What is a pelvic X-ray looking for?

What is a pelvic X-ray looking for?

A pelvic X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, swelling, or deformity in the pelvic, hip, or upper leg regions, and can detect broken bones after an injury. Also, pelvic X-rays may detect other problems such as cysts, tumors, and later-stage infections of the pelvic bones.

Can X-ray Show pelvic tilt?

Pelvic tilt is one of the parameters contributing to the individual pelvic orientation. It is measured on an AP pelvic radiograph as the distance between the midportion of the sacrococcygeal joint and the upper border of the symphysis pubis.

When does a doctor order a pelvic X-ray?

Your doctor may order a pelvic X-ray for numerous reasons. Often, an X-ray is taken after a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a fall. A pelvic X-ray can help your doctor detect various conditions, such as:

How is a pelvic X-ray computed tomography done?

Pelvic X-ray and Computed Tomography Techniques The routine initial view of the pelvis is the anterior–posterior (AP) x-ray (Figure 13-1). This image is obtained with the patient supine and the x-ray beam oriented 90 degrees to the patient’s long axis, passing through the patient from anterior to posterior.

What are the risks of an X-ray of the pelvis?

Risks of getting an X-ray of the pelvis. If you have an X-ray because of a traumatic event that causes pain and possibly a broken pelvis, you may experience additional pain during the X-ray. The test requires you to adjust your body so that clear images can be taken, and may cause you discomfort.

Can a pregnant woman have an X-ray of the pelvis?

If you’re pregnant or believe you might be pregnant, tell your doctor before the procedure. They may suggest alternative testing methods that don’t use radiation, such as an MRI scan. If you have an X-ray because of a traumatic event that causes pain and possibly a broken pelvis, you may experience additional pain during the X-ray.

What does a pelvic X-ray exam look like?

What It Is. A pelvis X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of the pelvic bones, which surround the hip area.

Where can I get an X-ray of my pelvis?

An X-ray technician takes the X-rays in the X-ray department of a hospital or outpatient radiology center. One to two pictures are usually taken of the pelvis, one with the legs straight from the front (anteroposterior or AP view) and one with the legs bent from the side (lateral view).

Risks of getting an X-ray of the pelvis. If you have an X-ray because of a traumatic event that causes pain and possibly a broken pelvis, you may experience additional pain during the X-ray. The test requires you to adjust your body so that clear images can be taken, and may cause you discomfort.

Can a pregnant girl have a pelvis X-ray?

Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm, so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician. You can help your young child prepare for a pelvis X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure.