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Xrays of the Extremities

Xrays of the Extremities

Xrays of the Extremities is an image of the hands, wrist, feet, ankle, leg, thigh, forearm humerus or upper arm, hip, shoulder or all of these areas. The term “extremity” often refers to a human limb.

X-rays are a form of radiation that passes through the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white. Air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray.

Xrays of the extremities is Performed

The test is done in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider’s office. The x-ray is done by an x-ray technologist.

You will need to hold still as the x-ray is taken. You may be asked to change position, so more x-rays can be taken.

How to Prepare for the Test

Tell your provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry from the area being imaged.

In general, there is no discomfort. You may be slightly uncomfortable while the leg or arm is put in place for the x-ray.

Causes of Xrays of the extremities

Orthopedic Surgeon at Shreya Hospital in Ghaziabad may order this test if you have signs of:

  • A fracture
  • Tumor
  • Arthritis (inflammation of the joints)
  • A foreign body (such as a piece of metal)
  • An infection of the bone (osteomyelitis)
  • Delayed growth in a child

Normal Results

The x-ray shows normal structures for the age of the person.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may be due to:

  • Bone conditions that get worse over time (degenerative)
  • Bone tumor
  • Broken bone (fracture)
  • Dislocated bone
  • Osteomyelitis (infection)
  • Arthritis

Other conditions for which the test may be performed:

  • Clubfoot
  • To detect foreign objects in the body