X-ray of extremities (arms and legs)

X-ray of the limbs is a radiographic technique used to detect pathological locations in the limbs, assess their size, shape and degree of damage to adjacent structures. This is the most common, fast and informative method of diagnosing their injuries. Constant physical loads on the limbs lead to frequent injuries and various diseases, which x-rays help to identify.

X-rays of the limbs are prescribed in the following cases:

• injuries (broken bones, dislocated joints, tendons raptures);
• pain of unclear origin;
• restricted mobility;
• numbness of the limbs;
• hyperemia (redness) of the skin of the hands or feet;
• suspected neoplasms;
• control of the correctness of the coalescence of bones after fractures;
• arthritis;
• osteoarthritis;
• osteophytes;
• erosion of the joints.

A separate indication for an x-ray of the limbs is a suspicion of flat foot. X-rays of the arms (especially wrists) are also prescribed for systemic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus), because these diseases primarily affect the joints of the hands.

X-rays of the limbs are rarely performed entirely – more often a picture of only a part is needed: wrist, forearm, shoulder, hip, knee, the lower part of the leg, ankle, foot or toes.

X-ray examination of the limbs does not require any preliminary preparation from the patient. Immediately before the examination accessories (watches, chains, bracelets, etc.) should be taken off from the examined limb.

If we are talking about x-rays of the arms, the patient takes a place at the table and puts one or both hands on it. The patient should be at rest during the study. If an x-ray of the wrist is conducted, then the doctor asks the patient to straighten and bring together the fingers; if the x-ray of the fingers is performed, then it is necessary to straighten them, but not bring them together.

To perform an x-ray of the feet, the patient lies face up and bends his legs at the knees, resting his feet on the surface of the x-ray table. In an x-ray of the ankle joint the patient is sitting and his foot rests on a special stand. When diagnosing flat foot, the patient stands – the foot is under load. X-ray of the hip is performed in a supine (on the back or side) position.

We use a modern digital x-ray system - Multix Select DR, manufactured by Siemens Corporation. It provides necessary information for diagnosis, while the patient is exposed to minimal radiation - several times less than on x-ray machines of previous generation.

The information obtained as a result of digital radiographic examination is immediately available for analysis by a doctor, it also can be recorded on digital media and sent by e-mail. A picture is also printed and given to a patient.

You can make an appointment for an x-ray at the «Oxford Medical» clinic in Kiev by phone or by writing to the chat operator on the website.