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Bone Radiography

Norm of Bone Radiography

Negative.

 

Usage of Bone Radiography

Identification of abnormal growth patterns by serial radiography. Detection of ankylosing spondylitis, congenital abnormalities, fractures, healing fractures, hyperparathyroidism, infection, joint destruction, osteomalacia, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, the presence of joint fluid, rickets, and tumors.

 

Description of Bone Radiography

Specific bones are radiographed in several positions for visualization of the bone from all angles. Kiru et al (2002) found magnetic resonance imaging superior to bone radiography for detecting bone stress injuries in the early phase of damage.

 

Professional Considerations of Bone Radiography

Consent form NOT required.

Precautions
During pregnancy, risks of cumulative radiation exposure to the fetus from this and other previous or future imaging studies must be weighed against the benefits of the procedure. Although formal limits for client exposure are relative to this risk-benefit comparison, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires that the cumulative dose equivalent to an embryo/ fetus from occupational exposure not exceed 0.5 rem (5 mSv). Radiation dose to the fetus is proportional to the distance of the anatomy studied from the abdomen and decreases as pregnancy progresses. For pregnant clients, consult the radiologist/radiology department to obtain estimated fetal radiation exposure from this procedure.

 

Preparation

  1. Handle injured parts carefully.
  2. Shield the client's testes, ovaries, or pregnant abdomen.

 

Procedure

  1. The client is placed on the radiography table in several positions, with a radiograph taken in each position.
  2. The client must lie still for the radiograph.

 

Postprocedure Care

  1. The client remains in the radiology department until it is determined that the films are satisfactory.

 

Client and Family Teaching

  1. The amount of exposure to radiation is minimal and not dangerous.
  2. It is important to stay still during the radiograph.
  3. Results are normally available within 24 hours.

 

Factors That Affect Results

  1. Movement results in an unsatisfactory radiograph.
  2. Too little or too much exposure results in a radiograph that is too light or too dark and may need to be repeated for interpretation.

 

Other Data

  1. Wear a lead apron if remaining in the room with the client during radiography.