X-rays are helpful in looking closely at the bones in the hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, knee, leg and spine. Most often physicians order an exam of an area to check for a fracture or abnormality in the joint. X-rays are also helpful to see if a fracture has healed properly. 

 

Other uses include:  

• Checking for build up of fluid in the joint surrounding the bone
• Directing spinal repairs, joint replacement and fracture reductions
• Diagnosing arthritis and osteoporosis through a special study called bone densitometry
• Assisting in the detection of cancer
• Locating foreign objects that may have been swallowed
• Evaluating change in bone