Pelvis x-ray
X-ray - pelvisA pelvis x-ray is a picture of the bones in and around both hips. The pelvis connects the legs to the body.
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How the Test is Performed
The test is done in a radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technician.
You will lie down on the table. The pictures are then taken. You may have to move your body to other positions to provide different views.
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How to Prepare for the Test
Tell the provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry, especially around your belly and legs. You will wear a hospital gown.
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How the Test will Feel
The x-rays are painless. Changing position may cause discomfort.
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Why the Test is Performed
The x-ray is used to look for:
- Fractures
- Tumors
- Degenerative conditions of bones in the hips, pelvis, and upper legs
- Abnormal shape of your bones or joint
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What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may suggest:
- Pelvic fractures
- Arthritis of the hip joint
- Tumors of the bones of the pelvis
- Sacroiliitis (inflammation of the area where the sacrum joins the ilium bone)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (abnormal stiffness of the spine and joint)
- Arthritis of the lower spine
- Abnormality of the shape of your pelvis or hip joint
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Risks
Children and the fetuses of pregnant women are more sensitive to the radiation of the x-ray. A protective shield may be worn over areas not being scanned or other imaging modalities can be used.
References
Stoneback JW, Gorman MA. Pelvic fractures. In: McIntyre RC, Schulick RD, eds. Surgical Decision Making. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 147.
Williams KD. Spondylolisthesis. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 40.