Is an X-Ray Needed for Ankle Pain?
An X-ray is not needed for every case of ankle pain. After an ankle injury, a healthcare provider may recommend ankle radiography when there are signs that a fracture could be present such as significant tenderness directly over certain ankle or foot bones, difficulty taking four steps, or other concerning findings. Clinical decision rules, including […]
Can an X-Ray Detect a Dislocated Shoulder?
Yes, an X-ray can usually detect a dislocated shoulder and is one of the primary imaging tests used to confirm that the upper arm bone has moved out of the shoulder socket. A shoulder radiograph can also help identify associated fractures or abnormal joint alignment. However, diagnosing a dislocation should include a physical examination because […]
Do I Need to Remove Jewelry Before an X-Ray?
Usually, yes jewelry and other metal objects may need to be removed if they are in or near the part of the body being examined. Metal can appear prominently on a radiographic image and may overlap the bones or other structures the healthcare provider needs to see, potentially reducing image quality or requiring another image. […]
Can Urgent Care Treat Fractures?
Yes, urgent care can evaluate and treat many uncomplicated, non-life-threatening fractures. Depending on the type and severity of the break, urgent care may provide a physical examination, diagnostic X-ray imaging, pain management, splinting, bracing, or other initial treatment. More complicated fractures, open fractures, severe deformities, or injuries involving significant trauma may require emergency or orthopedic […]
How Much Radiation Is in an X-Ray?
The amount of radiation from an X-ray depends on the body part being examined, the type of imaging, the patient’s size, and the equipment and technique used. As a general example, an adult chest X-ray has an approximate effective dose of 0.1 millisieverts (mSv), which is roughly equivalent to 10 days of natural background radiation. […]
Are Digital X-Rays Safer?
Yes, digital X-rays can be safer than older film-based X-rays because modern digital imaging systems can produce diagnostic images with less radiation exposure in many circumstances. However, the exact radiation dose depends on the body part being examined, the equipment, and the imaging technique. The goal of modern radiography is to use the lowest reasonable […]
Can I Get an X-Ray After a Car Accident?
Yes, you can get an X-ray after a car accident when a healthcare provider determines that imaging is appropriate. X-rays are commonly used after trauma to check for broken bones, dislocations, and other bone injuries, especially when you have pain, swelling, tenderness, or difficulty moving the injured area. However, not every accident requires an X-ray, […]
What Is the Difference Between an X-Ray and an MRI?
The main difference between an X-ray and an MRI is what each imaging test is designed to show. X-rays use a small amount of ionizing radiation to create images of bones and are commonly used to detect fractures, dislocations, and other bone abnormalities. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves, without ionizing radiation, […]
Do X-rays Show Sprains?
No, a standard X-ray usually does not directly show a sprain because a sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is soft tissue. However, an X-ray is valuable for checking whether a fracture, dislocation, or other bone injury is causing the pain. At Sahara West Urgent Care, we evaluate injuries by considering how the […]
How Soon Will I Get My X-Ray Results?
X-ray results usually take 24 to 48 hours for routine outpatient scans ordered through traditional hospital networks. However, urgent care results are read and interpreted much faster often within minutes to an hour during your visit. While some standalone outpatient facilities make patients wait 2 to 3 days, modern walk-in clinics streamline the process entirely. […]