X-ray is one of the most fundamental imaging tools in radiology. It uses low doses of ionizing radiation to produce images of bones and some soft tissues. X-rays are fast, widely available, and remain the first-line investigation for many conditions.
Showing 12 of 21 guides
An abdomen X-ray is a quick imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of the belly area. It is used to look for bowel blockage, abnormal gas, swallowed objects, and some causes of sudden abdominal pain.
An ankle X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the bones around your ankle joint. Doctors commonly request it after twisting injuries, falls, sports injuries, swelling, or difficulty standing on the foot.
A chest X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of your lungs, heart, ribs, and chest bones. Doctors commonly request it for cough, chest pain, breathing difficulty, infections, and chest injuries.
A clavicle X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the collarbone. Doctors commonly request it after a fall, shoulder injury, visible swelling, pain, or suspected collarbone fracture.
A dental panoramic X-ray (OPG or panorex) takes a single curved image of the entire upper and lower jaw, all teeth, and the surrounding bone. It is the standard overview X-ray before orthodontic treatment, wisdom tooth extraction, and dental implants.
An elbow X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the bones around the elbow joint. It is commonly requested after falls, swelling, pain, stiffness, suspected fracture, or reduced arm movement.
A foot X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the bones of the foot. It is often requested after injury, pain, swelling, difficulty walking, suspected fracture, or follow-up after treatment.
A forearm X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the two bones between your elbow and wrist. Doctors request it for injury, swelling, pain, suspected fracture, or follow-up after treatment.
A hand X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the bones and joints of the hand. Doctors request it for injury, pain, swelling, finger problems, arthritis, or follow-up after treatment.
A knee X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the bones and joint spaces of the knee. Doctors commonly request it for pain, swelling, injury, arthritis, difficulty walking, or follow-up after treatment.
A KUB X-ray is a plain abdominal X-ray that includes the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. It is the quick first-line test for suspected kidney stones, abdominal pain, and constipation — and often the gateway to more detailed imaging.
A pelvis and hip X-ray is a quick scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the hip joints and pelvic bones. It is commonly requested for hip pain, falls, limping, arthritis, suspected fracture, or follow-up after treatment.
9 guides remaining
