Radiation diagnostics is one of the main areas of modern medicine. Today, there are many methods of radiation research, such as radionuclide, magnetic resonance and radiological diagnostics, including fluorography, fluoroscopy, radiography and others, including ultrasound, interventional radiology and thermography.

In this publication, such a research method as radiography will be considered in more detail. What is it?

A method of X-ray study, during which an X-ray image of the body systems and internal organs is obtained by projecting their rays onto a solid carrier, often it is an X-ray film. This research procedure is the first way to help visualize the image of organs and tissues, and then diagnose them.

Radiography was discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a popular physicist from Germany (1895). It was he who was able to fix the property of X-ray radiation, during which the darkening of the photographic plate occurs.

Modern digital x-ray machines make it possible to obtain an image that can be displayed on a display screen, imprinted on paper, possibly in a magneto-optical memory.

This study is performed to study specific lesions in diseases of an infectious nature, such as arthritis, pneumonia or myocarditis, to determine diseases that have arisen in the chest area, namely the heart, lungs. In some specific cases, in the presence of individual indications, diagnostics of the digestive organs, joints, kidneys, spine and liver are performed.

What are the benefits of this study?

Radiography has the following advantages to its implementation, namely:

• does not require special training;
• wide availability and ease of implementation;
• the possibility of using the result obtained by doctors of different directions;
• cheapness, except for diagnosing, when the results are obtained in digital form.

Disadvantages of radiography

This type of research is widely used, but it also has certain disadvantages:

• in the process of radiography, radiopaque agents are used that have an effect on soft tissues;
• ionizing radiation has a rather adverse effect on the organism undergoing research;
• the resulting image somewhat complicates the process of assessing the state of the organ;
• provides a low level of information content when compared with tomography methods.

The doctor may be assigned to perform x-rays as:

• checking the correct installation of the endotracheal tube, central venous catheter in the intensive care unit and general resuscitation;
• the control result of the effectiveness of the treatment;
• confirmation of damage to various organs.

This procedure is carried out in all medical institutions. A radiograph is a document that can be stored for a long period of time. It can be presented to specialists in various fields.

X-rays are not recommended for women during the period of bearing a baby, since radiation can have a negative effect on the fetus.

Before the start of radiography, the patient is notified of the need to perform this diagnosis, and the procedure is explained. So, for example, when studying the organs of the chest, to improve the quality of the pictures taken, you need to take a deep breath at the command of the health worker and hold your breath for a few seconds.

Before performing x-rays, the patient must remove metal jewelry, watches, and when examining the digestive organs, the amount of food and drink should be reduced.

Survey methodology

Before the start of the study, the health worker must leave the room where the x-ray will be taken. If, for some specific reason, he needs to stay, then he needs to “outfit” himself with a special lead apron.

The patient should stand in front of the x-ray machine, perhaps he should sit in a chair or take a “lying” position on a special table. If the patient is intubated, make sure that the tubing and tubing are not dislodged during placement.

The subject under study is not allowed to perform any movements during the period of the study, until its completion. Depending on the goal that was set for the study, pictures are taken in several projections. Before the patient leaves the office, the health worker checks the quality of the images, if necessary, take a second one.

Radiography is aimed at studying the blood vessels, the work of the heart, lungs, respiratory tract, and contributes to the study of the lymph nodes. As a rule, this diagnostic method involves several images taken from the back and chest, but if the patient is in a serious condition, then one image can be taken.

Conducting this study does not require special training. This study is assigned in such cases:

• to determine diseases such as pneumothorax, pneumonia, chronic obstructive and oncological diseases of the lungs;
• in order to identify the cause of pain in the chest, the cause of shortness of breath and cough;
• to establish foreign bodies in the stomach, respiratory organs and lungs;
• to identify lung injuries, rib fractures, including problems that cause pulmonary edema;
• with cardiac ailments, such as cardiomegaly or heart failure.

The doctor may prescribe such an examination for a patient who has the following symptoms: general weakness, prolonged dry cough, hemoptysis, pain in the back or in the lungs, loss of strength, weight loss and fever. Radiography is able to determine pneumonia, such a serious disease as tuberculosis, neoplasms, fungal diseases of the lungs, including the presence of foreign objects.

Typically, such a study of the lungs involves taking several pictures, which are performed using x-rays located from the side and in front.

Young children should be in the supine position during x-rays. When evaluating the study, the doctor must take into account the characteristics of the blood supply to the lungs and their changed proportions when the person is in this position. Such a diagnosis of the lungs does not require any special training for this.

