Xray

Question 1

Tissue density

Answer 1

Density differs
More dense= whiter it appears
Fat is less dense and more lucent= blacker
Bone is more dense and absorbs more radiation

Question 2

ABCs

Answer 2

Alignment
Bone
Cartlidge
Soft tissue and foreign bodies

Question 3

What are you looking for on an X-ray

Answer 3

Fractures can be identified by a lucent line or a sclerotic line/area accompanied by either a “step” or a “break” in the bone’s cortex.

Sclerosis and lucency can also indicate other pathology/issues

4 spatial changes can be seen on an X Ray, these may occur separately or in combination

Displacement
Angulation
Length change (distraction or impaction)
Rotation

When describing movement, describe the movement of the Distal part relative to the Proximal part.

Although Soft Tissues are not very clearly visualised on X Rays changes of bony alignment can indicate injury e.g. Dislocation.

If other injuries are suspected, further investigations may be indicated, e.g. MRI Scan.