The X-Ray diagnostic method is widely applied in medicine, mainly in the diagnosis of bone trauma. The procedure itself is straightforward as each tissue type of the body absorbs roentgen rays in different ways. The X-rays pass through soft tissue but are reflected back by the denser bone material and hence an image can be produced showing this reflection.

To get the X-ray image, the radiation going through the body causes a blackening of a photographic plate according to the amount of absorption. The bone tissue demonstrates a much greater absorption capacity than the tissues surrounding it, which is visible on the film as the non-blackened area. X-ray examinations have a limited application in the diagnosis of tissues due to the fact that there is too small a difference between the absorption coefficients of these different tissues as opposed to that of the dense bone. With a view to a better depiction some shading agents are applied, called contrasts, and then a viable image of non-bone material can be created. 

The X-ray examination is the most universal method of depicting the bone structure due to its extensive availability and the relatively low cost of the examination. In 90% of cases X-ray examination helps in making a correct diagnosis, and in the planning and monitoring of the treatment.

Repeated X-ray examinations are not encouraged as too much radiation can be hazardous to health. Therefore, they are carried out exclusively on patients holding a referral issued by a doctor. For children they are limited to a minimum, and more progressive methods of diagnosis are applied, which are safer for the patient.

Applying digital electronics (CR – Computerised Radiography and DR – Digital Radiography) considerably lowers the dose of radiation used in radiological diagnosis, with a simultaneous improvement in the quality of images produced.

In our Diagnostic Imaging Centre a modern Philips X-ray apparatus is currently used, equipped with digital detectors (DR) supplemented with the CR system; ceiling-mounted system; and C-arm didital unit with digital radiography and fluoroscopy. Such an equipment configuration allows the entire spectrum of orthopaedic examinations to be covered.

X-ray examinations:

• General-diagnostic examinations (chest, sinus, abdominal cavity etc.)
• Bone structure examinations in standard and supplementary projections used in orthopaedic diagnostic testing (e.g.  Merchant projections, West-Point, “ Y ” and much more)
• Entire spine and entire lower limb examinations using digitally linked images
• Functional examinations (e.g. spine)

How to prepare for an X-Ray test:

Most tests do not require special preparation.

However, it is required in order to arrange the lumbar spine, sacrum or pelvis projections.