X-ray

Digital X-ray imaging shows the skeleton and the chest. Among the more common examinations are X-rays of the spine, shoulder, elbow and wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot, and X-rays of the lungs and chest organs.

X-ray imaging shows bones, joint spaces and changes in the lungs well. For soft tissues, tendons and ligaments, ultrasound or MRI is more suitable, so the doctor chooses the examination based on what they are looking for.

An X-ray is often the first step when a fracture is suspected, with long-lasting pain in a joint or the spine, and when assessing changes caused by wear.

An X-ray can complement an examination at the orthopaedic clinic, where the orthopaedist decides whether an image is needed and which view to order. When ultrasound is more suitable for your problem, ultrasound of soft tissues and small joints is available at the centre.

No special preparation is needed. Before the X-ray you remove jewellery, your watch, belt and other metal objects from the area being imaged, and if needed you undress to the waist or put on a hospital gown.

The radiographer positions you to match the requested view and asks you to keep still during the image, and for a chest X-ray also to hold your breath. The image itself is taken in an instant and you do not feel it.

The images are reviewed and reported by a radiologist. When and how you receive the report and the images is agreed when you book.

X-ray imaging uses ionising radiation. With digital imaging the doses are low, and we use the machine only to the extent needed to assess the requested area.

Every X-ray must have a clear indication. Whether the examination is justified in your case is decided by a doctor, who weighs the expected benefit against the radiation exposure. That is exactly why we do not take X-rays routinely or just in case.

If you are pregnant or think you might be, you must say so before the X-ray. The same applies if the same area was X-rayed recently, as the existing image may be enough. Also bring previous reports and images when you have them.

X-ray imaging with us is self-pay. You can book yourself, but we recommend that you first talk to a doctor about whether an X-ray is needed and which area it makes sense to image.

If a specialist is sending you for an X-ray, bring their report or a note stating exactly the area and the view. This way we avoid imaging the wrong part or having to repeat the X-ray.