A proper x-ray is probably the first and foremost piece of diagnostic information that aides in your diagnosis and treatment. Orthopedic Center of Florida’s x-ray department is completely digital offering many advantages over conventional analog imaging systems:
Many times your new x-rays have been sent to our doctor’s computer before you even leave the x-ray room. Gone are the days of waiting for the x-rays to be developed inside of a darkroom, and no more searching for previous films taken here, they are all stored on our PACS (Picture Archiving Communication System). Never again will x-rays be misplaced or lost! They are all stored in our computer and backed up in Dallas, TX
Digital imaging enables us to have the best of both worlds! Because we can use the tools available with the equipment to enlarge, lighten or darken an image, the need for repeats is reduced therefore reducing potential radiation. Those tools are also good for measuring or templating if surgery is indicated.
The part of your body being pictured is positioned between the X-ray machine and photographic film. You have to hold still while the machine briefly sends electromagnetic waves (radiation) through your body, exposing the film to reflect your internal structure. The level of radiation exposure from X-rays is not harmful, but we will take special precautions if you are pregnant.
Bones, tumors and other dense matter appear white or light because they absorb the radiation. Less dense soft tissues and breaks in bone let radiation pass through, making these parts look darker on the X-ray film. Sometimes, to make certain organs stand out in the picture, you are asked given barium sulfate or a dye.
You will probably be X-rayed from several angles. If you have a fracture in one limb, your doctor may want a comparison X-ray of your uninjured limb. Your X-ray session will probably be finished in about 10 minutes. The images are ready quickly.
X-rays may not show as much detail as an image produced using newer, more powerful techniques.