An X-ray is an image created using electromagnetic radiation.

X-ray Overview - Radiology Info
This link covers information about how x-rays work and what can be seen in the resulting films.

X-ray Overview - Mayo Clinic
This link includes images of a stress fracture and how an X-ray is performed.

As part of the diagnostic process, physicians may order x-rays of many different areas of the body depending on the patient's symptoms. For example:

Spine X-ray - is used to evaluate a back or neck injury, or to help diagnose and treat back or neck pain. Click on the link for an overview, which includes basic information on how the test is performed, as well as several illustrations of the spine anatomy.

Stress X-ray - physicians can see joint damage by taking an x-ray of a joint which is being stressed. Stress to a joint involves pushing the joint in different directions of motion.

Image: Normal Hip x-ray

Image: Normal Ankle X-ray

Image: Normal Stress X-ray Ankle

Image: Normal Stress X-ray Ankle - cropped (Note: this image highlights the image of the stressed joint more prominently.)

Image: Normal Spinal X-ray

Image: Normal Foot X-ray

An abnormal x-ray indicates a deviation from the normal structure being viewed. 

Image: Skull Fracture

• Juvenile Rhematoid Arthritis


• Avascular Necrosis


• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip


• Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis


• Displaced Stress Fracture


• Non-Displaced Stress Fracture (Note: Stress fractures do not show up on x-rays until they begin to heal, usually 3 to 4 weeks after the injury.)


• Ankle Fracture


• Tarsal Coalition


• Degenerated Disc


• Developmental Abnormality of the Spine


• Vertebral Fracture
  
  

Click here to learn more about the normal results of an extremity x-ray (x-ray of arms, legs, hands, feet, ankles, etc) and what abnormal results may indicate.