X-Ray Femur 2 Views
X Ray Basic:
The femur two views X-ray is an imaging exam of the long bone in the thigh. This is the strongest bone in the body and extends from the hip to the knee. Femur X-rays are ordered to diagnose fractures and abnormalities in the femoral shaft.
The femur is the longest and sturdiest bone in the human body. Fractures of the femur are uncommon and only occur when the femur has sustained extreme trauma or large amounts of force.
Why do you need an X-ray?
This X-ray is ordered to assess suspected fractures, dislocations, and osteomyelitis and locate foreign bodies within the bone. This is possible because these views demonstrate the long bone of the thigh in the correct anatomical position. This procedure is also ordered for your doctor to find the cause of unexplained pain, tenderness, swellings, and deformities. Other indications include trauma, congenital malformations, and the inability to bear weight on one leg.
Another everyday use of the femur two views X-ray is by orthopedic surgeons and physicians. If your leg has to be amputated, the X-ray allows them to determine the length of the femur for prosthetic purposes.
When do you need an X-ray?
A femur X-ray can help find the reasons for symptoms such as
● Aches or limping
● Swelling
● Deformity of the upper leg
● difficulty moving the leg
● inability to stand or walk
● pain or swelling in the thigh, possibly with bruising
● deformation (abnormal shape) of the thigh
● bone pushing out through the skin — a sign of a severe fracture.
Femur 2 views X-rays are also ordered after surgery on the femur or after a broken bone has been set. This procedure can help confirm if the area is healing correctly or the bone is aligned correctly.
Another reason your doctor may order a femur X-ray is before surgery of the upper leg is required. In this case, the doctor may take an X-ray to plan for the surgery and assess the operation results. Also, an X-ray can help detect cysts, tumors, or other diseases in the bone, including later stages of bone infections.
Do you need to prepare for the X-ray?
This procedure doesn't require any special preparation. Inform your physician if you have a metal or surgically implanted device. Metal objects in the body can interfere with the X-ray, but your doctor may still choose to continue with the exam.
You will be asked to don a hospital gown before the procedure; however, this is usually unnecessary for a femur X-ray. You will also have to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures as they can interfere with the X-ray image.
It is also critical to tell the doctor if you may be pregnant since fetuses are more susceptible to radiation from X-rays. The doctor or technician will thus use a protective lead apron over your midsection if you are pregnant.
What can you expect?
For a femur X-ray, two images are usually taken, AP or anteroposterior view (from the front) and lateral hip view (from the side). Thus the X-ray technician will reposition the foot for each X-ray. (Due to the X-raying machine's limitations and the type of injury, your doctor will order both of these projections). Occasionally doctors request X-rays of both feet for comparison.
In the AP view, the X-ray technician will ask you to lie on your back and rotate your lower limbs a few degrees from your hip x ray. This view shows the entire femur in a natural anatomical position.
In the lateral view, a sideways image is obtained. The technician will roll you to your affected side and bend your other leg for support. This view shows the femur in a complete 180-degree view.
What do your X-ray results mean?
Once taken, the X-ray technician will give your X-rays to a radiologist who is a medical professional who's specially trained in reading and interpreting radiographs. The radiologist will then write out a report which they will share with your primary physician.
Your doctor will then discuss the condition of your femur with you. A treatment plan for your femur injury will begin once the doctor has determined if you have a fractured or dislocated bone or joint, arthritis, or osteomyelitis.
Related X-rays:
Tibia Fibula 2 views, Knees 2 views, Knees both views
