urine or if you have unexplained lower abdominal pain.
Digital X-Ray in Palm Beach County, Florida
At Independent Imaging, we use GE’s digital flat panel detector technology to provide high quality and highly detailed images of your body’s internal structures when performing x-rays.
A quick and accurate diagnosis saves lives by letting your doctor know exactly what’s wrong so a treatment plan can be implemented as soon as possible. This is why our radiologists use digital x-ray technology. Independent Imaging offers digital x-rays as well as IVP x-rays in all our ACR-accredited imaging facilities in Belle Glade, Lake Worth, Wellington, and Royal Palm Beach.
For your convenience, Independent Imaging accepts walk-ins, same-day appointments, and are very flexible with our schedule. Please call (561) 795-5558 for any questions or to make an appointment online. We look forward to serving you.