Radiography in determining various injuries of the brain and skull is uninformative, but it is advisable to do such an examination in order to:

• diagnose pituitary tumors;
• identify endocrine diseases and metabolic problems;
• establish congenital malformations;
• identify skull fractures.

The doctor may order an x-ray if the patient has the following symptoms: dizziness, severe headache, hormonal imbalance, and loss of consciousness. Usually this examination is done in five projections. You don't need any special training to do it. When performing an x-ray of the skull, the patient should be free of various kinds of metal objects, such as glasses, any jewelry, in particular dentures.

Taking x-rays of the spine

X-ray of the spine helps to diagnose the displacement of the vertebrae, the presence of erosion, the density and structure of the bone tissue itself, to determine areas of thickening or thinning of the cortical layer of the bones, and uneven contours.

This diagnosis is rational to perform in order to:

• as a determination of the condition of the spine with such an ailment as arthritis and metabolic disorders;
• to determine infectious diseases, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, congenital anomalies;
• to study displacement, subluxations, fractures or distortions of the vertebrae;
• establish the destruction of the intervertebral discs.

Such a study of the spine does not imply any preparation. During the x-ray period, it is only necessary to strictly follow the instructions of the health worker, fixing the desired position on the x-ray table and holding your breath at the appropriate moment.

This diagnostic method is used in the case of long-term or chronic arthritis, in particular if osteoarthritis is suspected. In the case of the presence of other rheumatic diseases in the vast majority, this method of examining the joints is able to detect these symptoms much later, in contrast to laboratory diagnostic methods, in particular, and general clinical observation.

The performed x-rays allow you to compare the results of the following examinations, comparing them with the original data.

When studying symmetrical joints, radiography is performed in the following projections: lateral and direct; if diseases of the hip or interphalangeal joints are diagnosed, an auxiliary projection is also needed - oblique. To determine the disease in the results of radiography of the joints are considered:

• outlines of the cortical layer;
• the contours of the joint space, if its narrowing is determined, this shows the manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, its initial stage;
• articular ends of connecting bones - their size, bone structure, shape and ratio;
• the condition of soft periarticular tissues.

When performing an assessment of radiography of the joints, the clinical picture of the disease, the age of the patient, as well as the time period of the existence of the disease, are taken into account.

In addition to the above types of this study, using radiography, you can study the condition of the teeth, as well as all organs located in the abdominal cavity: 12-type intestine, biliary tract, stomach, colon, gallbladder, including the uterine cavity, peripheral parts of the skeleton and its various departments, the patency of the fallopian tubes.

X-ray examination I

It is used to study the structure and functions of organs in normal and pathological conditions. Allows you to diagnose, determine the localization and extent of the identified pathological changes, as well as their dynamics during the treatment process.

The study is based on the fact that X-ray radiation passing through organs and tissues is absorbed by them to an unequal degree, which makes it possible to obtain their image on a special screen or radiographic film. The difference in the optical density of neighboring areas of the image on the radiograph (or the difference in the brightness of the fluorescent screen) determines the images. Many organs and tissues of the body, differing from each other in density and chemical composition, absorb differently, which causes the natural contrast of the resulting image. Thanks to this, R. and. bones and joints, lungs, heart and some other organs can be performed without special preparation. To study the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, bronchi, blood vessels, the natural contrast of which is insufficient, they resort to artificial contrast: they introduce special harmless X-ray contrast agents that absorb much stronger (barium sulfate, organic iodine compounds) or weaker (gas) than investigated structure. For the purpose of artificial contrasting of organs and tissues, they are taken orally (for example, with R. and the stomach), injected into the bloodstream (for example, with urography), into the cavities or tissues surrounding (for example, with ligamentography), or directly into the cavity (lumen ) or the parenchyma of the organ (for example, with sinusography, bronchography, hepatography). At fluoroscopy (X-ray) intense shadows on the screen correspond to dense organs and tissues, lighter shadows refer to less dense formations containing gas, i.e. image is positive ( rice. 1, a ). On radiographs, the ratio of darkening and clearing is reversed, i.e. image is negative ( rice. 1, b ). When describing images, one always proceeds from the ratio inherent in a positive image, i.e. light areas on x-rays are called blackouts, dark areas are enlightenments.

The choice of the optimal method depends on the diagnostic task in each particular case. to R. and. are determined by the patient's condition and the specifics of a specific R. method and. (for example, contraindicated in acute inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract).

