Taking the X-Ray

Taking an X-ray is simple. After you put on a gown the technician will position you and the machine to get the best image of your knee possible. The X-ray source will be placed close to your knee but will not touch it. An X-ray film will be placed on the opposite side of your knee as the X-ray source. The technician will leave the room and go to the control panel to adjust various parameters to ensure that the quality of the image is as high as possible.

You should not move during the X-ray. Just like a picture with a camera, motion can cause blurring of the final image. You may have several different X-rays taken to get different views of your knee.

You will not feel the X-ray. There are no medications given. After the X-rays have been taken you can drive yourself home. Your physician will examine the X-rays to help diagnosis your condition.

Below are X-ray images of an arthritic knee.
       
Anterior-Posterior (front view)      Lateral (side view)