What can be assessed with an X-ray?
At CRMA, we perform X-rays of practically every region of the body:
- Chest and abdomen — including multiple views and weight-bearing studies.
- Spine — cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral; weight-bearing and functional studies (flexion/extension); extra-long film for an overall assessment, for example in scoliosis.
- Upper and lower limbs — shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, pelvis, hip, knee (including an axial view of the patella), ankle and foot; segmental measurement of the lower limbs.
- Skull and face — including the paranasal sinuses and temporomandibular joints.
- Bone age — X-ray of the wrists and hands, in children.
When it is requested
- Injuries — suspected fracture or dislocation.
- Back pain — initial assessment, including weight-bearing studies.
- Respiratory complaints — assessment of the chest.
- Orthopaedic follow-up — before and after surgery or immobilisation.
- Scoliosis — overall assessment of the spine on extra-long film.
- Growth assessment — bone age, at the paediatrician's request.
What the exam is like
- 1Before
Reception
You arrive with your referral; in most cases there is no prior preparation.
- 2
Positioning
Standing, sitting or lying down, depending on the region and the views requested. The radiographer guides each position.
- 3Seconds
Image acquisition
Each image takes seconds; for the chest and abdomen you may be asked to briefly hold your breath.
- 4
Finishing up
You resume your day straight away, with no restrictions.
Preparation
- Preparation: not needed.
- Metal objects: remove them from the area being examined (necklaces, zips, coins, phone).
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy: always tell the team before the exam.
- Previous exams: bring them, if you have them — they help with comparison.
Results
The report is written by a radiologist. The report is available as a PDF (by email or printed) and the images on CRMA's imaging platform, to take to your treating doctor. With written authorisation, they can be sent directly to the referring doctor.