X-ray examination is carried out in X-ray rooms. When examining individuals being in a serious condition (for example, shock or the damages demanding urgent interventions), R. and. carried out directly in the intensive care unit or in the operating room using ward or dressing X-ray units. According to indications, it is possible to examine patients in dressing rooms, emergency departments, hospital wards, etc.

The study, depending on the direction of the X-ray beam relative to the plane of the body, is carried out mainly in direct, lateral and oblique projections. With direct projection ( rice. 2, a, b ) is directed sagittally, i.e. perpendicular to the frontal plane of the body. In the anterior direct (dorsoventral) projection, the radiation source is located behind the subject, and or the film is adjacent to the front surface of the body, in the posterior direct (ventrodorsal) projection, the location of the radiation source and receiver is reversed. With a lateral projection (left or right), the central beam passes perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the body, i.e. along its frontal plane ( rice. 2, c, d ). Oblique projections are characterized by the direction of the central beam at an angle to the frontal and sagittal planes ( rice. 2, e, f, g, h ). There are four oblique projections - right and left anterior and right and left posterior. In some cases at R. and. it is necessary to use additional projections obtained by rotating the patient around one axis (often longitudinal). Such a study is called multi-projection. If this is not enough, the patient is also turned around other axes (see Polypositional study). When examining a number of anatomical formations, for example, the orbit, the middle ear, special projections are used - axial (the central beam is directed along the axis of the organ), tangential (the central beam is directed tangentially to the surface of the organ), etc.

X-ray examination usually begins with fluoroscopy (fluoroscopy) or radiography (radiography). With the help of fluoroscopy, the motor function of some internal organs (heart, stomach, intestines, etc.) is examined, the displacement of pathological formations is determined during palpation or a change in the position of the patient, etc., which has a high resolution, makes it possible to more clearly and clearly display the structures of the body.

Fluoroscopy and constitute a group of general radiological methods. They also underlie private and special radiological methods based on the use of special techniques and technical means, which are used to obtain additional information about the function and structure of the organ under study. Private methods include Teleroentgenography and Electroroentgenography, Tomography, Fluorography, etc. To register the movements of organs (for example, the heart, lungs, diaphragm), fluoroscopy is used using video magnetic recording of the image. Special methods (Bronchography, cholegraphy, urography, Angiography, etc.) are designed to study a specific system, organ or part of it, usually after artificial contrasting. They are used according to strict indications only in cases where simpler methods do not provide the necessary diagnostic results.

Sometimes preliminary preparation of the patient is necessary, which ensures the quality of R. and., reduces the discomfort associated with the study, and prevents the development of complications. So, before carrying out R. and. colon prescribe , cleansing ; in case of need of carrying out at R. and. punctures of the vessel or duct apply local anesthesia; before the introduction of some radiopaque substances, hyposensitizing drugs are prescribed; for a clearer identification during the study of the functional state of the organ, various drugs can be used (stimulating the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing sphincters, etc.).

The analysis received at R. and. information consists of several successive stages: the allocation of x-ray symptoms, the interpretation of the x-ray picture, the comparison of x-ray data with the results of clinical and previous x-ray studies, the differential diagnosis and the formulation of the final conclusion.

The complications connected with R.'s use and. are observed seldom. They mainly occur during artificial contrasting of cavities, organs and systems of the body and are manifested by allergic reactions, acute respiratory distress, collapse, reflex disorders of cardiac activity, embolism, damage to organs and tissues. The vast majority of complications develop during the course of the study or in the first 30 min after its completion. Complications in the form of radiation damage (Radiation damage) with strict observance of all the rules of radiation protection (Ray protection) are not observed. They can arise only in case of gross violation of the rules for working with sources of ionizing radiation (operation of faulty equipment, violation of research methods, refusal to use personal protective equipment, etc.). Radiation protection for patients and personnel is achieved by proper planning of the X-ray room, limiting the irradiation field to the size of the area under study and shielding the genital area, using additional filtration of the primary radiation beam and personal protective equipment, etc.

X-ray examination of children. The main method of R. and. children, especially newborns, is radiography. It is accompanied by a lower radiation exposure to the patient and at the same time allows obtaining sufficiently complete and objective information about the organ under study. In the study of older children, radiography is supplemented with fluoroscopy, while preference is given to X-ray television research, which allows to reduce radiation exposure. Most of the special studies in children are not possible. Appropriate devices and devices are used to fix young children during the study in the optimal position. Areas of the body that are not subject to examination are shielded with lead rubber or a protective screen. Mass X-ray examinations of children under the age of 12 are prohibited.

