Medical Tests & Exams

What It Is

A foot X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make an image of a person’s foot. During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the foot, and an image is recorded on special X-ray film or a computer. This image shows the soft tissues and bones of the foot, which include the tarsal bones (ankle bones), metatarsal bones (front end of foot), and phalanges (toes).

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as the bones, appear white. Softer body tissues, such as the muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker.

An X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital or a health care provider’s office takes the X-rays. Three different pictures are usually taken of the foot: one from the front (anteroposterior view or AP), one from the side (lateral view), and one at an angle (oblique view).

Why It’s Done

The foot X-ray can help find the cause of common signs and symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformities. It can detect broken bones or dislocated joints. After a broken bone has been set, an X-ray can help determine whether the bones are in proper alignment and whether they have healed properly.

If surgery is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and to assess the results of the operation. Also, an X-ray can help to detect cysts, tumors, and later-stage infections of the bones.

Preparation

A foot X-ray doesn’t require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove clothing (including shoes), jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Procedure

Although the procedure may take about 15 minutes or longer, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a second.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will probably contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling. Parents are usually able to come in with their child to provide reassurance. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs will also be protected with a lead shield.

The technician will position your child either on or off the table, and then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Three X-rays are usually taken (from the front, side, and at an angle), so the technician will return to reposition the foot for each X-ray. Occasionally doctors request X-rays of the opposite foot for comparison.

Older kids will be asked to stay still for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the foot still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool, due to the air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

The positions required for the X-rays may feel uncomfortable, but they only need to be held for a few seconds. If your child has an injury and can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s easier on your child. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they’re blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

A radiologist, a doctor specially trained in interpreting X-ray images, will look at your child’s X-rays and send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there’s some minor risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount of radiation used in a foot X-ray isn’t considered dangerous. Radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your child prepare for a foot X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of staying still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the foot X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

What It Is

A forearm X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of a person’s forearm (including the wrist, radius, ulna, and elbow). During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the arm, and an image is recorded on a computer or special X-ray film. This image shows the soft tissues and bones of the forearm.

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as the bones, appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body tissues, such as muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker.

X-rays are performed by an X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital, a radiology center, or a health care provider’s office. Two pictures are usually taken of the forearm: one from the front (anteroposterior view, or AP) and one from the side (lateral view).

Why It’s Done

A forearm X-ray can help find the causes of common signs and symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the forearm. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, can help determine whether the bones are in proper alignment and the break has healed properly.

If surgery of the forearm is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and to assess the results of the operation. Also, an X-ray can help to detect later stages of infection, as well as cysts, tumors, or other diseases in the bones of the forearm.

Preparation

A forearm X-ray doesn’t require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove some clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the X-ray image.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Procedure

This is a quick procedure. Although it may take about 15 minutes, actual exposure to radiation is only a few seconds.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling or wall. Parents are usually able to accompany their child to provide reassurance and support. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you will be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body from radiation.

If your child is in the hospital and can’t easily be brought to the radiology department, a portable X-ray machine can be brought to the bedside. Portable X-rays are sometimes used in emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms.

The technician will seat your child, position the forearm on the table, and then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Two X-rays are usually taken (from the front and side), so the technician will return to reposition the arm for each X-ray.

Older kids will be asked to stay still for a couple of seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the arm still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

The positions required for the X-ray may feel uncomfortable, but they need to be held for only a few seconds. If your child is injured and can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s easier on your child. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs will also be protected with a lead shield.

After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they’re blurred, the X-rays may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who’s specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly for review by a doctor. Otherwise, they’re usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, X-rays are very safe. Although any exposure to radiation poses some risk to the body, the amount used in a forearm X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It’s important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your child prepare for a forearm X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of staying still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the forearm X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

What It Is

A hand X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of a person’s hand. During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the hand, and an image is recorded on special X-ray film or a computer. This image shows the soft tissues and the wrist bones (carpal bones) the bones between the wrist bones and the fingers (metacarpal bones) and the fingers (phalanges).

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as the bones, appear white on the image. Softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker.

An X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital or a health care provider’s office takes the X-rays. Three different pictures are usually taken of the hand: one from the back with the palm facing down (posteroanterior, or PA, view), one from the side (lateral view, or lat), and one at an angle (oblique view).

