X-ray imaging is a diagnostic examination that uses X-rays to visualize internal body structures. Due to their high density, bones appear as white areas on the image, while soft tissues are displayed in different shades of gray.
In orthopedics, radiography represents the first-line imaging method for the evaluation of fractures, dislocations, degenerative changes of joints and the spine, as well as for the detection of bone deformities or anatomical abnormalities.
The examination is rapid, widely available, and relatively low-cost. The amount of radiation used is generally low, and in standard clinical situations the diagnostic benefits significantly outweigh the minimal associated risk.
Usually, images are obtained from at least two different projections, such as anteroposterior and lateral views, allowing a more complete assessment of the anatomical region. In certain cases, dynamic views may also be performed, such as flexion and extension images, to evaluate the stability of a joint or the spinal column.
Despite its excellent ability to visualize bony structures, X-ray imaging has limited capacity for assessing soft tissues, such as cartilage, ligaments, or intervertebral discs. For evaluation of these structures, complementary imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often required.