X-RAYS AND

FRACTURES
Hemanth Vasam
X RAYS / RADIOGRAPHS
i. What is an X-ray ?
ii. How do x-rays produce images of internal structures of the body?
iii. Radiographic densities on a radiograph
iv. Radiation safety
v. What can happen when we are exposed to radiations
vi. How to view a radiograph

09/26/2023 Radiology and X- rays 2

i)What is an X-ray?
• X-rays are a form of electromagnetic energy formed when high-speed electrons bombard a tungsten anode
target. Like light energy, these useful rays have properties of waves and panicles. However, X-rays have a
much shorter wavelength than visible light, allowing them to penetrate matter.

LeaJ Case

09/26/2023
fig: X-Ray machine 3
 ii)How can X-rays produce images of internal structures of the body?
• Differences in body tissue densities are what allow us to “see” inside the body by creating a
shadow gram. The body is composed of tissues containing many different elements, which
vary by atomic number (the number of protons in the nucleus). The higher the atomic number,
the denser the element and the more effectively the X-ray is blocked. Therefore, specific
shadows of internal body structures become visible because they contain varying types of
elements. For example, when an X-ray strikes the calcium in cortical bone, it is blocked,
and on the radiographic image the bone will appear white. When an X-ray strikes a less dense
element like nitrogen, it passes all the way through. Therefore, the air-containing lungs will
appear darker, approaching black on the radiographic image. When a fracture extends through
bone, the fracture line will be dark while the intact bone will remain white.

09/26/2023 4
How can X-rays produce images of internal structures of the body?
iii)radiographic densities -denotation of matter in the form of densities and
colors (ON THE X -RAY)

• Metal (Bright white)

• Mineral (White)
• Fluid/soft tissue (Gray)
• Fat (Dark gray)
• Air (Black)

The higher the atomic number of the matter, the more the X-rays will be blocked from
reaching the film. (N = atomic number = number of protons in the atom of an element.)
09/26/2023 5
 iv)Radiational safety

• The first element of radiation safety is time. we must limit the amount of time that we and
our patients are exposed to radiation. The second element of safety is distance. The energy
and therefore potential damage caused by X-rays are inversely proportional to the distance
squared. The farther we are from the source of radiation, the safer we are. The third element
of safety is shielding. By covering the body with a protective metallic shield, we can
effectively limit the dose of radiation to that part of the body.

09/26/2023 6
v)What is a safe dose of radiation?

There is no dose of radiation that is considered perfectly safe. We are all exposed toambient radiation in the environment. It
comes from the sun and other celestial bodies and from the ground, including a well-known source-radon. Unnecessary
exposure from imaging studies is a preventable hazard. Always consider risk versus benefit when requesting any test
utilizing radiation.

vi)What can happen when people are exposed to radiation?

X-rays can dislodge electrons from the shell of an atom. This results in the production of an ion (free radical). A free
radical is an unstable molecule with an extra electron. Free radicals become stable by donating their extra electron to
other molecules within cells of the body. This process permanently damages protein, DNA and other vital molecules.
Among the ill effects reported from radiation exposure are birth defects, cancer and cataracts.

09/26/2023 7
vii) How to view a radiograph
• carefully examine it for size, shape, position, and density. The questions you
must ask yourself are: Is this structure normal anatomy? Is this structure
abnormally large or small? Can its borders be recognized so that a measurement
of size can be made? What is the shape of the structure? Where is it located, and
is this a normal position? What is the radiographic density of the structure
(remember the five basic radiographic densities)?

1. Size of the structure

2. Shape or contour of a structure
3. Position of the structure
4. Density of the structure

09/26/2023 8
FRACTURES

26/09/2023 9
FRACTURES AND ITS TYPES
 What is a fracture?
 Types of fractures
• Transverse fracture
• Spiral fracture
• Greenstick fracture
• Stress fracture
• Oblique fracture
• Impacted fracture
• Etc.
 Diagnosis of fractures

09/26/2023 10
What is a fracture?
• A bone fracture is a medical condition in which there is a partial or
complete break in the continuity of any bone in the body. A bone fracture
may be the result of high force impact or stress, or a minimal trauma injury
as a result of certain medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as
osteoporosis, osteopenia, bone cancer, or osteogenesis.

