If an X-ray procedure is unavoidable, radiologists might then reduce the amount of time a person is exposed to radiation. Someone who is concerned about radiation exposure from X-rays or who has had many X-rays over their lifetime may discuss these issues with their physician.Īnyone who is pregnant, might be pregnant, or is breastfeeding should tell their doctor before an X-ray procedure.ĭepending on the reason for the X-ray, their doctor might suggest imaging procedures that do not use radiation, such as an MRI scan or ultrasound. This radiation allows the radiologist or X-ray technician to create images of internal body parts, such as bones, organs, and tissues.Ĭumulative excess ionizing radiation can damage or even kill cells, so there is a risk of developing organ failure and cancer.ĭoctors weigh these risks against the benefits of performing X-rays, and radiologists and X-ray technicians use the least amount of radiation necessary to capture a quality image. When someone has an X-ray, radiation passes through their body. Radiation exposure is the main concern regarding X-rays. The researchers suggested that CT scans might be a more effective test if high clinical suspicion persists after no fracture is identified on the pelvic X-ray. In 2022, researchers studied the cases of 285 adults aged 18 years and older who were admitted to a level 1 trauma center from January 2010 through May 2019 with a severe blunt pelvic fracture.Īmong other findings, they discovered that pelvic fractures were missed in 15.8% of these individuals. In cases such as these, the radiologist or doctor may need more images.įurthermore, pelvic X-rays are not always accurate. Likewise, it can be difficult to X-ray someone who is unable to position their body correctly due to a physical condition or extreme pain from an accident or fall. Several factors can affect the quality of the X-rays.įor instance, an X-ray technician may have trouble capturing clear images if the person does not understand that they must remain still, such as a young child or someone with dementia or delirium.

Once the X-rays are complete, a radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to the referring doctor, who will then meet with the person to discuss the results and possible treatment options. Once the technician captures the required images, the person may get dressed and go back to their normal daily routine. They will return to reposition the person as needed. Once the person is properly positioned and covered, the technician will move behind a wall or to another room to operate the X-ray machine. This is to ensure they get the clearest images possible. They may also ask the person to hold their breath and be still while they perform the X-ray. The X-ray tech may provide a lead apron or blanket to help protect the person from radiation exposure in areas not being studied. Usually, this means lying in the supine position (face up) on an exam table, but the technician may want standing images as well. Once it is time to begin, the X-ray tech will help the person position themselves to get the best images. The X-ray may take place in a hospital’s radiology department or a radiology clinic. Radiologic technologists, also called X-ray technicians, perform pelvic X-rays.

Normal hip xray front view