Bibliography: Zedgenidze G.A. and Osipkova T.A. Urgent at children, L., 1980, bibliogr.; Kishkovsky A.N. and Tyutin L.A. Methodology and technique of electroroentgenography, M., 1982; Lindenbraten L.D. and Naumov L.B. Methods of X-ray examination of human organs and systems, Tashkent, 1976.

X-ray image of the hand is normal: a positive image observed on fluoroscopy (dense tissues correspond to darker areas of the image) "\u003e

Rice. 1a). X-ray image of the hand is normal: positive image observed on fluoroscopy (dense tissue corresponds to darker areas of the image).

Rice. Fig. 2. Standard radiological projections: a - anterior straight line; b - back straight line; in - left lateral; g - right side; d - right anterior oblique; e - left anterior oblique; g - right rear oblique; h - left rear oblique; 1 - X-ray source; 2 - cross section of the body of the subject; 3 - spine; 4 - radiation receiver; Ф - frontal plane, the dotted line indicates the central beam of the radiation beam.

1. Small medical encyclopedia. - M.: Medical Encyclopedia. 1991-96 2. First aid. - M.: Great Russian Encyclopedia. 1994 3. Encyclopedic dictionary of medical terms. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. - 1982-1984.

See what "X-ray examination" is in other dictionaries:

X-ray examination- 25. X-ray examination the use of X-ray radiation to examine a patient for the purpose of diagnosing and / or preventing diseases, consisting of one or more X-ray procedures. A source … Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation

x-ray examination

The study of x-ray. Radiology is a section of radiology that studies the effects of X-ray radiation on the human body, the pathological conditions arising from this disease, their treatment and prevention, as well as methods ... ... Wikipedia

chest x-ray- rus chest radiography (c) eng chest radiography fra radiographie (f) thoracique deu Thoraxröntgen (n), Thoraxröntgenaufnahme (f) spa radiografía (f) torácica … Occupational safety and health. Translation into English, French, German, Spanish

The study of the morphological and functional features of human organs and systems, including for the purpose of diagnosing diseases, based on the acquisition and analysis of X-ray images of the relevant parts of the body ... Big Medical Dictionary

See Tomography... Big Medical Dictionary

I Polypositional study (Greek poly many + Latin positio setting, position) is a method of X-ray examination, in which, by changing the position of the patient's body, optimal projections of the organ under study are obtained. When changing position... Medical Encyclopedia

X-ray examination- rus x-ray examination (с), radiographic examination (с); x-ray examination (c) eng X ray examination, radiological examination fra examen (m) radiologique deu Röntgenuntersuchung (f) spa examen (m) con rayos X,… … Occupational safety and health. Translation into English, French, German, Spanish

X-ray methods of research

1. The concept of X-rays

X-rays are called electromagnetic waves with a length of approximately 80 to 10 ~ 5 nm. The longest-wavelength X-rays are covered by short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation, and the short-wavelength ones by long-wavelength Y-radiation. According to the method of excitation, X-ray radiation is divided into bremsstrahlung and characteristic.

The most common X-ray source is the X-ray tube, which is a two-electrode vacuum device. The heated cathode emits electrons. The anode, often called the anticathode, has an inclined surface in order to direct the resulting X-ray radiation at an angle to the axis of the tube. The anode is made of a highly heat-conducting material to remove the heat generated by the impact of electrons. The anode surface is made of refractory materials having a large atomic number in the periodic table, such as tungsten. In some cases, the anode is specially cooled with water or oil.

For diagnostic tubes, the pinpointness of the X-ray source is important, which can be achieved by focusing electrons in one place of the anticathode. Therefore, constructively, two opposite tasks have to be taken into account: on the one hand, electrons must fall on one place of the anode, on the other hand, in order to prevent overheating, it is desirable to distribute electrons over different parts of the anode. One of the interesting technical solutions is an X-ray tube with a rotating anode. As a result of deceleration of an electron (or other charged particle) by the electrostatic field of the atomic nucleus and atomic electrons of the anti-cathode substance, bremsstrahlung X-ray radiation occurs. Its mechanism can be explained as follows. A moving electric charge is associated with a magnetic field, the induction of which depends on the speed of the electron. When braking, the magnetic induction decreases and, in accordance with Maxwell's theory, an electromagnetic wave appears.

