Conventional Radiography

Conventional Radiography is a painless, non-invasive imaging technique that produces images of the inside of the body, particularly bones and dense tissues. It works by passing X-ray beams through the body, where they are absorbed in varying amounts by different tissues. Dense structures like bones appear white on the X-ray image, while softer tissues appear in shades of gray.

Conventional Radiography, commonly known as X-ray imaging, is one of the oldest and most widely used diagnostic imaging techniques in medicine. It uses a small amount of ionizing radiation to capture detailed images of bones, organs, and other internal structures, helping doctors diagnose a wide range of conditions quickly and effectively.

Types of Conventional Radiography

There are several types of conventional radiography used depending on the area and purpose of examination:

Plain X-rays – Standard X-ray images for bones, chest, or abdomen
Fluoroscopy – Real-time moving X-ray images used during procedures
Mammography – Specialized X-rays for breast tissue
Contrast X-rays – X-rays taken after introducing contrast agents to highlight specific organs or blood vessels, such as in barium studies or angiography

What Are Some Common Uses of the Procedure?

Conventional Radiography is used in many medical situations, including:

Detecting bone fractures and dislocations
Evaluating joint and spine problems
Diagnosing lung conditions (like pneumonia, tuberculosis, or lung cancer)
Examining the abdomen for bowel obstruction or swallowed objects
Assessing dental issues such as cavities or impacted teeth
Screening for breast cancer through mammography
Guiding certain procedures, like catheter placement

How Do I Prepare for My Conventional Radiography?

For most routine X-rays, no special preparation is needed. However:

You may be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, or metal objects that could affect image quality
You may need to wear a hospital gown
If a contrast X-ray is planned, you may need to fast or follow specific instructions, which will be provided in advance

What Will Happen During My Conventional Radiography?

You will be positioned either lying down, sitting, or standing, depending on the body part being examined
A technologist will place the X-ray machine over the target area
You will be asked to remain still and sometimes hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken
The procedure is quick, usually lasting only a few minutes, and you can typically return to normal activities immediately afterward

What Are the Reasons for a Conventional Radiography?

Doctors recommend conventional radiography to:

Diagnose injuries (like bone fractures)
Monitor disease progression or response to treatment
Detect infections, arthritis, or bone tumors
Evaluate lung or heart conditions
Check placement of medical devices such as pacemakers, catheters, or feeding tubes

Why Angiography is Used

Angiography is a special type of imaging that uses X-rays and contrast dye to visualize blood vessels. It is used to:

Detect blockages or narrowing in arteries or veins
Identify aneurysms (abnormal vessel bulges)
Evaluate blood flow to organs
Guide procedures such as stent placement or angioplasty
Plan surgeries or assess the success of previous vascular treatments