12/18/2024
Let's talk about x-rays!
🔍What can they tell us?
X-rays are a great tool for examining bony structures of the body. They are used to diagnose fractures, dislocations, and many other conditions.
🚩What can they miss?
Although there are a variety of conditions that X-rays cannot detect (i.e. sprains/strains), I am going to focus on a specific case, which just so happens to be my own.
After experiencing almost 2 months of right-sided groin and hip pain, I was sent for an x-ray as a stepping stone to be referred for an MRI.
The third slide is the results of the x-ray... Notice anything strange? (This x-ray was taken from the front while I was standing)
While the report indicated "normal alignment", it is anything BUT that. In case you missed it, the right side of my pelvis is higher than the left. So why does this matter?
Although the report said everything was normal, I had been receiving a variety of treatments and was assessed by another Athletic Therapist who flagged a leg length discrepancy (where one leg is longer than another). This finding led to further imaging to confirm the structural difference between my right and left leg.
This diagnosis has led me to modify my footwear (inserting a 2cm lift in my left shoe) as well as the activities I choose to do barefoot or without my lift.
❗️The bottom line of this post: while x-rays are a great tool to visualize bony structures, it is important to have a well-rounded approach to injury assessment and rehabilitation.
DISCLAIMER!!! I am in no way a radiology expert and do not claim to be. This is not medical advice and should not be taken as such
