Radiography (X-ray)
Radiography (X-ray) Overview
Radiography, commonly known as an X-ray, is a fundamental diagnostic imaging technique used to visualize internal structures of the body. By passing controlled X-rays through the body part being examined, it creates fixed images (radiographs) that help detect pathologies in areas such as the spine, bones, lungs, abdomen, pelvis, teeth, and mammary glands.
The radiography suite within our clinic's radiation diagnostics department features modern equipment, providing an accessible and high-quality imaging option for various conditions. You can schedule an X-ray by phone if you have a referral from another specialist, or following a consultation with one of our doctors.
Sample X-ray examination of the spine in a direct (front-to-back) projection.
Our radiology department utilizes an advanced digital radiography system: the STEPHANIX (France) X-ray diagnostic complex. This system features a remote-controlled Evolution table, a digital image processing system, and a full-size flat digital detector.
This state-of-the-art equipment enables electronic tomography directly on the detector (without mechanical synchronization), allowing slice thickness to be set manually or programmatically. Furthermore, features like a motorized compression system and the X-ray tube's ability to rotate ±180° horizontally significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities during patient examinations.
The accompanying MedRadio software provides radiologists with powerful tools for interpreting images, streamlining the diagnostic process. Key features include:
- Customizable patient list displays
- Filtering information by radiologist, date, or organization
- Dynamic windowing for contrast adjustment
- Dynamic zoom and panning
- Customizable magnifying glass settings (size, contours)
- Measurement tools (distance, angle, multiple angles)
- Pre-set or custom annotations
- Tools for adding arrows, circles, and lines
- Image manipulation (horizontal/vertical flip, 90-degree rotation)
- Inverted video display (negative view)
- Multi-patient display and image comparison
- Printing options (DICOM and Windows formats)
- Customizable print stamp settings
- Simultaneous modification of multiple selected images
- Multi-tasking display capabilities
- User-defined display optimization
- Full-resolution image flashing
- Flexible image storage (DICOM, Jpeg, TIFF, AVI) and import/export (CD, DVD, USB)
- Multi-user software access
- Integrated remote service support
- STITCHING program for reconstructing large images from multiple smaller ones
- Patient radiation dose measurement system
Video illustrating the basic principles of Radiography (X-ray imaging).
X-ray Studies Performed at the Clinic
Our X-ray facility supports a diverse range of diagnostic procedures, including:
- Fluorography: An X-ray examination focused on the chest organs (lungs, heart). It's essential for diagnosing lung and heart conditions and is known for being informative, accessible, and safe.
- Bone & Spine Radiography: Imaging of skeletal structures, including the skull (often requested by ENT, neurosurgery, neurology, ophthalmology, or trauma specialists) and the spine. Spine X-rays can include functional studies (flexion/extension views) to assess deformities, displacements, fractures, and stability without causing discomfort during injury assessment.
- Contrast Studies of the GI Tract: X-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using contrast agents, sometimes with double-contrast techniques for enhanced detail.
- Intestinal Irrigoscopy: A contrast X-ray examination of the large intestine using retrograde filling (contrast introduced via the rectum), often employing double-contrast methods.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A contrast X-ray study of the female reproductive system (uterus and fallopian tubes) used to identify pathologies, including potential causes of infertility.
- Excretory Urography: A contrast X-ray examination assessing the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder).
Radiography (X-ray) of Skull Bones
Skull radiography helps diagnose fractures, depressions, and cracks. Different views (projections), such as direct (front) and lateral (side), along with specialized angles, are used to visualize specific areas effectively.
Example of a skull X-ray in the lateral projection.
Radiography (X-ray) of Bones and Joints
Radiography is crucial for evaluating joint health. X-rays of bones near major joints (e.g., shoulder, elbow, hip, knee) allow assessment of articular surfaces (bone ends within the joint) and the joint space itself.
Radiography (X-ray) of the Spine
Spine X-rays, known as spondylography, allow detailed examination of vertebral structures. This includes the vertebral bodies, transverse processes, spinous processes, articular processes (facets), intervertebral joints, and intervertebral foramina (openings for nerves). The condition of intervertebral discs and spinal segment mobility (using functional views) can also be assessed.
Radiograph of the lumbosacral spine in the lateral projection, indicating a straightening of the normal lumbar curve (lordosis).
Cervical spine (neck) radiography is mandatory for any suspected damage, regardless of neurological symptom severity, and for all unconscious trauma patients.
Radiograph of the cervical spine in the lateral projection, indicating a straightening of the normal cervical curve (lordosis).
Specialized spine and spinal cord radiography techniques using contrast agents are also available. For specific preparations required before any X-ray procedure, please consult with the radiography department staff at the clinic.
Flexion and extension views of the lateral cervical spine used to assess craniovertebral junction (CVJ) instability.
Cervical spine flexion and extension X-rays involve taking images while the patient bends their neck forward (flexion) and backward (extension). These dynamic views are particularly useful for evaluating suspected neck injuries or instability. Common reasons a doctor might order these views include:
- Whiplash Injury: To assess potential damage to ligaments or joints resulting from sudden neck movements.
- Cervical Instability: To detect abnormal movement between vertebrae, which can occur in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Down syndrome, or due to congenital issues.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: To identify abnormal motion or alignment contributing to pain caused by wear and tear.
- Post-Surgery Evaluation: To check the stability of the spine after previous cervical surgery.
- Trauma Assessment: To evaluate for fractures or other injuries after head or neck trauma.
The decision to use flexion and extension views depends on the individual patient's situation and will be determined by the healthcare provider.