When electrons decelerate, only part of the energy goes to create an X-ray photon, the other part is spent on heating the anode. Since the ratio between these parts is random, when a large number of electrons decelerate, a continuous spectrum of X-ray radiation is formed. In this regard, bremsstrahlung is also called continuous.

In each of the spectra, the shortest-wavelength bremsstrahlung occurs when the energy acquired by an electron in the accelerating field is completely converted into the energy of a photon.

Short-wavelength X-rays usually have a greater penetrating power than long-wavelength ones and are called hard, while long-wavelength ones are called soft. Increasing the voltage on the x-ray tube, change the spectral composition of the radiation. If the cathode filament temperature is increased, then the electron emission and the current in the tube will increase. This will increase the number of X-ray photons emitted every second. Its spectral composition will not change. By increasing the voltage on the X-ray tube, one can notice the appearance of a line, which corresponds to the characteristic X-ray radiation, against the background of a continuous spectrum. It arises due to the fact that accelerated electrons penetrate deep into the atom and knock electrons out of the inner layers. Electrons from the upper levels pass to free places, as a result, photons of characteristic radiation are emitted. In contrast to optical spectra, the characteristic x-ray spectra of different atoms are of the same type. The uniformity of these spectra is due to the fact that the inner layers of different atoms are the same and differ only energetically, since the force effect from the nucleus increases with the increase in the ordinal number of the element. This circumstance leads to the fact that the characteristic spectra shift towards higher frequencies with increasing nuclear charge. This pattern is known as Moseley's law.

There is another difference between optical and x-ray spectra. The characteristic X-ray spectrum of an atom does not depend on the chemical compound in which this atom is included. So, for example, the X-ray spectrum of the oxygen atom is the same for O, O 2 and H 2 O, while the optical spectra of these compounds are significantly different. This feature of the X-ray spectrum of an atom served as the basis for the name characteristic.

characteristic Radiation always occurs when there is free space in the inner layers of an atom, regardless of the reason that caused it. So, for example, characteristic radiation accompanies one of the types of radioactive decay, which consists in the capture of an electron from the inner layer by the nucleus.

Registration and use of X-ray radiation, as well as its impact on biological objects, are determined by the primary processes of interaction of an X-ray photon with electrons of atoms and molecules of a substance.

Depending on the ratio of photon energy and ionization energy, three main processes take place

Coherent (classical) scattering. Scattering of long-wavelength X-rays occurs mainly without changing the wavelength, and it is called coherent. It occurs when the photon energy is less than the ionization energy. Since in this case the energy of the X-ray photon and the atom does not change, coherent scattering in itself does not cause a biological effect. However, when creating protection against X-ray radiation, one should take into account the possibility of changing the direction of the primary beam. This type of interaction is important for X-ray diffraction analysis.

Incoherent scattering (Compton effect). In 1922 A.Kh. Compton, observing the scattering of hard X-rays, discovered a decrease in the penetrating power of the scattered beam compared to the incident beam. This meant that the wavelength of the scattered X-rays was greater than that of the incident X-rays. The scattering of X-rays with a change in wavelength is called incoherent, and the phenomenon itself is called the Compton effect. It occurs if the energy of the X-ray photon is greater than the ionization energy. This phenomenon is due to the fact that when interacting with an atom, the energy of a photon is spent on the formation of a new scattered X-ray photon, on detaching an electron from an atom (ionization energy A) and imparting kinetic energy to an electron.

It is significant that in this phenomenon, along with secondary X-ray radiation (energy hv "of a photon), recoil electrons appear (kinetic energy £k of an electron). In this case, atoms or molecules become ions.

Photoelectric effect. In the photoelectric effect, X-ray radiation is absorbed by an atom, as a result of which an electron flies out, and the atom is ionized (photoionization). If the photon energy is insufficient for ionization, then the photoelectric effect can manifest itself in the excitation of atoms without the emission of electrons.

Let us list some of the processes observed under the action of X-rays on matter.

X-ray luminescence- the glow of a number of substances under X-ray irradiation. Such a glow of platinum-cyanogen barium allowed Roentgen to discover the rays. This phenomenon is used to create special luminous screens for the purpose of visual observation of x-rays, sometimes to enhance the action of x-rays on a photographic plate.

Known chemical action x-rays, such as the formation of hydrogen peroxide in water. A practically important example is the effect on a photographic plate, which makes it possible to detect such rays.

