Varieties of methods of radiography and their features. Types of X-ray examinations and radiation dose for X-rays X-ray examination

• Plain radiography- a study in which the image shows the entire organ or a specific anatomical region (for example, the abdominal cavity or chest). Plain radiography can assess the general condition of organs, detect accumulations of fluid or gas (hemothorax, pneumothrax, blood in the abdominal cavity, “inverted bowls” in the intestines with intestinal obstruction), foreign bodies, tumors, calculi and, in some cases, foci of inflammation (for example, with pneumonia).
• Spot radiography- a study in which the image shows an organ or part of an organ affected by a pathological process (for example, the upper part of the lung with a suspected tuberculous focus). The purpose of the study is to create optimal conditions for the study of pathological changes in a particular organ. Usually, targeted radiography is prescribed after fluoroscopy or plain radiography.
• Contrast radiography- a study in which a contrast agent is used to fill the vessels, hollow organs or fistulous passages. The technique allows assessing the size, shape and condition of soft tissue structures that are poorly visible on conventional plain radiographs. The contrast agent is administered naturally (by mouth, rectum, urethra, etc.) or invasively (intravenously, intramuscularly, intra-arterially), the method of administration depends on the area being examined.
• Contact radiography- a study in which an x-ray film is applied to the surface of the body (for example, on the mucous membrane of the gums during x-rays of the tooth). The purpose of the method is to increase the clarity of the image in the picture.
• Close-focus radiography(plesiography) - a study at a small focal length. It is used to study small anatomical structures: teeth, phalanges of fingers, etc.
• X-ray with super exposure(hard shots) - study with increased hardness and exposure lengthening. Performed to study the details of the pathological process, allows you to see changes in tissues located behind the focus of compaction (for example, areas of decay of lung tissue or atelectasis, obscured by fluid or compacted lung).
• X-ray with image magnification. The image in the pictures always turns out to be slightly enlarged, since the rays from the x-ray tube diverge like a fan. Sometimes the image is specially enlarged further by changing the distance between the tube and the object. This allows you to study the details of the pathological process, but reduces the sharpness of the image.
• X-ray with image reduction. Includes fluorography and X-ray cinematography. In the first case, a static picture is obtained by photographing the image from the screen. In the second, a moving image is created by filming from a TV or an image converter screen.
• Serial radiography- a study in which several pictures are taken at regular intervals. Allows you to study the process in dynamics. Usually used in contrast studies.
• Polyprojection radiography– research in several projections. Allows you to more accurately determine the location of the foreign body, the type of fracture, the size, shape and nature of the displacement of fragments, etc.

Taking into account the study area, non-contrast radiography of the bones and joints of the extremities is distinguished (divided into segments), survey and targeted radiography of the pelvis, spine, skull, chest and survey radiography of the abdominal organs. There are also many types of contrast radiography: irrigoscopy (examination of the large intestine), cholecystography (examination of the gallbladder), urography (examination of the kidneys and urinary tract), fistulography (examination of fistulous passages in osteomyelitis), etc.

Indications

The purpose of an x-ray can be a screening examination, making a diagnosis in case of a suspected disease or traumatic injury, clarifying the diagnosis based on other studies, determining a plan for further examination, evaluating the effectiveness of conservative and surgical treatment, monitoring over time to draw up or correct a plan for further treatment, and and follow-up in the long-term period for the timely detection of relapses.

X-ray of bones and joints is carried out in the process of diagnosing and treating fractures, dislocations, arthrosis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, malignant and benign tumors of the osteoarticular system. In most cases, the study of radiographs in two projections allows you to obtain comprehensive information about the condition of the bones and joints. Sometimes, according to the results of the study, images in additional projections, comparative radiographs of a healthy limb segment, ultrasound of the joints, CT of bones and joints are prescribed.

Plain radiography of the spine is performed as part of screening studies (for example, to exclude diseases that are a contraindication to military service), during the diagnosis and treatment of pathological curvatures, congenital anomalies, degenerative-dystrophic processes and neoplasms of the spinal column. Based on the results of the survey radiographs, a targeted radiography of a certain segment or a CT scan of the spine may be prescribed. In some cases, for example, with vertebral fractures and local non-traumatic lesions of the spinal column, targeted radiography is performed at the initial stage of the study, without preliminary overview images.

