| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | An X-ray used to detect fractures , tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone. |
| Alternative Names | X-ray - bone(s) |
| How the test is performed | The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an X-ray technician. You are asked to position the bone to be X-rayed on the table. The pictures are then taken, repositioning the bone for different views. |
| How to prepare for the test | Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant . You must remove all jewelry. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year) toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years) preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years) schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years) adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years) |
| How the test will feel | The X-rays themselves are painless; however, repositioning the bone may be uncomfortable. |
| Why the test is performed | A bone X-ray is used to detect fractures , tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone. |
| Normal Values | |
| What abnormal results mean | Abnormal findings include fractures , bone tumors , degenerative bone conditions, and osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone caused by an infection). Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:cystic fibrosismultiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) IImultiple myelomaOsgood-Schlatter diseaseosteogenesis imperfectaosteomalaciaPaget's diseaseprimary hyperparathyroidismrickets |
| What the risks are | There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray . A protective shield may be worn over areas not being scanned. |
| Special considerations | |
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