Common investigations

X-ray

X-rays are a type of radiation that can produce an image of the inside of your body, a little like a photograph. X-rays can pass through the soft tissue areas of your body, but are blocked by denser areas, such as bone. For this reason, X-rays are particularly good at showing problems with bones, such as spurs, arthritis, fractures or calcific deposits.

When you have an X-ray, you will be asked to lie on a special table or stand against a special wall that contains the X-ray sensitive film. You will be asked to keep still so the image is not blurred.

Having an X-ray is a painless, non-invasive procedure. The amount of radiation you will be exposed to is minimal and is often less than the amount you could be exposed to through natural sources. However, the number of X-rays you have will be kept to a minimum.

X Ray confirming calcific tendonitis.