Fluorography is a preventive screening study of the population, conducted to detect tuberculosis, oncological lesions and occupational lung diseases. Plain radiography of the lungs is a first-stage study, used at the stage of initial diagnosis of diseases and traumatic injuries of the lungs, it allows to detect atelectasis, foci of inflammation, tumors, purulent processes, fluid and gas in the pleural cavity. Based on the results of a plain radiography, sightings, bronchography, CT and MRI of the chest, and other studies can be prescribed.

Survey radiography of the abdominal organs plays an important role in the process of diagnosing a number of emergency conditions (intestinal obstruction, perforation of hollow organs, intra-abdominal bleeding as a result of traumatic damage to parenchymal organs). In addition, survey radiography is prescribed before contrast studies (irrigoscopy, duodenography, etc.) to assess the condition of internal organs and identify contraindications to radiography using contrast agents. Based on the data of overview and contrast images, the patient may be referred for endoscopic studies, ultrasound, CT or MRI of the abdominal organs.

Plain urography is a standard study carried out at the initial stage of the diagnosis of diseases of the urinary system. Allows you to identify X-ray positive stones, evaluate the structure and location of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Based on the results of the overview images, a plan for further examination is drawn up, which may include contrast radiography (urography, cystography), CT, MRI and ultrasound of the kidneys, cystoscopy and other studies.

Orthopantomography (survey radiography of the teeth, upper and lower jaws) is prescribed at the stage of the initial examination of patients who seek help from a dentist, dental surgeon, orthodontist and other doctors specializing in the treatment of the dentoalveolar system. Based on the results of orthopantomography, a further examination is prescribed (targeted radiography of the tooth, TRG) and a treatment plan is drawn up.

Contraindications

Radiography without the use of contrast agents has no absolute contraindications. As relative contraindications consider children's age and gestational age. The most significant contraindication is the period of pregnancy, since X-rays can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus. Pregnant women are prescribed radiography for health reasons (in case of injuries and emergency conditions that pose a threat to life), in other cases, the study is postponed to a later date (after the birth of a child) or replaced by other methods. In pediatric patients, indications for radiography are determined individually.

Radiography using contrast agents has a wider list of contraindications, which include pregnancy, childhood, intolerance to iodine preparations, heart, liver and kidney failure, blood clotting disorders, the patient's serious condition and acute inflammatory processes. In some cases, additional items are included in the list of contraindications to contrast radiography: for example, hysterosalpingography is contraindicated during menstruation, barium enema - with intestinal perforation.

Preparation for radiography

Special preparation for conducting a review study is not required. Recommendations for preparation for x-rays using radiopaque agents depend on the area being studied. In some cases, it is necessary to undergo a preliminary examination (pass blood tests, urine tests, etc.). Sometimes it is required to follow a special diet for several days, refrain from eating on the eve of the x-ray, take a laxative, or give a cleansing enema. The doctor informs about the need for certain activities on the day of the appointment of the study.

Methodology

The patient is asked to remove metal objects and clothing or part of the clothing and laid on the table in a certain way. Then the doctor and the X-ray technician go to the next room and take an x-ray. During this time, the patient must remain still. Then the specialists change the position of the patient and take new pictures. To identify most pathological conditions, radiography in two projections (direct and lateral) is sufficient. In some cases, more accurate diagnosis requires additional images in special projections or comparative radiographs of the same segment of a healthy limb.

Plain radiography takes about 10 minutes, a contrast study can last from half an hour or more. It takes about 10 minutes for the pictures to develop. In emergency cases, radiographs are immediately handed over to the attending physician, and only then they are described. When X-rays are taken in a planned manner, the reverse procedure is adopted: the radiologist first describes the images, and then transfers them to the attending physician along with a description. If necessary (for example, when referring to a consultation with a certain specialist or going to another clinic), the patient can receive x-rays along with a description on hand.

Radiography remains one of the most popular and informative examination methods. It is based on the ability of X-rays to pass through tissues and be absorbed by them to varying degrees.

X-ray allows you to clarify the diagnosis, to identify various diseases at the initial stage. In medicine, radiography is used in a variety of areas: when examining the organs of the chest, head, pelvic organs, mammary glands, etc. Very often, X-ray methods of examination are used for fractures and injuries.

