| Radiography is a diagnostic procedure in which electromagnetic radiation (x-rays) is used to visualize the interior anatomy of the body. X-rays are beamed through the body and hit a recording medium on the other side. Images form because different tissues absorb x-rays differently as they pass through the body. For example, spaces containing air are darker and solid structures like bones are lighter. The recording medium may be a film similar to photographic film, producing a still picture (plain x-rays), or it can involve electronic detection of the x-rays, producing a live (real-time) moving display on a TV monitor.
Radiography is most commonly done as plain film radiography (plain x-rays). Since x-rays penetrate straight through the body, structures that overlap each other often cannot be seen clearly with a single plain x-ray. Two or three views taken from different angles may help the radiologist determine the relationship of different structures.
Tomography is a special technique that provides greater detail by taking serial cross-sectional x-rays. In computed tomography, these images are synthesized by computer to provide a more detailed picture of the interior anatomy. Other special radiography techniques include angiography, mammography, fluoroscopy, interventional radiography, cineradiography, and digital radiography. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Radiography is widely used for medical imaging to visualize abnormalities of the lungs, heart, bones, and soft tissues. Radiography has been used for over 100 years, and it can be done at relatively low cost. Mammography involves specialized equipment designed to detect small breast tumors.
Angiography is a way to detect disease in an artery or an abnormality in the organs it supplies. It is done by injecting a special opaque dye directly into the circulatory system. X-ray images in motion (fluoroscopy) can be done in order to find abnormalities in the esophagus or stomach. Cineradiography can take high-speed x-ray pictures to detect abnormalities of swallowing, movements of the heart or to closely follow an injection of contrast dye through an artery. Interventional radiography is used in treatment procedures such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty which is designed to open up clogged coronary arteries. Such procedures have fewer complications, decrease the need for more invasive surgery, and are less expensive than comparable surgical procedures. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Plain x-rays take only minutes to perform and cause no discomfort to the individual. The level of radiation exposure from a single film is negligible. Real-time images, such as those produced by fluoroscopy or angiography, may take longer and involve higher levels of radiation.
Prior to an x-ray procedure, the individual is asked to remove any jewelry or clothing that may interfere with a clear image. An x-ray technician will instruct the individual to stand, sit, or lie down in order to place the appropriate body part between the x-ray beam and the film plate. In some cases, individuals may be required to wear a lead apron to shield adjacent body parts from radiation. During the x-ray procedure, the individual is asked to hold his or her breath and remain still for several seconds to avoid blurring of the image. Follow the procedure, a radiologist views the films to determine if additional x-rays are necessary, and prepares a report documenting the findings.
Images may be taken in a hospital x-ray department, by mobile units at the bedside or in an operating room, or in facilities outside the hospital. Many office settings have small radiography units. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Radiography is a diagnostic tool. The outcome depends on the underlying condition. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Excessive exposure to x-rays can permanently damage organs such as the ovaries and testes, eyes, and thyroid gland. X-ray exposure can also increase the risk of cancer. This risk is minimized by focusing and limiting the x-ray beam, as well as shielding the sensitive organs, when possible. X-rays are harmful to the fetus and any woman of childbearing age should be tested for pregnancy if there is even a small possibility that she is pregnant.
Occasionally, there are adverse reactions to x-ray contrast media; these range from a transient flushing to a drop in blood pressure and heart rate to anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). Barium sulfate, a contrast material used to visualize the gastrointestinal tract, can leak into the abdominal cavity if a perforation of the intestine is present, creating a serious inflammation (peritonitis). With arteriography, bleeding from the arterial puncture site can occur, as can damage to the artery itself. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Schwartz, Seymour, ed. Principles of Surgery. New York City: McGraw-Hill, 1999. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor