About the Scan – Bone Radiography (X-Ray)

SMIL offers bone radiography, also known as an x-ray of your bones to examine the internal parts of the body. Bone radiography is used to diagnose or treat patients by recording images of the internal structure of the body to assess the presence or absence of disease, foreign objects, and structural damage or anomaly.

X-ray images can be used in many types of examinations and procedures where a record of a static image is needed. Radiography can be used for:

• diagnose fractured bones or joint dislocation.
• demonstrate proper alignment and stabilization of bony fragments following treatment of a fracture.
• guide orthopedic surgery, such as spine repair/fusion, joint replacement and fracture reductions.
• look for injury, infection, arthritis, abnormal bone growths and bony changes seen in metabolic conditions.
• assist in the detection and diagnosis of bone cancer.
• locate foreign objects in soft tissues around or in bones.
• Verification of correct placement of surgical markers prior to invasive procedures
• Orthopedic evaluations
• Sport film or static recording during fluoroscopy
• Chiropractic examinations

The SMIL technologist will position you in the x-ray room, either on a table or standing up depending on the area of the body they are imaging. A lead apron may be placed over your pelvic area or breasts when feasible to protect from radiation.

You must hold very still and may be asked to keep from breathing for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The SMIL technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine. You may be repositioned for another view and the process is repeated.

When the imaging of your bones is complete, you will be asked to wait until your SMIL radiologist determines that all the necessary images have been obtained. A bone x-ray examination is usually completed within five to 10 minutes.

Learn how to prepare for a body radiography scan in the preparations for bone radiography section.

Find out if a body radiography scan is right for you in the benefits and risks of bone radiography section.

For a downloadable/printable PDF about this exam with preparation instructions click here.