The essence of the method lies in the fact that X-ray radiation passes through the tissues and is displayed on a film or monitor. The organs of the human body have different density, structure, chemical composition, so the rays passing through the tissue are absorbed to varying degrees. The information content of such an examination is quite high, but only a specialist can correctly decipher the images.

The dose of radiation during x-rays does not cause significant harm to the body, subject to the rules of the procedure. The doses are minimal, so you can’t talk about radiation.

There are many types of X-ray examination. The most popular are:

• Radiography of the abdominal and thoracic cavity. Using this method, the integrity of the ribs, the heart and aorta, the lungs, their volume and the presence of neoplasms, folds and accumulations of gases in the intestine, and the presence of foreign bodies are examined. Indications for carrying out can be pain in the chest or abdomen, suspicion of, prolonged cough, vomiting.
• Irrigoscopy. This type of x-ray is an examination of the large intestine with the introduction of a contrast agent into its lumen. The pictures show the filling of the intestine, which helps to determine its anatomical features, fistulas and diverticula, neoplasms, etc.
• . Mammography is an examination. X-rays are passed through the breast tissue, revealing various neoplasms. First of all, this method of examination is used for the prevention of breast cancer and its detection in the early stages.
• Radiography of the stomach. With the help of x-rays and a contrast agent, it is possible to assess the condition of the stomach and duodenum, to identify various diseases in the early stages.
• Orthopantomography. Radiography is also used in dental practice. With the help of orthopantomography, it is possible to identify carious cavities in the teeth, assess the state of the bite and jaw as a whole, and determine the number of cut and uncut teeth.

X-rays may or may not use a contrast agent. Before the examination, you need to make sure that there is no allergy to it.

Preparation, radiation dose and regularity of examination

X-ray refers to the radiation diagnostic methods, so a certain dose of radiation is used. For an adult, this dose is not dangerous in the absence of contraindications. When conducting an examination 1-2 times a year, there will be no consequences.

The average radiation dose for chest examinations is 0.3 mSv, and for dental examinations it is 0.04. It should be borne in mind that this is the dose for a film examination. If it is digital, more modern, the dose of radiation is significantly reduced. So, for example, when examining the chest, it will leave 0.03 mSv.

More informative, but it is associated with the use of large doses of radiation.

There are special protection methods that can reduce the negative impact on the body - these are various aprons and plates.

If a person has serious injuries and is forced to undergo regular x-ray examinations, then the maximum allowable radiation dose per year is 150 mSv.

Most often, an x-ray is performed without preparation, but in some cases it may be necessary:

1. If this is an examination of the stomach or intestines, then the procedure is performed only on an empty stomach. Before the examination, the doctor may advise you to follow a diet that reduces the formation of gases. Before examining the intestines, cleansing enemas should also be done.
2. executed at a specific cycle time. The optimal time for the procedure is 6-12 days of the menstrual cycle.
3. Before the examination of the urinary system, the patient drinks a large amount of water. When using contrast, it is administered intravenously.
4. If thorough bowel cleansing is required, Fortrans is used instead of enemas. This is a powder that needs to be dissolved in water and drunk every half an hour. In total, you need to drink 3 liters of liquid. The drug causes loose, painless stools and flushes the entire intestine. Preparation is carried out the day before the examination, after taking the drug, you can not eat.

After the examination, the patient does not feel discomfort. If the intestines were filled with barium, there will be bloating and a feeling of flatulence, and there may also be stool disorders for some time. In other cases, there are no consequences.

Contraindications and side effects

In the presence of pneumothorax, x-rays are not recommended!

Before conducting an examination, the doctor collects information about the patient, asks him to answer a series of questions in order to identify possible contraindications.

For example, with open bleeding, an x-ray examination is not prescribed. Sometimes before the procedure it is recommended to take a blood test to identify chronic diseases.

