An x-ray film is a simple, two-dimensional picture of the bones in the knee. The picture is generated on a piece of film by a radiation beam that passes through the knee from an x-ray machine.
Only bones show up on an x-ray image, so the picture can tell your doctor if you have a broken bone, bone fragments, or the later stages of osteoarthritis. An x-ray image doesn’t show muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues, so it can’t diagnose things like a ligament tear or meniscal injury.
The machine is usually located in a room of its own, with the controls behind a window off to the side. The procedure is painless and quick; you only need to remain motionless for a short period of time. The procedure is also safe, since an x-ray uses only a small amount of radiation.
For knee problems, there is no special preparation ahead of time. If you’re pregnant, tell your doctor. Even though the x-ray machine will be positioned over your knee, you can wear a lead apron over your abdomen to shield the baby.
After putting on a gown, you’ll lie down on the x-ray table. After the technician positions your knee, he’ll gently pull the x-ray machine down, coming close to but not touching your knee. He’ll ask you to hold your position and then walk into the other room to work the controls that take the picture. He may reposition your knee several times, depending on how many x-ray images you need.
Because you don’t need any medication or injections, you can drive yourself home afterwards.
Typically, your doctor will review your x-ray films and discuss the results with you. For examples of x-ray images, see below for a view of a normal knee (left) and see below for a picture of an injured one (right).
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