Ionizing action manifests itself in an increase in electrical conductivity under the influence of x-rays. This property is used in dosimetry to quantify the effect of this type of radiation.

One of the most important medical applications of X-rays is the transillumination of internal organs for diagnostic purposes (X-ray diagnostics).

X-ray method is a method of studying the structure and function of various organs and systems, based on a qualitative and / or quantitative analysis of an X-ray beam that has passed through the human body. The X-ray radiation that has arisen in the anode of the X-ray tube is directed to the patient, in whose body it is partially absorbed and scattered, and partially passes through. The image converter sensor captures the transmitted radiation, and the converter builds a visible light image that the doctor perceives.

A typical x-ray diagnostic system consists of an x-ray emitter (tube), an object of study (patient), an image converter and a radiologist.

For diagnostics, photons with an energy of about 60-120 keV are used. At this energy, the mass extinction coefficient is mainly determined by the photoelectric effect. Its value is inversely proportional to the third power of the photon energy (proportional to X 3), which manifests a large penetrating power of hard radiation and is proportional to the third power of the atomic number of the absorbing substance. The absorption of x-rays is almost independent of which compound the atom is in the substance, so one can easily compare the mass attenuation coefficients of bone, soft tissue, or water. A significant difference in the absorption of x-ray radiation by different tissues allows you to see images of the internal organs of the human body in a shadow projection.

A modern X-ray diagnostic unit is a complex technical device. It is saturated with elements of teleautomatics, electronics, electronic computers. A multi-stage protection system ensures radiation and electrical safety of personnel and patients.

X-ray studies are based on the registration of radiation by an X-ray machine, which, passing through the organs of the human body, transmits an image to the screen. After that, on the basis of the obtained image, experienced specialists draw conclusions about the state of health of the examined organs of the patient.

The most important thing to understand is that any indications and contraindications for radiography are privately determined only by the attending physician.

An x-ray examination may be prescribed if you suspect the occurrence of diseases in:

• chest organs;
• skeletal system and joints;
• genitourinary system;
• cardiovascular system;
• cerebral cortex.

And also for:

• checking the results of treatment in patients of all groups;
• confirmation of the diagnosis made by the doctor.

Contraindications for x-ray

When conducting a comprehensive study using X-ray analysis, a person receives a small dose of radioactive radiation. This can not significantly affect a healthy body. But in some special cases, radiography is really not recommended.

It is undesirable or dangerous to examine a patient with an x-ray if:

• pregnancy in the early stages of fetal development;
• severe damage to internal organs;
• severe venous or arterial bleeding;
• diabetes mellitus in the last stages of the development of the disease;
• serious violations in the work of the excretory systems of the body;
• pulmonary tuberculosis in the active phase;
• pathologies in the endocrine system.

Advantages of X-ray diagnostics

Radiography has a number of significant advantages, namely:

• helps to establish a diagnosis in almost all types of diseases;
• has a wide availability and does not require a special purpose;
• is painless for the patient;
• is easy to carry out;
• non-invasive, therefore no risk of infection;
• relatively inexpensive compared to other examination methods.

Disadvantages of X-ray

Like any type of medical examination, radiography has its drawbacks, including:

• the negative impact of x-rays on the state of the body;
• the risk of an allergy to the X-ray contrast agents used in the study;
• inability to frequently apply the examination procedure;
• the information content of this method is lower than, for example, MRI studies;
• it is not always possible to correctly decipher the image obtained on the x-ray.

Types of radiography

Radiography is used for a comprehensive check of all organs and tissues of the human body, it is divided into several types that have certain differences:

• panoramic radiography;
• targeted radiography;
• radiography according to Vogt;
• microfocus radiography;
• contrast radiography;
• intraoral radiography;
• radiography of soft tissues;
• fluorography;
• digital radiography;
• contrast — radiography;
• radiography with functional tests.

You can learn how to do an x-ray in this video. Filmed by the channel: "It's Interesting."

Panoramic radiography

Panoramic or panoramic radiography is successfully used in dentistry. This procedure involves photographing the maxillofacial region using a special device called an orthopontomograph, which is a type of x-ray. The result is a clear image that allows you to analyze the condition of the upper and lower jaws, as well as the soft tissues adjacent to them. Guided by the picture taken, the dentist can perform complex operations to install dental implants.

It also helps to perform a number of other highly technical procedures:

• offer the best way to treat gum disease;
• develop a technique for eliminating defects in the development of the jaw apparatus and much more.

