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Extremity X-Ray

Results

An extremity X-ray is a picture of your hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, knee, or leg. It is done to see whether your bone has been Reference fractured Opens New Window or your joint Reference dislocated Opens New Window. It is also used to check for an injury or damage from conditions such as infection, Reference arthritis Opens New Window, bone growths (tumors), or other bone diseases, such as Reference osteoporosis Opens New Window. In an emergency, the doctor can see the initial results of an extremity X-ray in a few minutes. Otherwise, a Reference radiologist Opens New Window usually has the official X-ray report ready the next day.

**Normal results**
Normal:	The bones, joints, and soft tissue look normal. No foreign objects, such as fragments of metal or glass, are present.
	No infection and no abnormal growths (tumors) are present.
	The joints are normal with no dislocation or signs of disease, such as arthritis.
	All parts of a joint replacement are in the correct position.

**Abnormal results**
Abnormal:	Fractured bones may be present.
	Foreign objects, such as fragments of metal or glass, may be present.
	Abnormal growths (tumors) are present.
	Signs of bleeding or infection, such as a collection of blood, pus, or gas may be present.
	A joint may be dislocated.
	The bones or joints may show signs of damage from a disease such as Reference osteoporosis Opens New Window, Reference rheumatoid arthritis Opens New Window, Reference osteoarthritis Opens New Window, Reference gout Opens New Window, or Reference Paget's disease Opens New Window. See pictures of Reference rheumatoid arthritis of the feet Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window and Reference rheumatoid arthritis of the hands Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
	Swelling is present in tissues around the bones even though the bones may be normal.
	There are loose parts, worn parts, or an infection in a joint that has artificial pieces (joint replacement).

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: Reference April 24, 2012
Medical Review:	Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Reference Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

HealthWise KnowledgeBase

Extremity X-Ray

Results

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