Upper Extremity X-Ray
Your doctor has recommended you for an X-ray of your upper extremities. Upper extremity X-rays may be of the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, forearms, upper arms or shoulders. These X-rays can help to find injuries (fractures and sports injuries), joint swelling (arthritis), weakened bones (osteoporosis) or other abnormalities that may be causing pain.
Before Arriving for Your Procedure
- Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home and wear comfortable clothing.
- If your doctor gave you an order, please bring it with you.
- Although we do not anticipate any delay in your scheduled appointment, we recommend that you bring a book, magazine or music player to help pass the time if you have to wait.
During Your Procedure
- Depending on the site of the pain, you may be asked to stand, lie on the exam table or sit in a chair.
- The technologist will take multiple pictures of the painful area. You may be asked to turn in various ways so images can be taken from different angles.
- The technologist may use sponges or sand bags to help hold your arm still for each image.
- The X-ray takes 15 to 30 minutes.
After Your Procedure
- Your study will be read by an imaging physician who specializes in the interpretation of x-ray scans. The results will be sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours.
- Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.