Pelvis or Pelvic X-Rays

What are Pelvis or Pelvic X-rays?

Pelvis or Pelvic X-rays are a common imaging test that uses small amounts of high-energy electromagnetic radiation to produce images for doctors to view the inside of the body at or around the pelvis. The level of exposure is considered safe for adults. It is not considered safe for a developing fetus so it is very important that a pregnant patient informs a physician of their pregnancy before having an X-ray taken.

Pelvic X-rays pass through skin and soft tissue mostly, but do not pass through bone or metal easily. As different tissues in the body absorb different amounts of radiation, the images will show different shades of black and white.

One of the most common uses of a pelvic X-ray is to check for broken bones after an accident, but they are also used under many other circumstances.

Pelvic X-rays are used to identify, diagnose, and treat many types of medical conditions. It is a key element and often times the first to be done in the diagnosis process.

Reasons for a Pelvic X-Ray:

Pelvic X-rays are used for a multitude of reasons. A physician may order an X-ray to check for certain cancers in different parts of the pelvis by detecting abnormal tumors, growths or lumps.

A pelvic X-ray is used to view that area of the body where a patient is experiencing pain, swelling, or other abnormalities that require an internal view of the organs. The X-ray can help a physician find a cause for the problems occurring.

Pelvic X-rays can be used to diagnose a disease, monitor the progression of the disease, determine a treatment plan, and see the effect of a treatment plan.

Physicians use pelvic X-rays to locate foreign objects within the pelvis or that area of body and to guide them in setting broken bones.

A Pelvic X-Ray may help diagnose (find):

A pelvic X-ray can detect arthritis in the bones of that area. X-rays of the bones taken over the years can show worsening of arthritis.

X-rays of the pelvis can reveal bone tumors and diagnose bone cancer.

Fractured bones, joint location, and infections of the hip or pelvis can also be diagnosed with an X-ray.

Certain types of X-rays can measure hip bone density and diagnose osteoporosis in and around the pelvis.

X-rays of the pelvis can locate foreign objects in soft tissues around or in bones.

An X-ray of the pelvis can detect a breakdown, erosion, or calcium loss of the bone.