Contraindications to the use of the X-ray method of examination are:

• Childhood. For a growing body where cells divide rapidly, x-rays can be dangerous. Such cells are especially sensitive to radiation. A child may experience various complications, developmental disorders, especially often side effects relate to the reproductive system.
• Pregnancy. As you know, X-ray radiation has a negative effect on the fetus. The child may develop various pathologies, therefore, before the examination, you need to make sure that there is no pregnancy. If a woman did not know about the pregnancy and was examined, the doctor may advise to terminate the pregnancy in the event that the likelihood of fetal abnormalities is too high.
• Severe condition of the patient. Patients in serious condition, without consciousness, are not prescribed an X-ray examination.
• Problems with . In case of thyroid diseases, it is better to refrain from x-ray examination and choose safer methods:,.
• Serious illness and X-rays can exacerbate kidney and liver problems. The contrast agent is excreted through the kidneys. If they perform their function poorly, the substance accumulates in the body, causing intoxication.
• Allergy to iodine. This applies only to cases where contrast is used. The substance contains iodine and, if allergic to it, causes a strong reaction, burning sensation, swelling, etc.

However, even these contraindications are relative. X-rays can be prescribed in extreme cases, even during pregnancy. In the absence of contraindications and compliance with the rules of the survey, the likelihood of side effects is reduced to zero.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

Despite the fact that X-ray radiation can have a negative effect on the cells of the body, this method of examination has many advantages. It was invented at the end of the 19th century and has not lost its relevance since then. Over time, new and more advanced devices were created that minimize the negative impact.

Among the advantages of the method:

1. Informativeness. Radiography is a very informative and reliable method of examination with the correct interpretation of the images. When using a contrast agent, the information content increases. This allows you to identify diseases, including cancer, at the earliest stages and start treatment in a timely manner.
2. Painlessness The procedure is painless, discomfort can occur only when contrast is injected into the intestines or stomach. Violation of the integrity of the tissues does not occur, the patient does not experience severe discomfort.
3. The speed of the procedure. Standard chest x-rays are carried out very quickly, in just a few minutes. CT and barium enema may take longer due to more complex preparation.
4. Affordable price. Unlike other modern methods of examination, the procedure is affordable. It is carried out in any clinic or private medical center. If there is evidence, the doctor can give a referral for a free procedure.

Among the negative aspects, first of all, the harm of X-ray exposure is called. However, after the examination, no traces of radiation remain in the body. The risk of damage to tissues and cells during the examination of an adult is small, the benefits of a correctly diagnosed diagnosis far outweigh it.

For more information about x-rays, see the video:

The disadvantages include discomfort and allergic reactions when using a contrast agent, as well as the presence of contraindications, for example, pregnancy.

Some experts believe that frequent CT scans with high doses of radiation increase the risk of cancer, so this examination is performed only when necessary.Despite the high information content, x-rays do not always allow for a diagnosis. Sometimes further examination and the use of other, more modern methods are required.

I regularly go to the dentist, where they constantly do x-rays of the oral cavity. And a gynecologist cannot do without an ultrasound ... How dangerous are these studies and what are they for?

I. Krysova, Izhevsk

x-ray

On one side of the person is a source of X-ray radiation, on the other - a photographic film that displays how the rays pass through different tissues and organs.

When to use. To determine bone fractures, lung diseases, in dentistry and neurology. X-ray machines are used during heart surgery to monitor the process in real time.

Mammography

It is also based on x-rays.

When to use. For breast examination. There are mammograms for screening - preventive examinations. And diagnostic mammographs are used if there is already a suspicion of breast cancer. Such a device can immediately take a sample of the tumor to determine its malignancy - to make a biopsy. Modern devices with a microdose characteristic (microdose) reduce the level of radiation by 2 times.

CT

This is also a type of x-ray, but body pictures are taken from different angles. The computer produces three-dimensional images of a body part or internal organ. A detailed image of the whole body can be obtained in one procedure. A modern spectral tomograph will independently determine the types of tissues, show them in different colors.

When to use. In case of injuries - to comprehensively assess the degree of damage. In oncology - to find tumors and metastases.

ultrasound

Ultrasonic waves are reflected differently by muscles, joints, and blood vessels. The computer converts the signal into a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image.

When to use. For diagnosis in cardiology, oncology, obstetrics and gynecology. The device shows the internal organs in real time. This is the safest method.

MRI

It creates an electromagnetic field, captures the saturation of tissues with hydrogen and transmits this data to the screen. Unlike CT, MRI does not have radiation, but it also produces 3D images. MRI visualizes soft tissues well.

When to use. If you need to examine the brain, spine, abdominal cavity, joints (including under MRI control, operations are performed so as not to touch important areas of the brain - for example, those responsible for speech).

