Shoulder X-Ray Imaging

· X-rays are the first line investigation when it comes to taking images of the bone and soft tissue to show if a fracture or dislocation is suspected etc. or to check for foreign bodies that may be present in the soft tissue. (RCR IRefer, 2017)

What are x-rays?

· Like visible light, x-rays are simply a form of electromagnetic radiation. They are generated when high-energy electrons hit a material such as glass. The material will then emit radiation that can penetrate objects that are opaque to light. This type of radiation is called x-rays.

X-rays in medical imaging:

· Due to their very short wavelength and high energy, x-rays are able to pass through most tissues and structures inside the human body. However, they are absorbed in different amounts by different tissues. The amount absorbed depends on the radiological density of the tissue they pass through. For example, bones are very radiologically dense due to the presence of calcium so they will readily absorb x-rays. As a result, bones will produce high contrast on an x-ray image while soft tissues such as muscle are shadowed. After passing through the body the beam will strike an x-ray detector (such as radiographic film, or a digital x-ray detector) on the other side of the patient, forming an image of the objects inside the body.

How do X-rays work?

What will x-rays detect?

· X-ray radiography will detect any bone fractures and breaks in the shoulder.

What happens at my appointment?

Preparing for my x-ray:

- There is usually no need to fast or refrain from taking any medication to prepare for your x-ray.

- However, if you are having an x-ray that involves using a contrast agent, your doctor or radiographer will inform you about the certain requirements for your x-ray.

- For all X-rays, you should inform your doctor or radiographer if you are pregnant as x-rays pose a greater risk to the unborn child.

Having an x-ray:

- After checking in at reception and confirming your ID, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown, depending upon the type of x-ray you are receiving.

- You will then be taken into the x-ray room and asked to either lie on a table or to stand against a flat surface so that the part of your body being imaged can be positioned in the right place.

- The x-ray machine will then be carefully aimed at the body part being imaged.

- While the x-ray is taking place the radiographer will stand behind a screen or in another room to limit their exposure to radiation.

- The entire procedure will usually only last a few minutes.

- When the procedure is complete you will be informed of the availability of the results.

Are there any risks?

· There are risks associated with x-ray imaging as it produces ionising radiation—a form of radiation that has the potential to harm living tissue. The amount of ionising radiation is however very small and with few instances of exposure, the risk of developing cancer from this type of radiation is generally low. If there is any possibility that you are pregnant, please notify the doctor or radiographer as x-rays do pose a greater risk to the unborn child who is still developing.

Referencing:

• Davidovits, P. (2008) Physics in Biology and Medicine 3rd edn. London: Academic Press.

• iRefer Guidelines https://www.irefer.org.uk/guidelines [Accessed 10 November 2020]

• National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (2020) Nibib.nih.gov. 2020. X-Rays. [online] Available at: http://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/x-rays [Accessed 12 October 2020].

• NHS.uk. 2020. X-Ray. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/x-ray/ [Accessed 12 October 2020].

• 2020. [image] Available at: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTz_rGP4v9Y&list=PLYH1eUq1QYrqrvA6HRRgKHcPsoJoJA6Kj&index=7 > [Accessed 6 November 2020].