What is a knee X-ray and what does it diagnose?

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Eden Experts

August 12, 2021

Find out what a knee X-ray is, under what circumstances doctors request it and everything you have to take into account before and after the study, as well as if there are risks when doing it.

To a large extent, our bone skeleton is responsible for the proper functioning of our body. Therefore, it is essential that you ensure your health by consulting specialists in time when you have any symptoms, injuries or damages. This is especially important in Knees, which have a primary function. If they are injured or injured, your doctor will most likely ask you for one Knee X-ray.

The knees are responsible for allowing us to walk, jog, run or stand, supporting the weight of our entire body. That's why when we have overweight, the knees are often affected, causing severe pain. The same thing happens when we suffer blows or falls, because the knee is the connection between the femur, the patella and the tibia.

What is a knee X-ray?

One of the most practical and fastest ways for specialists to evaluate this complex structure is to use a Knee X-ray, a study that allows us to visualize through images the condition of bones, joints, tissues and bone densities. This is a study painless, so even in the case of a fracture, this will not worsen the situation during the process.

Specialists can indicate x-rays of the knees to evaluate possible fractures, deteriorating conditions due to bone diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and also the possible presence of tumors.

However, this study also reflects ligaments and muscles that make up this entire complex joint.

How is the knee X-ray done and what should I consider?

In order to obtain the desired images, a radiologist or technician will subject your knee to a X-ray machine, which works with X-ray beams at controlled doses. These are absorbed by the materials they come into contact with to obtain the images. When it comes to bones, the color we'll see in the study is white, and for muscles it's gray shadows.

When taking this test, you must remove all objects that may interfere with X-rays. This means that it is best that you attend with short clothes, or else you'll have to undress (you'll be asked to wear a disposable gown). On the other hand, you will have to remove jewelry or metals to avoid alterations in the images.

No special care is needed after you have your study done.

Finally, you may be referred to a Contrast for radiography, such as iodine, which can be applied orally or intravenously. Contrast serves to differentiate tissues and tumors more clearly. In this case, you may be recommended to drink plenty of fluids after the study.

What risks do I expose myself to with an X-ray?

When we talk about radiation It's normal to feel afraid and think that you're exposing yourself to a risk with a test such as a knee X-ray. However, radiology technology has taken important steps, both to have high-resolution images and to protect health for both patients and professionals in this area. In this sense, in new equipment, the amount of radiation can be adjusted.⁵

Controlling this variable has been the solution for The X-ray does not exceed the radiation dose, and for the case of limbs or knees, the amount is 0.001mSv. This value is quite low, and is comparable to the exposure you can have in a day of Three hours exposure to the sun under normal conditions.⁵

For this reason, you can be calm about the risk associated with knee x-rays, but perhaps it is better to go to health centers that have state of the art equipment that ensure the correct doses.

Although we already understand that X-ray images do not imply harm to health, it is also essential that the doctor avoid these studies when they are not needed. That is, there are knee ailments that can be treated with medication before these studies are done: it all depends on the specialist's indications.

Also, depending on the doctor's decision and the patient's history, other tests may be indicated that generate similar results, such as tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, two non-invasive, painless and excellent quality techniques.

How do I get my results and how long should I wait?

The advantages of radiographs are that they are imaging studies to know the internal structure of the body quickly and conveniently, both when doing so and to obtain the results.

Los Results they are usually accompanied by a Interpretation of the radiologist. Keep in mind that only your doctor knows what each term means, and he is the one who must decide what steps to take regarding your treatment.

Usually, you will receive the Results one to three days after your study. Many laboratories and hospitals allow you view them digitally. That way, you can easily save them and share them with more doctors, for example, if you need a Second opinion.

References

Anatomy of the knee. Sanitas.
Radiography.Mayo Clinic.
Contrast Materials (Media): Iodinated, Barium, Gadolinium, Air. Chilean Society of Radiology.
Do X-rays have any risks? Know how to live.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Mayo Clinic.

What is a knee X-ray and what does it diagnose?

What is a knee X-ray?

How is the knee X-ray done and what should I consider?

What risks do I expose myself to with an X-ray?

How do I get my results and how long should I wait?

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