Xrays & Fractures

Most everyone knows that xrays are particulary helpful in diagnosing fractures and broken bones. In fact, just about everyone I know has had an xray for that reason at one time or another. This amazes me because I didn't have my first xray until I was in my late 20's. Childhood brought many cuts, bruises and bumps but my parents didn't take us to the Emergency Room every time, thankfully.
Ok..back to my topic..fractures. We get fractures from people of all ages..babies to 95 yr. olds. Since young children have alot of cartilege, their bones tend to much more pliable & harder to break. In fact, some fractures in children are called "greenstick fractures" because they look like a green stick being broken..It sort of shreds some but doesn't break all the way through. Older bones have less calcium so they tend to be more brittle & easier broken. For this reason it is very important for adults over 35 to replenish their calcium to maintain good bone health.
So, what happens if you come in and have an xray but the Dr. says there is no break. Well, that is usually good news. It doesn't mean that you won't have pain because there was obviously some trauma there that will need to heal. If you continue to have increasing pain after 1 week many Dr's will tell you to return for a follow up xray. It is possible to have a tiny crack through the bone that will not show up initially. After using the part for a few days that crack could seperate a bit & be more easily visualized on the follow up xray. We see this occasionally with hip xrays. The first xray will be essentially normal. After a few days of trying to bear weight with increased pain, the second xray will show a fracture. This does not mean the DR. missed your fracture, it simply means that it had not been significant enough at first to be seen on an xray.
I hope this has helped provide some useful xray information for you.

Xrays- And Who Is Taking Them

Most people don't think twice when going to the Hospital or Emergency Room. They assume that people are there to take care of them. That part is true, there are people there to do that. The Big question is, are they properly trained. Many states in the U.S. do not require Xray techs, or Radiologic Technologists, to be licensed. That, in itself, does not mean that technologists at your hospital are not trained, or licensed. Most hospitals will require their Xray Technologists to be certified by a National Board, The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This means they have completed a 2 year program and passed their boards. Most technologists are also a member of a National Society, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This Society helps to pass laws regarding education of student radiographers, represents technologists on a national level in Washington, D.C.,etc. And then some states have a state society. This may all sound confusing to you..but it boils down to one simple question.."Are you a Registered Technologist?"
When you are introduced to the xray tech about to perform your examination you should check their name tag. Most all Hospital name badges will have the employees name followed by some initials, RT (R), CT, US, etc..The RT (R) means they are licensed in Radiology. IF you don't see those abbreviations after their name you should ask the person if they are registered. IF they say No, then personally I would ask for someone who is. If there is no one licensed there I would probably go to another facility if I had that option. Radiation can be very harmful if not administered properly. We as technologists undergo intensive training for 2 years and we take our job very seriously. Radiology is undoubtedly the number one tool in helping Doctors diagnose most diseases. Xrays that are of poor quality can often cause a missed diagnosis. It is vitally important that people be trained and licensed to perform these Diagnostic procedures. This can save an incorrect diagnosis, it can save a lot of radiation exposure from unwarranted repeats, and it can save alot of money.
The next time you or someone you know is about to undergo any xray examinations be sure to ask who is performing their test. It can make all the difference in the world to have that xray information.

XRay Information and DEXA Scans

Women today are much better informed about their health than their mothers or grandmothers. And, since we are so well informed there is no reason for any woman today to suffer from osteoporosis. Actually, that's a bit drastic, but there should certainly be a major decline in this disease. Osteoporosis is a progressive disease in which the amount of bone is decreased leaving a much thinnner and more brittle bone. This cortical thinning of the bones makes the bone much more prone to fracture. Fortunatley today there are several ways to detect Osteoporosis and treat it successfully.
The first step is to have a sit down talk with your Physician regarding your diet and your current lifestyle. He'll ask if you smoke, drink alcohol, and how, or if, you exercise. All these factors play a significant part in the health of your bones.Following your evaluation you will most likely be sent for a DEXA scan. This is a simple, painless procedure that is most often performed in the XRay department.
You will lie on a table while a scan is done of your lower spine, hips and possibly your wrist and hand. The results measure your bone density against those of a healthy young adult. If your bone mass is normal your score will be above a Minus 1. IF that score is between 1 and -2.5 then you are losing bone mass. For patients that are below -2.5 you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis.
Currently every woman over the age of 65 is recommended for a Bone Density exam. Men who are over 70 should have one as well. It is a very important thing to consider since one in 2 women, and one in 4 men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. SOmetimes the test is recommended for younger patients who happen to be in a higher risk group due to genetic factors or come other medical conditions.
If you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis the physician may prescribe a certain medication for you to try. There are other options too considering the severity of your condition. Following through with a healthy diet rich in Vitamin D, trying to exercise more, eliminating excess alcohol, and quitting smoking are all other factors that can keep your bones healthy.
Many people will ask if this test is really necessary? The test is very simple, painless and only costs around $150.00. MOst insurance companies and Medicare will pay for this procedure, it is that important. There is no question that one of medicine's most popular and effective exams is the DEXA Scan.