What is a skeletal survey?

Skeletal survey is a radiological test that scans the main bones of the human body. This complex X -ray assessment of the skeleton is used to diagnose a number of diseases and conditions. In certain circumstances, skeletal surveys are also used in forensic analysis.

X -ray evaluation of the skull, chest, spine and long bones is included in most skeletal surveys. Long bones are defined as bones in which the length exceeds the width. For example, X -ray for long bones would consist of femur, tibia and fibules for leg and humeri, radii and arm for arm. Hands and legs also contain long bones called metacarples and phalanx.

Skeletal surveys usually last about an hour. While X -rays are generally painless, the injured patient may move when moving positions for different X -rays. During this test, patients should not wear any jewelry and pregnant women must inform prententge technician and other healthcare providers of pregnancyStates before testing.

Health workers can order a skeletal survey to diagnose a number of health and diseases. Skeletal survey is essential for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects plasma cells. Cancer cells of multiple myeloma can gather in bones and form lesions that can be seen in X -rays. Skeletal surveys are also used to investigate bone damage due to the trauma of the accident and to diagnose degenerative bone diseases and osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone that can be caused by damage in which the infection spreads to the bone or after an operation in which the metal plate or rod is inserted into a broken bone.

Skeletal surveys also have an important forensic use. They are commonly performed when the abuse of children is suspected. In cases of suspicion, X -ray technicians and Budo doctorsu look for more fractures, especially fractures of different ages. Fractures of ribs and fractures of the shoulder and chest are also very suspicious in children and young children.

X -ray imaging is the most effective form of medical imaging for performing a skeletal survey. These pictures are produced when X -ray particles pass through the body and the pictures are captured on a special film. Very dense objects such as bone will look white on the X -ray. The lungs that contain air will look black while the muscle will be gray.