Why It’s Done

A hand X-ray can help find the cause of common signs or symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and deformity. It can detect broken bones or dislocated joints. After a broken bone has been set, an X-ray can help determine whether the bones are in proper alignment and whether they have healed properly.

If surgery is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and to assess the results of the operation. Also, an X-ray can help to detect cysts, later-stage infections, tumors, and other diseases in the bones. A hand X-ray may also be done as part of a bone-age study, which can help doctors diagnose disorders that interfere with proper growth.

Preparation

A hand X-ray doesn’t require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Procedure

Although the procedure may take about 15 minutes or longer, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a second.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will probably contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling. Parents are usually able to come in with their child to provide reassurance. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs will also be protected with a lead shield.

The technician will seat your child, position the hand on the table, and then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Three X-rays are usually taken (from the front, side, and at an angle), so the technician will return to reposition the hand for each X-ray. Occasionally doctors request an X-ray of the opposite hand for comparison.

Older kids will be asked to stay still for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the hand still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to the air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

Positions required for the X-ray may feel uncomfortable, but they need to be held for only a few seconds. If your child has an injury and can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s easier on your child. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they are blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist, a doctor who’s specially trained in interpreting X-ray images. The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

In an emergency, the results of a hand X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, X-rays are very safe. Although exposure to radiation poses some risk to the body, the amount of radiation used in a hand X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It’s important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your child prepare for a hand X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of staying still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the hand X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

What It Is

A hip X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make images of the hip joints (where the legs attach to the pelvis). During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the pelvic bones and hip joints, and an image is recorded on a computer or special film. This image shows the soft tissues and the bones of the pelvis and hip joints.

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense body parts that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as bones, appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker. An X-ray technician takes the X-rays.

An X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital or a health care provider’s office takes the X-rays. Two different pictures are usually taken of the hip: one from the front (anteroposterior view or AP), and one from the side (lateral view, also known as the frog leg lateral view). Typically, X-rays of both hips are taken for comparison, even if only one hip is causing symptoms.

Why It’s Done

A hip X-ray can help find the cause of common signs and symptoms, such as limping, pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity in the hip area. It can detect broken bones or a dislocated joint. If hip surgery is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and, later, to see the results of the operation.

Also, a hip X-ray can help to detect bone cysts, tumors, infection of the hip joint, or other diseases in the bones of the hips.

Preparation

A hip X-ray doesn’t require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove some clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

If your daughter is pregnant, it’s important to tell the X-ray technician or her doctor. X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy because there’s a small chance the radiation may harm the developing baby. But if the X-ray is necessary, precautions can be taken to protect the fetus.

Procedure

Although the procedure may take about 10 minutes or longer, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a second.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling. Parents usually can accompany their child to provide reassurance. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs also will be protected with a lead shield.

The technician or radiologist will position your child on the table, then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Two X-rays are usually taken, one with the legs straight (AP view) and one with the knees apart and feet together (frog leg view), which is how the lateral view usually is done. The technician will return to reposition your child for each X-ray.

Older children will be asked to stay still for a couple of seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Staying still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

If your child is in the hospital and can’t easily be brought to the radiology department, a portable X-ray machine can be brought to the bedside. Portable X-rays are sometimes used in emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-rays are taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

The positions required for the X-rays may feel uncomfortable, but they need to be held for only a few seconds. If your child has an injury or is in pain and can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s more comfortable. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they are blurred or unclear, the X-rays may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who’s specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there’s some minor risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount used in a hip X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It’s important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your young child prepare for a hip X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is much like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of keeping still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the hip X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

What It Is

An X-ray of the humerus is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make images of the upper arm (between the shoulder and elbow). During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the upper arm, and an image is recorded on a computer or special film. This image shows the soft tissues and the bone in the upper arm, which is called the humerus.

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense body parts that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as bones, appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker. An X-ray technician takes the X-rays.

An X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital or a health care provider’s office takes the X-rays. Two different pictures are usually taken of the humerus: one from the front (anteroposterior view or AP) and one from the side (lateral view).

Why It’s Done

A humerus X-ray can help find the cause of common signs or symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the upper arm. It can detect a broken bone; after the bone has been set, it can help determine whether it is in proper alignment and has healed properly.

If surgery of the upper arm is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and, later, to see the results of the operation. Also, an X-ray can help detect cysts, tumors, later stages of infection, and other diseases in the bone of the upper arm.

Preparation

A humerus X-ray doesn’t require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove some clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

If your daughter is pregnant, it’s important to tell the X-ray technician or her doctor. X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy because there’s a small chance the radiation may harm the developing baby. But if the X-ray is necessary, precautions can be taken to protect the fetus.

Procedure

Although the procedure may take about 15 minutes or longer, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than half a second.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling. Parents usually can accompany their child to provide reassurance. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs also will be protected with a lead shield.

If your child is in the hospital and can’t easily be brought to the radiology department, a portable X-ray machine can be brought to the bedside. Portable X-rays are sometimes used in emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms.

The technician or radiologist will position your child (either lying or standing), then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Two X-rays are usually taken (from the front and from the side), so the technician will return to reposition the arm for each X-ray.

Older children will be asked to stay still for a couple of seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the arm still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-rays are taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

The positions required for the X-rays may feel uncomfortable, but they need to be held for only a few seconds. If your child has an injury and can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s more comfortable. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they are blurred or unclear, the X-rays may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who’s specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there’s some risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount used in a humerus X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It’s important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your young child prepare for a humerus X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of keeping still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the humerus X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

What It Is

A knee X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of a person’s knee. During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the knee, and an image is recorded on a computer or special film. This image shows parts of the bones of the knee, including the femur (the bone above the knee), the tibia and fibula (the lower leg bones), the patella (kneecap), and the soft tissues.

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense body parts that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as bones, appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body tissues, such as muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker.

X-rays are performed by an X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital, a freestanding radiology center, or a health care provider’s office. Three different pictures are usually taken of the knee: one from the front (anteroposterior view or AP), one from the side (lateral view), and one of the kneecap when the knee is bent (sunrise view).

Why It’s Done

A knee X-ray can help find the causes of common signs and symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the knee. It can detect broken bones or a dislocated joint. After a broken bone has been set, the image can help determine whether the bone is in proper alignment and whether it has healed properly.

If knee surgery is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and, later, to see the results of the operation. Also, a knee X-ray can help to diagnose later stages of infection, as well as cysts, tumors, or other diseases in the bone.

Preparation

A knee X-ray doesn’t require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove some clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

If your daughter is pregnant, it is important to tell the X-ray technician or her doctor. X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy because there’s a small chance the radiation may harm the developing baby. But if the X-ray is necessary, precautions can be taken to protect the fetus.

Procedure

Although the procedure may take about 10 minutes, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a few seconds.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling or wall. Parents usually can accompany their child to provide reassurance. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs also will be protected with a lead shield.

The technician or radiologist will position your child (on the table or standing), then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Three X-rays are usually taken (from the front, the side, and with the knee bent to get a good picture of the kneecap), so the technician will reposition the leg for each X-ray. Rarely, another view or two might be needed. Occasionally, doctors also order an X-ray of the opposite knee for comparison.

Older children will be asked to stay still for a couple of seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the knee still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

If your child is in the hospital and can’t easily be brought to the radiology department, a portable X-ray machine can be brought to the bedside. Portable X-rays are sometimes used in emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-rays are taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

The positions required for the X-rays may feel uncomfortable, but they need to be held for only a few seconds. If your child has an injury and can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s easier on your child. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they are blurred or unclear, the X-rays may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who is specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there’s some risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount used in a knee X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It’s important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your child prepare for a knee X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of staying still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the knee X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

What It Is

A leg length X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make images of the bones in a child’s legs, to measure and compare their length. During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the legs, and an image is recorded on special film or a computer. The image shows the soft tissues and the bones in the legs, which includes the femur, tibia, and fibula.

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense body parts that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as bones, appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker.

An X-ray technician takes the X-rays. In younger kids, one picture is taken of both legs at the same time, from the front while the child is standing. In older kids, three separate pictures might be taken, of the hips, knees, and ankles. This is done while the child is lying down.

