X-RAY OF JOINTS

Digital X-ray of joints is a leading method of diagnosing disorders of bones and joints. This method is used in the process of diagnosis, in conducting differential diagnosis, in making a choice of treatment tactics (operative or conservative) and monitoring its effectiveness. The «Oxford Medical» clinic in Kiev performs X-ray examination of the hip, knee, elbow, wrist, shoulder, ankle, temporomandibular and other joints. All studies are carried out with the help of digital X-ray system Siemens Multix Select DR (Germany). 

INDICATIONS FOR THE X-RAY OF THE JOINTS

X-ray of the joints can be prescribed to the patient if the following symptoms take place:

• deformity and swelling of the joint;
• pain in the joint;
• injuries (dislocations, subluxations and fractures) of the joints;
• arthrosis and arthritis;
• signs of inflammatory processes in the joints;
• bleeding in the joint;
• ligament injuries;
• damage of the joints in tuberculosis;
• degenerative changes in the joint;
• cysts;
• tumors;
• if monitoring of the effectiveness of the treatment is needed.

Additional indications for x-ray of the hip joint is coxarthrosis, femoral neck fracture and hip dysplasia. X-ray of the knee joint is prescribed for injury to the meniscus, kneecap or condyles, as well as for gonarthrosis. An X-ray of the ankle joint may be necessary for gout, synovitis, heel spurs and flat foot.

Examination of the elbow joint can be prescribed for bursitis, fracture of the shoulder, radius or ulna, with dislocation of the forearm bones. A separate indication for X-ray of the shoulder joint is shoulder periarthritis and tendinitis.

PREPARATION AND CONDUCT OF X-RAY OF JOINTS

In most cases no preparation for x-rays of the joints is required – for the patient it is a quick, simple and painless procedure. An exception is the x-ray of the hip joint, preparation for which is necessary and aimed at eliminating gases from the intestine. It consists in cleaning the intestine with an enema. Otherwise, the resulting images may be blurred.

An x-ray of the joint takes only a few minutes. The patient can be placed in a standing, sitting or lying position - it all depends on which joint needs to be examined and in which projection. After the examination the patient is given the results obtained and the conclusion of the radiologist. 

ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL X-RAY OF JOINTS

The main advantage of digital x-ray examination is a minimal exposure dose, which is much less than when a patient is examined on analog devices (on which the received information is recorded not in digital format, but on film).

In addition the image of the joint is available for analysis almost immediately – it is displayed on the computer monitor and there is no need to spend time on developing the film. The obtained data, unlike the image on the film, is convenient to store, copy and send to the specialist who is engaged in treatment.

You can make an appointment for an x-ray of the joints at the «Oxford Medical» clinic in Kiev by calling us or using the chat on the website.