X-Rays
X-ray imaging is a diagnostic technique that captures images of bones and soft tissues. It utilizes safe radiation levels to produce these images, aiding healthcare providers in diagnosing various conditions and devising treatment strategies. Typically, X-rays are employed to assess fractures, joint dislocations, and other skeletal injuries
Before The Test:
There are no particular preparations for general x-ray.
Prior to your x-ray, please inform the technologist if you may be pregnant.
For some x-rays you may be asked to wear a gown, which we will provide. You may be asked to remove metal objects and clothing (jewelry, dental appliance, glasses, etc.).
After The Test:
After completing the test, you can resume your regular activities without any restrictions. If you have any questions or concerns following the test, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Your physician may request an x-ray of any body part. X-rays are commonly requested for these areas:
- chest
- spine and pelvis
- abdomen
- head and neck
- upper extremities
- lower extremities
Chest
The chest X-ray (the most common of all of the diagnostic X-rays) shows your doctor the lungs, heart, blood vessels, air passages, and bones of the chest and spine.
Your doctor may request an x-ray of the chest area for any of a number of reasons:
- to determine the causes of persistent or acute coughing
- to diagnose shortness of breath
- to diagnose or monitor pneumonia, emphysema, or lung cancer
- to diagnose heart problems (e.g. heart failure)
- to inspect the placement of lines and tubes
- to diagnose fever, chest injury, or pain.
Spine and Pelvis
The chest X-ray (the most common of all of the diagnostic X-rays) shows your doctor the lungs, heart, blood vessels, air passages, and bones of the chest and spine.
Your doctor may request an x-ray of the chest area for any of a number of reasons:
- to determine the causes of persistent or acute coughing
- to diagnose shortness of breath
- to diagnose or monitor pneumonia, emphysema, or lung cancer
- to diagnose heart problems (e.g. heart failure)
- to inspect the placement of lines and tubes
- to diagnose fever, chest injury, or pain.
Abdomen
To view the gastrointestinal tract and/or organs of the abdominal region, your doctor will often request an x-ray (sometimes in combination with other diagnostic methods).
Your doctor may request an x-ray of the abdominal region for any of a number of reasons:
- to identify and locate bowel obstruction and/or perforation
- to diagnose fecal impaction
- to find swallowed foreign objects (usually metallic)
- to verify the proper location of medical tubes in abdominal organs (e.g. stomach, intestines)
- to diagnose volvulus and malrotation
- to identify renal, urethral, gall, and bladder stones
- to detect cancer, and/or benign tumors (polyps).
Head and Neck
An X-ray of the head and neck allows your doctor to view the vertebrae, the adenoids and tonsils, the neck bones, the oral and nasal passages, the nasopharynx, the trachea (partially), the soft tissue in front of the vertebrae, and the epiglottis.
Your doctor may request an x-ray of the head and/or neck for any of a number of reasons:
- to diagnose soft-tissue problems
- to detect dislocation of the joints between the vertebrae
- to identify the causes of pain in the upper arm, back, shoulder, and/or neck
- to identify the causes of tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand or arm
- to detect fractures in the cervical vertebrae
- to detect enlarged adenoids and tonsils
- to detect epiglottitis (swollen epiglottis)
- to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea
- to diagnose excessive snoring
- to determine causes of noisy breathing, hoarseness, barking cough
- to detect masses (cysts, tumors)
- to find swallowed or inhaled foreign objects
- to prepare for surgery
- to assess post-operative results of surgery
- to diagnose recurring ear and sinus infections.
Upper Extremities
An x-ray of the upper extremities (finger, wrist, elbow, arm, forearm, shoulder, upper arm, hand) can be a very useful diagnostic tool alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques.
Your doctor may request an x-ray of the upper extremities for any of a number of reasons:
- to prepare for surgery and to assess postoperative results
- to detect dislocated joints and/or broken or fractured bones
- to evaluate/diagnose arthritis
- to inspect the healing and alignment of bones previously fractured and set
- to find the cause of pain, swelling, tenderness, deformity
- to detect cysts, tumors, infections, and diseases.
Lower Extremities
An x-ray of the lower extremities (toe, foot, ankle, lower leg, knee, lower leg, hip) can be a very useful diagnostic tool, alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques.
Your doctor may request an x-ray of the lower extremities for any of a number of reasons:
- to prepare for surgery and to assess postoperative results
- to detect dislocated joints and/or broken or fractured bones
- to evaluate/diagnose arthritis
- to inspect the healing and alignment of bones previously fractured and set
- to find the cause of pain, swelling, tenderness, deformity
- to detect cysts, tumors, infections, and diseases.
Locations
2683 Lawrence Ave E, Unit 5, Scarborough