How do X-Ray Machines Work?
An x-ray is an energetic wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from within an x- ray machine at it’s generator. X-ray machines work very similarly to how light bulbs function. They receive their power from a wall outlet, as does a light bulb; through alternating current, or AC power. Through the use of a step-up, and step-down transformers, a diode (for conversion to direct current from alternating current), and a heating filament to boil off electrons; electrons are emitted from a cathode and directed towards a negatively charged anode by applying a strong potential difference in current. Once these electrons collide with a tungsten target found on the anode, photons are emitted and directed out of the x-ray machine and into the patient at their respective tissue.
An example of a podiatric specific x-ray machine is pictured below.
Are x-ray machines safe?
Before photons, in the form of x-ray radiation are absorbed by patient tissue they’re filtered, and aimed for precision and safety. A health care practitioners number one goal in using an x-ray machine is to maintain safety, all the while attempting to generate a high contrast image to be developed, and utilized in proper diagnosis of respective pathologies. To ensure that “soft radiation”, or low energy radiation (that is not useful for images) isn’t absorbed by the patient, aluminum filters are utilized. These filters are measured in millimeters, and are required by law to be used in all x-ray machines. In addition to the aluminum filter, lead aprons are worn by patients and x-ray technicians to prevent x-ray radiation from being absorbed unnecessarily, in relation to unaffected tissues.
In short, yes, x-ray machines are made safe for use because physicians receive extensive education on how x-ray machines work, and what the ramifications of miss-use are. For example, the average podiatrist has received 2 years of radiology courses during podiatry school, 2 years of clinical experience in school under the observation of experienced physicians, and another 3-4 years during their tenure in residency programs to prepare them to use, and read x-ray machines and images known as radiographs.
Why is it important for patients to have x-rays taken?
Radiographs are extremely important in the diagnostic process that physicians
must undergo to successfully treat a patient. Often times debilitating conditions pertaining to a patients foot, ankle, or lower leg are superficial, and an x-ray is not needed. However, once a physician is confident a condition is not diagnosable through superficial observation, percussion and palpation, x-rays are generally ordered to observe if a pathology exists in the bony tissue.
Without a radiograph a physician would never be able to observe subcutaneous conditions
medicine back to an antiquated state that has not been prevalent since the early 1890’s, prior to Wilhelm Rontgen’s discovery of the x-ray.
