Digital X-ray

Digital X-ray

Receive diagnostic X-ray images faster and in higher quality with Digital X-ray technology.

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Digital X-ray

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Pacific Coast Sports Medicine uses digital radiography to provide patients with immediate, high-quality diagnostic X-ray images. By using this form of X-ray technology, our facility is able to produce images not only faster than the traditional X-ray film process, but also with digital quality in such a way that requires less radiation to the patient.

With digital radiography, patients and healthcare professionals can see internal structures of the body clearly allowing precise and accurate diagnoses.

Radiography is the visualization of the internal parts of the body using X-ray techniques for the purpose of providing a static image after termination of the exposure. During a radiographic scan, X-rays are passed through the human body targeted at a panel that detects the emission of those rays (3). The variable density tissues of the body allow different amounts of the X-rays to pass through while absorbing others to produce the standard black, white, and grey shadow images.

hockeyX-rays are often the first step in a patient’s progress towards recovery by allowing orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, and other physicians to formulate a diagnosis in a non-invasive manner. The bones of the body appear the clearest on an X-ray due to their higher density compared to muscle and other body tissues. Therefore, X-rays are commonly used to see the presence or absence of a fracture or other bone deformity/disease, as well as the possibility of osteoporosis. In addition to musculoskeletal applications, X-rays can also be used to evaluate lung conditions, digestive tract disorders, and cardiovascular blockage sometimes using a contrast medium such as barium or iodine (4).

How do Digital X-rays differ from traditional film X-rays?

FOOTBALLBefore the application of digital X-rays in clinical offices, the process of obtaining an X-ray image was longer and more costly. Old radiographic techniques required the use of caustic chemicals and film. At Pacific Coast Sports Medicine, our patients are able to view their X-rays on a monitor in the exam room soon after the scan is completed. The physician can easily review the images with the patient during the office visit. Due to the digital programming equipment, the X-rays can be further contrasted or enhanced to enable more accurate readings and diagnoses, as well as be saved in picture archiving and communication systems software making the filing and retrieval process efficient and seamless.



Summary of the advantages of digital X-ray technology:

  • Image available immediately
  • Less radiation used
  • Ability for image intensification, contrasting, and brightening (1)
  • Elimination of film and chemical waste
  • Improved image archiving, transfer, and data management (2)
References:

  1. Basnal GJ. Digital radiography. A comparison with modern conventional imaging. Posgrad Med J. 2006;82(969):425-428.
  2. Digital X-ray Imaging. GE Web site. http://www.ge-mcs.com/en/radiography-X-ray/digital-X-ray.html. Accessed September 6, 2014.
  3. US Food and Drug Administration Web site. http://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/radiationemittingproductsandprocedures/medicalimaging/medicalX-rays/ucm175028.htm#ig. Update June 6, 2014. Accessed September 6, 2014.
  4. X-ray Tests and Procedures: Why it’s done. Mayo Clinic Web site. Updated February 16, 2012. Accessed September 9, 2014.
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