X-RAY

Dhilna Thanathuparambil
Introduction

Radiology is a medical specialty that utilizes

medical imaging techniques to diagnose and
treat diseases and injuries. It encompasses a
broad spectrum of imaging modalities,
including X-rays, computed tomography
(CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
nuclear medicine, positron emission
tomography (PET), and ultrasound.
Importance of Medical Imaging in Radiology

Accurate Diagnosis: Medical imaging enables the detection and diagnosis of a wide range of diseases and conditions, often
with greater accuracy and precision than traditional physical examination techniques.

Early Disease Detection: Imaging modalities can detect abnormalities at early stages, facilitating timely intervention and
improving treatment outcomes.

Treatment Guidance: Imaging guides the planning and execution of various medical procedures, such as biopsies, minimally
invasive surgeries, and radiation therapy.

Disease Monitoring: Imaging allows physicians to monitor the progression of diseases and the response to treatment,
facilitating adjustments and optimizing patient care.

Research and Development: Medical imaging plays a critical role in medical research, providing insights into disease
mechanisms and facilitating the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Radiography is a medical imaging technique
that uses X-rays to generate images of
internal structures of the body.

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic

radiation that can pass through the body, but
are absorbed or scattered to varying degrees Definition of
depending on the density of the material
they encounter.
Radiography

This allows radiographs to create a shadow-

like image of the body's internal structures,
which can be used to diagnose and monitor a
variety of medical conditions.
 Non-invasive: Radiography does not require any
incisions or surgery, making it a safe and
comfortable procedure for most patients.

Key Features of Fast and efficient: Radiographs can be generated

quickly and easily, making them a valuable tool for
emergency medicine and urgent care settings.
Radiography:
Versatile: Radiography can be used to image a wide
range of body parts and conditions, from bones and
joints to soft tissues and organs.
 Fractures and dislocations: Radiography is the primary imaging
modality for diagnosing fractures and dislocations of bones and
joints.

Pneumonia and other lung diseases: Radiography can detect

abnormalities in the lungs, such as pneumonia, tumors, and

Uses of pneumothorax.

Radiography Gastrointestinal problems: Radiography can be used to evaluate

the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine for
abnormalities such as ulcers, blockages, and tumors.

Cardiovascular disease: Radiography can be used to visualize the

heart and blood vessels, helping to diagnose conditions such as
heart failure and aortic aneurysms.
Advantages of Radiography:

Readily available and affordable: Radiography is widely available and

relatively inexpensive compared to other medical imaging modalities.

High-contrast images: Radiographs produce high-contrast images that

can clearly delineate different types of tissues.

Effective for dense tissues: Radiography is particularly effective for

imaging dense tissues such as bones and metal implants.
Limitations of Radiography:

•Radiation exposure: Radiography involves exposure to ionizing

radiation, which can pose a small risk of cancer.

•Limited soft tissue visualization: Radiography is not as effective for

imaging soft tissues as other modalities such as MRI and CT.

•Two-dimensional images: Radiographs only provide two-dimensional

images, which can limit the evaluation of complex structures.
 X-rays are produced when high-energy electrons
are suddenly stopped or decelerated by a metal
target within an X-ray tube

Principles of X- This interaction converts the kinetic energy of the

electrons into electromagnetic radiation in the form
of X-rays.
ray Imaging

The energy of the X-rays produced is determined

by the voltage applied to the X-ray tube. Higher
voltage generates higher-energy X-rays with
greater penetrating power.
Interaction with human tissues
When X-rays pass through the human
body, they interact with atoms in the
tissues. The three primary modes of
interaction are:
Pair production: High-energy X-rays
(greater than 1.02 MeV) interact with
the nucleus of an atom, creating an
electron-positron pair. The positron
quickly annihilates with an electron,
releasing two high-energy photons.
Photoelectric absorption: X-rays are
absorbed by atoms, transferring all of
their energy to an electron, which is
ejected from the atom. The energy of
the X-ray determines which atomic
shell the electron is ejected from.
Compton scattering: X-rays are
scattered by atoms, losing some of
their energy to an electron, which is
ejected from the atom. The
remaining energy of the X-ray is
scattered away at an angle.
components of an X-ray
machine
X- r ay Tu b e: i s t h e h ear t o f t h e X- r ay mach i n e. I t i s
a v acu u m- s eal ed t u b e t h at co n t ai n s a cat h o d e, an
an o d e, an d a h i g h - v o l t ag e p o wer s u p p l y

Co l l i mat o r : a d ev i ce t h at l i mi t s t h e s p r ead o f X- r ay s
t o a s p eci f i c ar ea o f t h e b o d y b ei n g i mag ed .

I mag e Recep t o r : i s t h e d ev i ce t h at cap t u r es t h e X-

r ay s t h at p as s t h r o u g h t h e b o d y.

Co n t r o l P an el : i s t h e i n t er f ace t h at al l o ws t h e
o p er at o r t o co n t r o l t h e X- r ay mach i n e.
Types of X-ray
Examinations
Chest X-rays are one of the most
common types of X-ray
examinations. They are used to
visualize the heart, lungs, and
other structures in the chest.
Dental X-rays are used to
visualize the teeth and jawbone.
They can be used to detect
cavities, bone loss, and other
dental problems
Bone X-rays are used to visualize
bones and joints. They can be
used to diagnose fractures,
dislocations, and other bone
problems

Fluoroscopy is a type of X-ray

Mammography is a type of X-ray
examination that allows doctors
examination that is specifically
to see moving images of internal
used to visualize the breasts.
structures
Resources

RadiologyInfo.org:

American College of Radiology (ACR)

LearningRadiology.com:

Radiopaedia.org

Learning Radiology: Recognizing the Basics by William Herring