Sighting

The difference between general and targeted radiography in a narrow focus. It allows you to get an image of only a specific area or organ. But the detail of such a picture will be several times higher than a conventional x-ray examination.

The advantage of the targeted radiograph is that it shows the state of the organ or area in dynamics, at different time intervals. X-rays passing through the tissue or area of ​​inflammation, increase its image. Therefore, in the picture, the organs are larger than their natural size.

The size of the organ or structure in the picture will be larger. The object of study is located closer to the X-ray tube, but at a greater distance from the film. This method is used to obtain an image in primary magnification. An objective radiograph is ideal for examining the thoracic region.

X-ray according to Vogt

Vogt X-ray is a non-skeletal method of X-raying the eye. It is used when microscopic fragments enter the eye that cannot be tracked using a conventional x-ray. The image shows a clearly defined area of ​​the eye (anterior compartment) in such a way that the bony walls of the orbit do not obscure the damaged part.

For research according to Vogt in the laboratory, two films must be prepared. Their size should be two by four, and the edges must be rounded. Before use, each film must be carefully wrapped in wax paper to prevent moisture from entering its surface during the procedure.

Films are needed to focus x-rays. Thus, any, the smallest foreign object will be highlighted and detected by shading in two completely identical places in the picture.

To perform a radiographic procedure according to the Vogt method, two images must be taken one after the other - lateral and axial. To avoid injury to the fundus, the images should be taken with soft x-rays.

Microfocus radiography

Microfocus radiography is a complex definition. The study includes various methods for obtaining images of objects on x-rays, the focal spot diameter of which is not more than one tenth of a millimeter. Microfocus radiography has a number of features and advantages that distinguish it from other research methods.

Microfocus radiography:

• allows you to get a multiple increase in objects in images with increased sharpness;
• based on the size of the focal spot and other features when shooting, it makes it possible to multiply the magnification without losing the quality of the photo;
• The information content of an x-ray image is much higher than in traditional radiography, with lower doses of radiation exposure.

Microfocus radiography is an innovative research method used in cases where conventional radiography is not able to determine the area of ​​damage to an organ or structure.

Contrast radiography

Contrast radiography is a set of x-ray studies. Their characteristic feature is the principle of using radiopaque substances in order to increase the diagnostic accuracy of the resulting image.

The method of contrasting is used to examine the cavities inside the organs, to assess their structural features, functionality and localization. Special contrast solutions are injected into the area under study, so that due to the difference

One of these methods is irrigoscopy. During it, radiologists examine the structure of the walls of organs in the course of getting rid of contrast agents.

Contrast radiography is often used in research:

• genitourinary system;
• with fistulography;
• to determine the characteristic features of blood flow.

Intraoral radiography

With the help of an examination using the method of contact intraoral (intraoral) radiography, all types of diseases of the upper and lower jaw and periodontal tissue can be diagnosed. An intraoral x-ray helps to detect the development of dental pathologies at an early stage, which cannot be achieved during a routine examination.

The procedure has several advantages:

• high efficiency;
• rapidity;
• painlessness;
• wide availability.

The procedure for intraoral radiography is not associated with particular difficulties. The patient is seated in a comfortable chair, then asked to freeze for a few seconds, clenching the jaws of the film for the picture. During the procedure, you need to hold your breath for a while. A picture is taken within three to four seconds.

X-ray of soft tissues

Examination of soft tissues using radiography is carried out to obtain operational information about:

• muscle condition;
• articular and periarticular bags;
• tendons;
• ligaments;
• connective tissues;
• skin;
• subcutaneous adipose tissue.

With the help of a detailed picture, the radiologist can examine the structure, density and size of the connective tissues. During the study, X-ray beams penetrate soft tissues, and the machine displays the scanned image on the screen.

During an examination using this method, the doctor asks the person to tilt their head in different directions, up and down. In this case, the bones are fixed in a certain position, which is subsequently displayed on the pictures. This is called radiography with functional tests.

For most of today's children and adolescents suffering from problems associated with dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system, this type of x-ray examination is especially important.

In order to reveal hidden pathologies in time, children should have x-rays with functional tests of the cervical spine. This examination is suitable for all children, regardless of age. In infants, the examination allows you to identify injuries and abnormalities received immediately after childbirth. Children's radiography can report problems with the development of the skeleton (scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis) in time.

