Does a radiology perform musculoskeletal X-ray?

A musculoskeletal X-ray uses a small amount of ionising radiation to create pictures of bones and some joint alignment. The radiographer positions the body part, selects suitable views, and asks you to keep still. A radiologist may review the images and prepare a report for the doctor, physiotherapist, or other clinician who requested the examination. X-rays show bone detail well but do not display every tendon, ligament, or cartilage problem.

Tell the radiographer if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, and mention where the pain or injury is located. Wear simple clothing and remove jewellery or metal items from the area. Follow positioning instructions, since movement can blur an image and require another view. Ask how the result will be shared and whether you should arrange follow-up with the requesting clinician.

After an injury, seek urgent care for an obvious deformity, severe pain with inability to bear weight or use the limb, an open wound over a suspected fracture, or a pale, blue, cold, numb, or weak hand or foot. Fever with a hot swollen joint also needs prompt medical review.

What are you looking for on the X-ray? Which views are needed? Could an X-ray miss a soft-tissue injury? When will the report be available, and what symptoms should prompt reassessment?