Why It’s Done

Although no one is exactly symmetrical, some kids may have significant differences in the length of their legs, a condition known as leg length discrepancy. This can have several causes, as well as several symptoms. Some kids don’t feel anything at all, while others might have knee, hip, or back pain. Some kids with leg length discrepancy limp or may get tired easily while walking.

In addition to physically examining the child, a doctor requests a leg length X-ray to help with the measurement. It’s important to determine the exact difference in leg length before a doctor can decide on a treatment plan. If a leg length discrepancy is verified, the X-ray might be repeated at regular intervals to see if the difference is getting greater or to monitor the effects of treatment.

Preparation

A leg length X-ray doesn’t require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove some clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, inform her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Procedure

Although the procedure may take about 15 minutes, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a few seconds.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling or wall. Parents are usually able to come in with their child to provide reassurance. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs also will be protected with a lead shield.

The technician will position your child (either lying or standing), then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Older kids will be asked to stay still for a couple of seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the legs still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

The position required for the X-ray may feel uncomfortable, but it needs to be held for only a few seconds. If your child can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s easier on your child. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

After the X-ray is taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the image is processed. If it’s blurred or unclear, some of the views may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who’s specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

Risks

In general, X-rays are very safe. Although exposure to radiation poses some risk to the body, the amount used in a leg length X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It’s important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at greater risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your child prepare for a leg length X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of keeping still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the leg length X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

What It Is

An X-ray of the tibia and fibula is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of the lower leg. During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the lower leg, and an image is recorded on a computer or special X-ray film. This image shows the bones (tibia and fibula) and soft tissues of the lower leg.

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as the tibia and fibula, appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker.

X-rays are performed by an X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital, a freestanding radiology center, or a health care provider’s office. Two different pictures are taken of the lower leg: one from the front (anteroposterior view, or AP) and one from the side (lateral view).

Why It’s Done

An X-ray of the tibia and fibula can help find the cause of common signs and symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the lower leg. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, an X-ray can help determine whether the bones are in proper alignment and whether they have healed properly.

If surgery of the lower leg is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and, later, to see the results of the operation. Also, an X-ray can help to diagnose later stages of infections, as well as cysts, tumors, and other diseases in the bones of the lower leg.

Preparation

An X-ray of the tibia and fibula doesn’t require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove some clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the X-ray image.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, inform her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Procedure

This is a quick procedure. Although the tibia and fibula X-ray exam may take about 15 minutes, actual exposure to radiation is less than a second.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling or the wall. Parents are usually able to accompany their child to provide reassurance and support.

The technician will position your child on the table, and will then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Two X-rays are usually taken (from the front and side), so the technician will return to reposition the leg for each X-ray.

Older kids will be asked to stay still for a couple of seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the leg still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

If your child is in the hospital and can’t easily be brought to the radiology department, a portable X-ray machine can be brought to the bedside. Portable X-rays are sometimes used in emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

The positions required for the X-ray may feel uncomfortable, but they need to be held for only a few seconds. If your child has an injury and can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s easier on your child. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs also will be protected with a lead shield.

After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the images are processed. If they’re blurred, the X-rays may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who’s specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly for review by a doctor. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, X-rays are safe. Although any exposure to radiation poses some risk to the body, the amount used in a tibia and fibula X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It’s important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at greater risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your child prepare for an X-ray of the tibia and fibula by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is much like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of keeping still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the tibia and fibula X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

What It Is

A neck X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make images of the soft tissues in the neck. During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the neck, and an image is recorded on a computer or special film.

This image includes structures such as the vertebrae (neck bones), the soft tissue in front of the vertebrae, and the adenoids and tonsils when they’re enlarged. It also shows the oral and nasal airways, the nasopharynx (where those two airways meet), part of the trachea (windpipe), and the epiglottis (the flap of tissue that covers the trachea when people swallow).

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense body parts that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as the teeth and bones, appear white on the X-ray image. Hollow parts, such as the airways, allow X-ray beams to pass through them and appear black.

An X-ray technician takes the X-ray. When a neck X-ray is taken to view the soft tissues of the neck, usually one picture is taken, from the side (lateral view). An additional picture from the front might also be taken (anteroposterior or AP view).

Why It’s Done

A neck X-ray is used to help diagnose problems in the soft tissues of the neck. For example, symptoms such as stridor (noisy breathing), barking cough, and hoarseness may result from swelling of different areas in or near the airway. The neck X-ray can help detect a swollen epiglottis (a condition known as epiglottitis), which is rare, or swelling in the tissues around the vocal cords (croup). It can also help in diagnosing an infection in the area behind the throat (retropharyngeal abscess).

It can detect signs of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which is useful in the evaluation of kids with obstructive sleep apnea, excessive snoring, or recurrent sinus and ear infections.

It also can reveal masses in the neck, such as cysts and tumors, as well as some types of objects that might have been mistakenly swallowed or inhaled and have become lodged in the upper airway or esophagus.

Preparation

A neck X-ray doesn’t require special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove all clothing and jewelry from the waist up and change into a hospital gown because buttons, zippers, clasps, or jewelry might interfere with the image.

If your daughter is pregnant, it’s important to tell the X-ray technician or her doctor. X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy because there’s a small chance the radiation may harm the developing baby. But if the X-ray is necessary, precautions can be taken to protect the fetus.

Procedure

Although the procedure may take about 15 minutes, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a second.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling. Parents are usually able to accompany their child to provide reassurance. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child’s reproductive organs also will be protected with a lead shield.

A neck X-ray may be performed in a standing, sitting, or lying position. This will depend on the condition of your child and the reason for the X-ray. The technician will position your child, then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. If two X-rays are taken, the technician will return to reposition your child.

Older kids will be asked to hold their breath and remain still for 2-3 seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the neck still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

Positions required for the X-ray may feel uncomfortable, but they need to be held for only a few seconds. If your child is injured or in pain and can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s more comfortable. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

After the X-ray is taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the image is processed. If it is blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-ray will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who’s specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

In an emergency, the results of a neck X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, neck X-rays are very safe. Although any exposure to radiation poses some risk to the body, the amount used in a neck X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It’s important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your young child prepare for a neck X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of keeping still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the neck X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

What It Is

A pelvis X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of the pelvic bones, which surround the hip area.

During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the pelvis and an image is recorded on special film or a computer. This image shows the bones of the pelvis, which include the two hip bones, plus the sacrum and the coccyx (tailbone).

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense body parts that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as bones, appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body tissues, such as muscles and fat, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker.

An X-ray technician takes the X-rays in the X-ray department of a hospital or outpatient radiology center. One to two pictures are usually taken of the pelvis, one with the legs straight from the front (anteroposterior or AP view) and one with the legs bent from the side (lateral view). The X-rays are taken while the patient is lying flat on his or her back.

Why It’s Done

A pelvic X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, swelling, or deformity in the pelvic, hip, or upper leg regions, and can detect broken bones after an injury.

If pelvic surgery is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and, later, to see the results of the operation. Also, pelvic X-rays may detect other problems such as cysts, tumors, and later-stage infections of the pelvic bones.

Preparation

This X-ray doesn’t require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove some clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

If your daughter is pregnant, it’s important to tell the X-ray technician or her doctor. X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy because there’s a small chance the radiation may harm the developing baby. But if the X-ray is necessary, precautions can be taken to protect the fetus.

Procedure

Although the procedure may take 10 minutes or longer from start to finish, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a few seconds.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling or wall. Parents are usually able to accompany their child to provide reassurance.

If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. The technician will position your child on the table, then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine.

Older kids will be asked to stay still for a couple of seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require some gentle restraint. Keeping still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

If your child is in the hospital and can’t easily be brought to the radiology department, a portable X-ray machine can be brought to the bedside. Portable X-rays are sometimes used in emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms.

What to Expect

Your child won’t feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.

The positions required for the X-ray can feel uncomfortable, but they need to be held for only a few seconds. If your child is having pain and can’t stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that’s easier. Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they’re restrained, but this won’t interfere with the procedure.

After the X-ray is taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes while the image is processed. If it is blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-ray will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who is specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to the doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available quickly. Otherwise, they’re usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

Risks

In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there’s some risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount used in a pelvis X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It’s important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.

Helping Your Child

You can help your young child prepare for a pelvis X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.

You can describe the room and the equipment that will be used, and reassure your child that you’ll be right there for support. For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of keeping still while the X-ray is taken so it won’t have to be repeated.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the pelvis X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.