Expert opinions

Ilya Gipp, PhD, head of MRI-guided therapy:

Many of these devices can be used for treatment. For example, a special installation is attached to an MRI machine. It focuses ultrasound waves inside the body, point-wise raising the temperature, and burns out neoplasms - for example, uterine fibroids.

Kirill Shalyaev, director of the largest Dutch manufacturer of medical equipment:

What seemed impossible yesterday is reality today. Previously, CT scans were administered with a drug that slows down the heart. The latest CT scanners make 4 revolutions per second - thanks to this, there is no need to slow down the heart.

Radiography is one of the research methods based on obtaining a fixed on a certain carrier, most often X-ray film plays this role.

The latest digital devices can also capture such an image on paper or on a display screen.

Radiography of organs is based on the passage of rays through the anatomical structures of the body, as a result of which a projection image is obtained. Most often, X-rays are used as a diagnostic method. For greater information content, it is better to perform x-rays in two projections. This will allow you to more accurately determine the location of the organ under study and the presence of pathology, if any.

The chest is most often examined using this method, but X-rays of other internal organs can also be taken. There is an X-ray room in almost every clinic, so it will not be difficult to undergo such a study.

What is the purpose of radiography?

This type of study is carried out in order to diagnose specific lesions of internal organs in infectious diseases:

• Inflammation of the lungs.
• Myocarditis.
• Arthritis.

It is also possible to identify diseases of the respiratory and heart organs using X-rays. In some cases, if there are individual indications, radiography is necessary to examine the skull, spinal column, joints, and organs of the digestive tract.

Indications for carrying out

If X-ray is an additional research method for diagnosing certain diseases, then in some cases it is prescribed as mandatory. This usually happens if:

1. There is confirmed damage to the lungs, heart, or other internal organs.
2. It is necessary to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.
3. There is a need to check the correct placement of the catheter and

Radiography is a research method that is used everywhere, it is not particularly difficult for both the medical staff and the patient himself. The picture is the same medical document as other research findings, therefore it can be presented to different specialists to clarify or confirm the diagnosis.

Most often, each of us undergoes a chest x-ray. The main indicators for its implementation are:

• Prolonged cough accompanied by chest pain.
• Detection of tuberculosis, lung tumors, pneumonia or pleurisy.
• Suspicion of pulmonary embolism.
• There are signs of heart failure.
• Traumatic lung injury, rib fractures.
• Foreign bodies entering the esophagus, stomach, trachea or bronchi.
• Preventive checkup.

Quite often, when a complete examination is required, radiography is prescribed among other methods.

X-ray benefits

Despite the fact that many patients are afraid to once again undergo an x-ray, this method has many advantages compared to other studies:

• It is not only the most accessible, but also quite informative.
• Relatively high spatial resolution.
• No special training is required to complete this study.
• X-rays can be stored for a long time to monitor the progress of treatment and detect complications.
• Not only radiologists, but also other specialists can evaluate the image.
• It is possible to carry out radiography even for bedridden patients using a mobile device.
• This method is also considered one of the cheapest.

So, if you undergo such a study at least once a year, you will not cause harm to the body, but it is quite possible to identify serious diseases at the initial stage of development.

X-ray methods

Currently, there are two ways to take x-rays:

1. Analog.
2. Digital.

The first of them is older, time-tested, but requires some time to develop the picture and see the result on it. The digital method is considered new and now it is gradually replacing the analog one. The result is displayed immediately on the screen, and you can print it, and more than once.

Digital radiography has its advantages:

• Significantly improves the quality of images, and hence the information content.
• Ease of doing research.
• Ability to get instant results.
• The computer has the ability to process the result with a change in brightness and contrast, which allows more accurate quantitative measurements.
• The results can be stored for a long time in electronic archives, you can even transfer them over the Internet over distances.
• Economic efficiency.

Cons of radiography

Despite the numerous advantages, the method of radiography has its drawbacks:

1. The image in the picture is static, which makes it impossible to assess the functionality of the organ.
2. In the study of small foci, the information content is insufficient.
3. Changes in soft tissues are poorly detected.
4. And, of course, one cannot but say about the negative effect of ionizing radiation on the body.

