X-rays of the arm, leg, hand, foot, ankle, shoulder, knee, hip or hand may be done to assess the bones for injuries. This includes fractures or broken bones. X-rays can also show evidence of other injuries or conditions, such as infection, arthritis, tendinitis, bone spurs, foreign bodies, tumors, or birth defects. X-rays may also be used to see bone growth and development in children.

Your healthcare provider may request X-rays of joints to check for abnormalities of the joint such as bone spurs, narrowing of the joint, and changes in the structure of the joint.

There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend an X-ray of the arms and legs. Talk with your healthcare provider about the reason for your X-ray.

You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the procedure and the risks related to your particular situation. It is a good idea to keep a record of your radiation exposure, such as previous X-rays and other scans so you can tell your healthcare providers. Risks linked to radiation exposure may be related to the number of X-ray exams or treatments over time.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you might be. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. If you need an X-ray of the extremities, special precautions will be made to keep the radiation exposure to the fetus to a minimum.

You may have other risks depending on your specific health condition. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

• Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you and ask if you have questions.
• Generally, you don't need to fast or get medicine (sedation) to help you relax..
• Tell the radiologic technologist if:
  • You are pregnant or think you might be
  • You have had a recent barium X-ray procedure. This may interfere with getting the best X-ray exposure of the lower back area during a hip X-ray.
• Your provider may have other specific instructions for you.

An X-ray may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your provider's practices.

Generally, an X-ray procedure of the extremities follows this process:

1. You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or other metal objects that might interfere with the procedure.
2. If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
3. The type of procedure being done will dictate your positioning, such as lying on a table, sitting, or standing, and the type of X-ray equipment used. You will be positioned on an X-ray table that carefully places the part of the body that is to be X-rayed between the X-ray machine and a cassette containing the X-ray film or X-ray digital media. Exams in the sitting or standing position are done in a similar manner, with the body part being examined placed between the X-ray machine and the X-ray film or digital media.
4. Body parts not being imaged may be covered with a lead apron (shield) to avoid exposure to the X-rays.
5. The radiologic technologist will ask you to hold the extremity still in a certain position for a few moments while the X-ray exposure is made.
6. If the X-ray is being done to determine an injury, special care will be taken to prevent further injury. For example, a splint or brace may be applied to the leg or arm if a fracture is suspected.
7. Some X-ray studies may require several different positions of the extremity. It's extremely important to remain completely still while the exposure is made, as any movement may distort the image and even require another X-ray to be done to obtain a clear image of the body part in question.
8. The X-ray beam will be focused on the area to be photographed.
9. The radiologic technologist will step behind a protective window while the image is taken.

The X-ray procedure itself causes no pain, but moving a potentially injured body part may cause some discomfort or pain. The radiologic technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.

Generally, there is no special type of care after X-rays. However, your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.