Photo gallery

Intraoral Contrast Microfocus X-ray of soft tissues Panoramic X-ray according to Vogt

Preparation for radiography

To properly prepare for the x-ray procedure, you must:

1. Get a referral for x-rays from your doctor.
2. To get a clear and unblurred image, you need to hold your breath for a few seconds before starting the x-ray.
3. Be sure to get rid of all metal objects before starting the examination.
4. If we are talking about the study of the gastrointestinal tract, you need to minimize the amount of food and drink consumed a few hours before the start of the study.
5. In some special cases, the patient may require a cleansing enema prior to X-ray examinations.

Research technique

To comply with the rules for x-ray examination, it is necessary:

1. The health worker should leave the room before the procedure begins. If his presence is mandatory, he must wear a lead apron for radiation safety purposes.
2. The patient needs to take the correct position at the X-ray machine in accordance with the instructions received from the radiologist. Often he needs to stand, but sometimes the patient is asked to sit or lie down on a special couch.
3. A person during the examination is forbidden to move until the procedure is completed.
4. Based on the purpose of a particular examination, the radiologist may need to take pictures in several projections. Most often, these are direct and lateral projections, respectively.
5. Before the patient leaves the office, the health worker should check the quality of the image and, if necessary, repeat the procedure.

The number of images during X-ray control is determined by the doctor personally.

How are X-ray results interpreted?

When deciphering an x-ray, the doctor pays attention to factors such as:

• the form;
• displacement;
• intensity;
• size;
• contours, etc.

Since the image is made in the mode of X-rays passing through the patient's body, the dimensions on the X-ray photo do not correspond to the anatomical parameters of the patient. The specialist studies the shadow picture of the organs. Draws attention to the roots of the lungs and pulmonary pattern. On the basis of the image, the radiologist prepares a description, which is transferred to the attending physician.

About a hundred years ago, the famous scientist K. Roentgen discovered X-rays. From that moment to the present, X-rays have been helping all of humanity, both in the field of medicine and in the field of industry, as well as in many other areas. X-ray diagnostics is currently the most reliable and effective method in the arsenal of both the doctor and the patient. Today, a large number of innovative technologies and methods are known that can minimize adverse effects on the human body, as well as make the research more informative.

Most likely, everyone at least once in their life has dealt with certain modern technologies of X-ray diagnostics. Let's dwell on them in more detail.

Radiography- is perhaps the most common and well-known method. Its use is indicated when there is a need to obtain an image of a certain part of the body by using X-rays, on a special photographic material;

With the use of radiography (better known as X-ray), you can get an image of, for example, teeth or a skeleton. It is also used for fractures, as part of a comprehensive diagnosis of the joints and spine, as well as to detect the presence of foreign bodies in the human body. X-rays can be ordered by specialists such as a dentist, or an orthopedist, or a doctor working in an emergency room.

Fluoroscopy is the process of obtaining an image on the screen, with its help it is possible to study organs that are in the process of their work - we are talking about processes such as diaphragm movements, heart contractions, peristalsis of the esophagus, intestines and stomach. In addition, the method allows you to get a visual representation of the location of organs relative to each other, to determine the nature of localization and the degree of displacement of pathological formations. With the help of such a method as fluoroscopy, it is possible to perform numerous therapeutic and diagnostic manipulations, for example, vascular catheterization.

It is nothing more than the process of photographing an x-ray image directly from the screen. This becomes possible with the use of special devices. Today, the most commonly used method is digital fluorography. The method has found wide application in the process of examining such organs as the lungs and other organs of the chest cavity, mammary glands, nasal paranasal sinuses.

Tomography , if translated from Greek, means "slice image". In other words, the purpose of tomography is nothing more than obtaining a multilayer image of the internal structure of the research material, that is, an organ. The method is practiced in the process of conducting a study of a number of organs, as well as parts of the body;

Contrast radiography . This method is a conventional x-ray, which is performed using a contrast agent, namely barium sulfate. This technology makes it possible to determine with high accuracy the size, as well as the shape and position, the degree of mobility of an organ, the type of relief, the state of the mucous membrane of the organ. Also, by such a study, it is possible to identify the changes that have occurred or the resulting tumor. The method is used in situations in which more primitive methods do not allow obtaining the required diagnostic results.

Interventional radiology (also known as X-ray surgery) is a whole complex of surgical operations of minor trauma, carried out under strict supervision and using the so-called radiation methods, that is, ultrasound, as well as fluoroscopy, in fact, X-ray, CT, or the method of nuclear magnetic resonance.

Nowadays, X-ray diagnostics steadily continues its development, providing more and more new and modern research options.