But be that as it may, radiography is a method that continues to be the most common for detecting pathologies of the lungs and heart. It is he who allows to detect tuberculosis at an early stage and save millions of lives.

Preparing for an x-ray

This method of research is different in that it does not require any special preparatory measures. You only need to come to the X-ray room at the appointed time and take an x-ray.

If such a study is prescribed for the purpose of examining the digestive tract, then the following preparation methods will be required:

• If there are no deviations in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, then special measures should not be taken. In case of excessive flatulence or constipation, it is recommended to give a cleansing enema 2 hours before the study.
• If there is a large amount of food (liquid) in the stomach, lavage should be done.
• Before cholecystography, a radiopaque preparation is used, which penetrates the liver and accumulates in the gallbladder. To determine the contractility of the gallbladder, the patient is given a cholagogue.
• To make cholegraphy more informative, a contrast agent is injected intravenously before it, for example, Bilignost, Bilitrast.
• An irrigography is preceded by a contrast enema with barium sulfate. Before this, the patient should drink 30 g of castor oil, in the evening make a cleansing enema, do not have dinner.

Research technique

At present, almost everyone knows where to take an x-ray, what this study is. Its methodology is as follows:

1. The patient is placed in front of, if required, the study is carried out in a sitting position or lying on a special table.
2. If there are tubes or hoses inserted, make sure they have not moved during preparation.
3. Until the end of the study, the patient is forbidden to make any movements.
4. The medical worker leaves the room before starting the X-ray, if his presence is mandatory, then puts on a lead apron.
5. Pictures are most often taken in several projections for greater information content.
6. After developing the images, their quality is checked, if necessary, a second examination may be required.
7. To reduce projection distortion, the body part should be placed as close to the cassette as possible.

If the radiography is performed on a digital machine, then the image is displayed on the screen, and the doctor can immediately see the deviations from the norm. The results are stored in a database and can be stored for a long time, if necessary, they can be printed on paper.

How are X-ray results interpreted?

After X-rays are taken, the results must be correctly interpreted. To do this, the doctor evaluates:

• Location of internal organs.
• Integrity of bone structures.
• The location of the roots of the lungs and their contrast.
• How distinguishable are the main and small bronchi.
• Transparency of the lung tissue, the presence of blackouts.

If carried out, then it is necessary to identify:

• The presence of fractures.
• Expressed with an increase in the brain.
• Pathology of the "Turkish saddle", which appears as a result of increased intracranial pressure.
• The presence of brain tumors.

To make a correct diagnosis, the results of an X-ray examination must be compared with other analyzes and functional tests.

Contraindications for radiography

Everyone knows that the radiation exposure that the body experiences during such a study can lead to radiation mutations, despite the fact that they are very small. To minimize the risk, it is necessary to take an x-ray only strictly according to the doctor's prescription and in compliance with all protection rules.

It is necessary to distinguish between diagnostic and prophylactic radiography. The first has practically no absolute contraindications, but it must be remembered that it is also not recommended for everyone to do it. Such a study should be justified, you should not prescribe it to yourself.

Even during pregnancy, if other methods fail to make a correct diagnosis, it is not forbidden to resort to x-rays. The risk to the patient is always less than the harm that an undiagnosed disease can bring in time.

For prevention, X-rays should not be taken by pregnant women and children under 14 years of age.

X-ray examination of the spine

Radiography of the spine is performed quite often, the indications for its implementation are:

1. Pain in the back or limbs, the appearance of a feeling of numbness.
2. Identification of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
3. The need to identify spinal injuries.
4. Diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the spinal column.
5. Detection of curvature of the spine.
6. If there is a need to recognize congenital anomalies in the development of the spine.
7. Diagnosis of changes after surgery.

The X-ray procedure of the spine is performed in the prone position, you must first remove all jewelry and undress to the waist.

The doctor usually warns that you should not move during the examination so that the pictures are not blurry. The procedure does not take more than 15 minutes and the patient does not cause inconvenience.

There are some contraindications for X-ray of the spine:

• Pregnancy.
• If an X-ray examination using a barium compound has been done in the last 4 hours. In this case, the pictures will not be of high quality.
• Obesity also does not allow you to get informative pictures.

In all other cases, this research method has no contraindications.

