Sometimes, even a single targeted X-ray can provide crucial information: Is a bone broken? What does the joint space look like? Are there signs of osteoarthritis or other bone changes?
Here at ROC, we have a digital X-ray system available right in our office. This allows us to quickly compare the images with your symptoms and the results of the physical examination and discuss the next diagnostic or therapeutic steps with you.
X-rays, also known as radiography, are an imaging technique used primarily to visualize bones and joints. During a digital X-ray examination, X-rays pass through the area of the body being examined for a brief moment. A digital detector captures the radiation and converts it into an image. Because of their higher density, bones appear brighter than the surrounding tissue. The images are immediately available in digital form. They can be viewed on a screen, enlarged, edited, saved, and compared with previous images.
An X-ray examination may be useful for various orthopedic conditions and concerns, such as:
We will determine whether an X-ray is necessary based on your symptoms, the physical examination, and any existing test results.
X-rays are particularly useful for evaluating bones and bony joint structures.
Signs may include, among others:
However, an X-ray does not reveal every cause of symptoms. It can only provide limited information—or none at all—about the menisci, intervertebral discs, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves.
If the examination is primarily focused on soft tissue structures, an open MRI or an ultrasound examination may be more appropriate.
Before the exam, we will discuss your symptoms and examine the affected area. Whenever possible, we will incorporate any existing X-ray, MRI, or CT images into our evaluation. For the exam, you may need to remove clothing, jewelry, or other items if they contain metal or could interfere with the image. Our team will position the area to be examined according to the medical needs of your case. Images are often taken from multiple angles, as a single perspective is not always sufficient. The actual imaging takes only a moment. It is important that you remain still during the procedure and maintain the prescribed position. If you are unable to assume a certain position due to your symptoms, please inform our team as soon as possible. The images will then be available digitally for medical evaluation. We will explain to you what changes are visible and whether further examinations are recommended.
Since our digital X-ray system is located right here in the office, we can closely integrate imaging with the orthopedic examination.
Here's what we offer:
Our goal is not to take as many X-rays as possible. We use X-rays only when the examination is medically necessary for the specific clinical question at hand.
X-ray examinations use ionizing radiation. That is why, before taking any X-rays, we carefully consider whether they are medically necessary and whether another procedure that does not involve X-rays can provide an equally good answer to the clinical question. Radiation exposure depends, among other factors, on the body region being examined, the number of images taken, and the selected equipment settings. By limiting the field of view and adjusting the settings to the specific clinical question, the radiation dose is kept as low as reasonably achievable while maintaining sufficient image quality.
It is not possible to make general statements about the radiation exposure associated with an X-ray examination, since, for example, an X-ray of a finger differs significantly from one of the spine.
Our team follows current radiation protection regulations and technical recommendations when using protective equipment.
Please be sure to let us know before the examination if you are pregnant or if pregnancy cannot be ruled out with certainty.
The choice of imaging modality depends on the clinical question.
Digital X-rays provide two-dimensional images and are particularly well-suited for the initial assessment of bones, joints, and possible fractures.
Digital volume tomography produces three-dimensional images of selected bony regions. It can provide additional spatial information for specific diagnostic purposes.
An MRI does not use ionizing X-rays and is particularly well-suited for imaging soft tissue structures such as intervertebral discs, menisci, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves.
The most technically sophisticated procedure is not necessarily the best. What matters is which procedure can answer the specific medical question.
ROC Ortho
Private Orthopedic Practice
St.-Emmeram-Str. 5
85609 Aschheim
Email: praxis@roc-ortho.de
Phone: +49 89 46259930
Opening hours
| Monday | 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |