Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to contact us if you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.
What is an X-ray?
An x-ray or radiograph is similar to having a photograph taken in a portrait studio. A radiologic technologist (RT) uses non-visible x-rays (shorter wavelength) to create an image similar to a photographer using visible light. The image demonstrates the body structures and is called a radiograph or x-ray image. X-rays, demonstrate body structures proportionally with their density. The denser the tissue, (bone versus fat) less x-ray passes through it. This difference in body tissue density is why bone (high body tissue density) is white on a radiograph, as compared to fat (low body tissue density) which is gray or air (no density) which is black.
Why did my doctor order an X-ray?
Radiographs are a reliable and accurate means of obtaining information to help your physician diagnosis the cause of your pain. An x-ray examination is commonly used to determine the presence or absence of disease, a bony fracture, joint malalignment, arthritis, or cause of other painful conditions.
Who performs and interprets my radiograph?
Your examination will be performed by a qualified radiologic technologist (RT) licensed by New York State. Your examination will be interpreted by a radiologist. A radiologist is a physician specializing in radiology, including the other imaging modalities of MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and CT. Radiologists specialize in the imaging and diagnosis of disease. Interpretation of a radiograph, MRI, CT, ultrasound, or nuclear medicine examination requires expertise in pattern recognition and in the identification of potential artifacts that could be mistaken for pathology. Radiologists are trained in the variable sensitivity and specificity of each imaging technique, and in the potential for hazards related to the examination that could cause harm and must be avoided. All the radiologists at Hospital for Special Surgery are board certified by the American Board of Radiology, have years of experience in the imaging of musculoskeletal disorders, and the majority have additional formal fellowship training beyond residency in musculoskeletal or body imaging.
How is an X-ray performed?
The radiologic technologist (RT) will escort you to a dressing room where you will be given an examination gown (if necessary) and instructed to remove specific articles of your clothing that may interfere with the radiograph to ensure that the radiograph is free of artifacts (e.g. material from your clothing, snaps, buttons, clips, etc...). You will lie, sit or be positioned on an x-ray table. Just as a photographer has special equipment in the portrait studio to achieve the best portrait, the radiologic technologist (RT) uses special equipment such as an x-ray source (camera), positioning blocks and sponges to achieve an optimal image.
What is special about the conventional X-ray examination at HSS?
- Weight bearing x-rays of your feet, ankles, knees and spine are performed as the routine, not the exception at HSS in order to optimally determine the extent of your condition
- Varied beam angulations customized to optimally visualize specific osseous structures are performed as routine, not the exception
- Stress views of the extremities are performed to evaluate varus/valgus measurements
- Stress views/bending films of the spine to evaluate the flexibility of a scoliosis curve to adjust for correction
- There is a dedicated pediatric suite
- Special equipment is used to obtain specific information:
- Club foot boards to obtain pediatric studies of the foot/ankle
- Merchant boards to evaluate patellofemoral joints (knee caps)
- Stitching software is used to create a continuous long image to evaluate scoliosis, or lower leg examination including the hips to the ankles
- Pre/Post-op limb-lengthening protocol includes various height blocks to equalize the leg length discrepancy and verify alignment
- Boomerang and gentle slope filters to enhance image quality are used for shoulder examinations
- Gradient filters are used for foot examinations to visualize optimally the toes to the heal
- Anterversion boot/board combination used to evaluate the version (rotation) of the hip joint with and without a total hip joint (arthroplasty)
- Magnification markers are used for custom joint replacement planning
- Cine/video available to allow motion studies analysis
- Highly skilled technologists with years of experience performing the prescribed musculoskeletal studies. Our department's repeat rate (the amount of times a film has to be re-done) averages 2.5% compared to the national repeat rate of 8%
- An Orthopedics' Guide to Plain Film Imaging, published by Thieme New York, co-authored by Dr. Helene Pavlov, The Radiologist-in Chief, Ed White, R.T., AVP et al.
What should I do to prepare for the examination?
For a routine x-ray examination, no preparation is required. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, be sure to inform your physician, and the technologist prior to the start of the x-ray examination. Most examinations using x-ray will not be performed on pregnant women unless the benefits of the examination outweigh the risks of radiation exposure to the fetus. Extremity examinations can safely be performed with appropriate lead shielding.
What are the risks?
X-ray uses ionizing radiation. The technologists are experts in utilizing the minimal dose to achieve optimal results. Lead aprons and shields are used, and the equipment is routinely inspected by both New York City and New York State, for safety and adequate shielding. All examinations are well within permissible levels of diagnostic radiation dosage.
What are the alternatives?
Alternate diagnostic tests such as MR or ultrasound may be performed without utilizing ionizing radiation, however their use is dependent on your condition and the information your doctor requires.
What can I expect after the examination?
After the radiological technologist (RT) has completed taking your x-rays, you will be asked to wait in the x-ray room while your images are reviewed for diagnostic quality. Additional images are occasionally required to ensure the examination completely demonstrates the area in clinical questions. The radiographic examination will be interpreted by a radiologist. Your HSS physician will be able to view the images immediately. If your referring physician is not at HSS, your images will need to be put onto a CD.
What happens with the results?
The radiologist will generate a written report which will be sent to the physician who referred you for the examination. The radiograph and the report become part of your medical record. Copies of the report can be obtained through your referring physician's office. Your physician can call the file room at 212.606.1015 and a copy of the report can be faxed or mailed free of charge to their office. The images are the property of the institution as are biopsy slides or blood samples. Copies of the images can be obtained by contacting the file room. There is a charge for copies.
Will other tests be ordered?
Depending on the findings on the x-ray, additional tests may be ordered including, other x-ray exams utilizing different views/positions, a CT examination, bone scan, MR, ultrasound, or special interventional procedures that utilize imaging guidance.