X-ray of the joints

Such diagnostics is one of the main methods for studying the osteoarticular apparatus. Joint x-rays can show:

• Violations in the structure of the articular surfaces.
• The presence of bone growths along the edge of the cartilage tissue.
• Areas of calcium deposits.
• The development of flat feet.
• Arthritis, arthrosis.
• Congenital pathologies of bone structures.

Such a study helps not only to identify violations and deviations, but also to recognize complications, as well as determine the treatment tactics.

Indications for radiography of the joints may be:

• Joint pain.
• Changing its shape.
• Pain during movement.
• Limited mobility in the joint.
• Received injury.

If there is a need to undergo such a study, then it is better to ask your doctor where to take an x-ray of the joints in order to get the most reliable result.

Requirements for conducting a radiological examination

In order for an X-ray examination to give the most effective result, it must be carried out in compliance with certain requirements:

1. The region of interest should be in the center of the image.
2. If there is damage to the tubular bones, then one of the adjacent joints must be visible in the picture.
3. In case of a fracture of one of the bones of the lower leg or forearm, both joints should be recorded in the picture.
4. It is desirable to carry out radiography in different planes.
5. If there are pathological changes in the joints or bones, then it is necessary to take a picture of a symmetrically located healthy area so that changes can be compared and evaluated.
6. To make a correct diagnosis, the quality of the images must be high, otherwise a second procedure will be required.

How often can you have x-rays

The effect of radiation on the body depends not only on the duration, but also on the intensity of exposure. The dose also directly depends on the equipment on which the study is carried out, the newer and more modern it is, the lower it is.

It is also worth considering that for different parts of the body there is a specific radiation rate, since all organs and tissues have different sensitivities.

Carrying out x-rays on digital devices reduces the dose by several times, so it can be done more often on them. It is clear that any dose is harmful to the body, but it should also be understood that radiography is a study that can detect dangerous diseases, the harm from which to a person is much greater.

The most important method for diagnosing tuberculosis at different stages of its formation is the X-ray method of investigation. Over time, it became clear that with this infectious disease there is no “classic”, that is, a permanent x-ray picture. Any lung disease in the pictures may look like tuberculosis. Conversely, tuberculosis infection can be similar to many lung diseases on x-rays. It is clear that this fact makes differential diagnosis difficult. In this case, specialists resort to other, no less informative methods for diagnosing tuberculosis.

Although x-rays have drawbacks, this method sometimes plays a key role in the diagnosis of not only tuberculosis infection, but also other diseases of the chest. It accurately helps to determine the localization and extent of the pathology. Therefore, the described method most often becomes the right basis for making an accurate diagnosis - tuberculosis. For its simplicity and informativeness, chest X-ray examination is mandatory for the adult population in Russia.

How are x-rays taken?

The organs of our body have an unequal structure - bones and cartilage are dense formations, compared with parenchymal or abdominal organs. It is on the difference in the density of organs and structures that X-ray images are based. The rays that pass through the anatomical structures are absorbed differently. This directly depends on the chemical composition of the organs and the volume of the studied tissues. The strong absorption of X-ray radiation by the organ gives a shadow on the resulting image, if it is transferred to a film, or on a screen.

Sometimes it is necessary to additionally "mark" some structures that require more careful study. In this case, resort to contrast. In this case, special substances are used that can absorb rays in a larger or smaller volume.

The algorithm for obtaining a snapshot can be represented by the following points:

1. Radiation source - X-ray tube.
2. The object of the study is the patient, while the purpose of the study can be both diagnostic and prophylactic.
3. The receiver of the emitter is a cassette with a film (for radiography), fluoroscopic screens (for fluoroscopy).
4. Radiologist - who examines the image in detail and gives his opinion. It becomes the basis for the diagnosis.

Is x-ray dangerous for humans?

It has been proven that even tiny doses of X-rays can be dangerous for living organisms. Studies conducted on laboratory animals show that X-ray radiation caused disturbances in the structure of their chromosomes of germ cells. This phenomenon has a negative impact on the next generation. The cubs of the irradiated animals had congenital anomalies, extremely low resistance and other irreversible abnormalities.

An x-ray examination, which is carried out in full accordance with the rules of technique for its implementation, is absolutely safe for the patient.

It's important to know! In the case of using faulty equipment for X-ray examination or a gross violation of the algorithm for taking a picture, as well as the lack of personal protective equipment, harm to the body is possible.