09/26/2023 11
TYPES OF FRACTURES
• TRANSVERSE FRACTURE : Transverse fractures are breaks that are in a
straight line across the bone. This type of fracture may be caused by
traumatic events like falls or automobile accidents.

09/26/2023 12
• SPIRAL FRACTURE: As the name suggests, this is a kind of fracture that
spirals around the bone. Spiral fractures occur in long bones in the
body, usually in the femur, tibia, or fibula in the legs. However, they
can occur in the long bones of the arms. Spiral fractures are caused by
twisting injuries sustained during sports, during a physical attack, or in
an accident

09/26/2023 Add a footer 13

• GREENSTICK FRACTURE: This is a partial fracture that occurs
mostly in children. The bone bends and breaks but does not
separate into two separate pieces. Children are most likely to
experience this type of fracture because their bones are softer
and more flexible.

09/26/2023 Add a footer 14

• STRESS FRACTURE:Stress fractures are also called hairline fractures.
This type of fracture looks like a crack and can be difficult to diagnose
with a regular X-rays. Stress fractures are often caused by repetitive
motions such as running.

09/26/2023 15
• OBLIQUE FRACTURE : An oblique fracture is when the break is
diagonal across the bone. This kind of fracture occurs most often in
long bones. Oblique fractures may be the result of a sharp blow that
comes from an angle due to a fall or other trauma.

09/26/2023 16
• IMPACTED FRACTURE:An impacted fracture occurs when the broken
ends of the bone are driven together. The pieces are jammed together
by the force of the injury that caused the fracture.

09/26/2023 17
DIAGNOSIS OF FRACTURES
• Diagnosing a bone fracture typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical imaging, and sometimes laboratory tests. Here
are the steps commonly taken to diagnose a bone fracture:
1.Patient History and Physical Examination:
1.asking questions about the circumstances of the injury, any previous fractures, and any underlying medical conditions that may affect bone health.
2.The healthcare provider will look for signs of swelling, bruising, deformity, tenderness, and loss of function.
2.X-rays:
1.X-rays are the most common imaging method used to diagnose bone fractures. They can provide detailed images of bones and can often confirm the presence
of a fracture, as well as its location and type.
3.CT Scan (Computed Tomography):
1.In some cases, particularly for complex fractures or when more detailed imaging is required, a CT scan may be ordered. CT scans can provide 3D images of
the bones, which can be useful for surgical planning.
4.MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
1.MRI may be used to evaluate soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons in addition to bone. It can be especially helpful for detecting subtle fractures or assessing
joint injuries.
5.Bone Scintigraphy or Bone Scan:
1.This nuclear medicine imaging technique can be used to detect stress fractures or fractures that may not be evident on X-rays. A radioactive tracer is injected
into the bloodstream, and a special camera captures images of how it is taken up by bones.
6.Ultrasound:
1.Ultrasound may be used for assessing certain fractures, especially in children. It is less commonly used for bone fractures but can be helpful in some cases.
7.Laboratory Tests:
1.Blood tests are not typically used to diagnose bone fractures directly. However, they may be ordered to rule out underlying conditions that could affect bone
health or healing, such as osteoporosis or infection.
8.Clinical Assessment and Follow-Up:
1.The healthcare provider will assess the severity of the fracture, whether it is displaced or stable, and whether any associated injuries are present.
2.Treatment options will be discussed, which may include casting, splinting, surgery, or other interventions depending on the type and location of the fracture
09/26/2023 18
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.Smith, J. A. (2019). Principles of Radiographic Imaging: An
Introduction to X-ray Physics and Technology. Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.
2.Brown, L. P., & Johnson, R. S. (2020). Radiologic Science for
Technologists: Physics, Biology, and Protection. Mosby.
3.Clark, K., & White, S. (2018). Handbook of Fractures. Wolters
Kluwer.

THANKYOU TO CHATGPT, WIKIPEDIA AND GOOGLESCHOLAR

09/26/2023 19
THANK YOU

SUCCESFULLY
COMPLETED EM THANK YOU BHAVANI
BIOLOGY PROJECT
MAM FOR GUIDING ME

09/26/2023 Add a footer 20