Extremity X-ray

Arm X-Ray, Leg X-Ray, X-Ray, Arm, X-Ray, Leg

Why It Is Done

Extremity X-rays are done to:

• Find the cause of pain in an extremity.
• See whether your bone is fractured or your joint is dislocated.
• See whether fluid has built up in the joint or around a bone.
• See whether your bones are positioned properly after treatment for a fracture or dislocation, such as after placing a cast or splint on an arm or leg.
• Find changes in your bones caused by conditions such as an infection, arthritis, bone growths (tumors), or other bone diseases. See illustrations of osteoarthritis of the hip and osteoarthritis of the knee .
• Find foreign objects such as pieces of glass or metal.
• Check to see whether a child's bones are growing normally.
• See whether your bones and joints are in the correct position after joint replacement surgery.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated May 10, 2006
Medical Review:	Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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