Each x-ray examination involves the absorption of microdoses. Therefore, the health care provided for a special decree, which the medical staff undertakes to comply with when taking pictures. Among them:

1. The study is carried out according to strict indications for the patient.
2. Pregnant and pediatric patients are checked with extreme caution.
3. The use of the latest equipment that minimizes radiation exposure to the patient's body.
4. X-ray room PPE - protective clothing, protectors.
5. Reduced exposure time - which is important for both the patient and the medical staff.
6. Control of the received doses at medical personnel.

The most common methods in the X-ray diagnosis of tuberculosis

For the chest organs, the following methods are most often used:

1. X-ray - the use of this method involves translucence. This is the most budgetary and popular x-ray study. The essence of his work is to irradiate the chest area with X-rays, the image of which is projected onto a screen, followed by examination by a radiologist. The method has disadvantages - the resulting image is not printed. Therefore, in fact, it can be studied only once, which makes it difficult to diagnose small foci in tuberculosis and other diseases of the chest organs. The method is most often used to make a preliminary diagnosis;
2. Radiography is a picture that, unlike fluoroscopy, remains on the film, therefore it is mandatory in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The picture is taken in a direct projection, if necessary - in a lateral one. The rays that have previously passed through the body are projected onto a film that is able to change its properties due to the silver bromide included in its composition - dark areas indicate that silver has recovered on them to a greater extent than on transparent ones. That is, the former display the "air" space of the chest or other anatomical region, and the latter - bones and cartilage, tumors, accumulated fluid;
3. Tomography - allows specialists to get a layered picture. At the same time, in addition to the X-ray machine, special devices are used that can register images of organs in their different parts without overlapping each other. The method is highly informative in determining the localization and size of the tuberculosis focus;
4. Fluorography - a picture is obtained by photographing an image from a fluorescent screen. It can be large- or small-frame, electronic. It is used for mass preventive examination for the presence of tuberculosis and lung cancer.

Other X-ray methods and preparation for them

Some patient conditions require imaging of other anatomical regions. In addition to the lungs, you can take an x-ray of the kidneys and gallbladder, the gastrointestinal tract or the stomach itself, blood vessels and other organs:

• X-ray of the stomach - which will allow you to diagnose an ulcer or neoplasms, developmental anomalies. It should be noted that the procedure has contraindications in the form of bleeding and other acute conditions. Before the procedure, it is necessary to follow a diet three days before the procedure and a cleansing enema. Manipulation is carried out using barium sulfate, which fills the stomach cavity.
• X-ray examination of the bladder - or cystography - is a method that is widely used in urology and surgery to detect kidney pathology. Since with a high degree of accuracy it can show stones, tumors, inflammations and other pathologies. In this case, the contrast is injected through a catheter previously installed in the patient's urethra. For children, manipulation is performed under anesthesia.
• X-ray of the gallbladder - cholecystography - which is also performed using a contrast agent - bilitrast. Preparation for the study - a diet with a minimum fat content, taking iopanoic acid before bedtime, before the procedure itself, it is recommended to conduct a test for sensitivity to contrast and a cleansing enema.

X-ray examination in children

Smaller patients can also be referred for x-rays, and even the neonatal period is not a contraindication for this. An important point for taking a picture is the medical justification, which must be documented either in the child's card or in his medical history.

For older children - after 12 years - an X-ray examination is no different from an adult. Young children and a newborn are examined on x-rays using special techniques. There are specialized X-ray rooms in children's hospitals, where even premature babies can be examined. In addition, the technique of taking pictures is strictly observed in such offices. Any manipulations there are carried out strictly observing the rules of asepsis and antisepsis.

In the case when a picture needs to be taken for a child under 14 years old, three persons are involved - a radiologist, a radiologist and a nurse accompanying a small patient. The latter is needed to help fix the child and to provide care and observation before and after the procedure.

For babies in X-ray rooms, special fixing devices are used and, of course, means for protection against radiation in the form of diaphragms or tubes. Particular attention is paid to the gonads of the child. In this case, electron-optical amplifiers are used and the radiation exposure is reduced to a minimum.

It's important to know! Most often, radiography is used for pediatric patients due to its low ionizing load compared to other methods of X-ray examination.