What to Expect
Your child won't feel anything as the X-ray is taken. The X-ray room may feel cool
due to the air conditioning used to maintain the equipment.
The positions required for the X-rays may feel uncomfortable, but they need to
be held for only a few seconds. If your child has an injury and can't hold the required
position, the technician can help to find another position that's easier on your child.
Babies often cry in the X-ray room, especially if they're restrained, but this won't
interfere with the procedure.
After the X-rays are taken, you and your child will be asked to wait a few minutes
while the images are processed. If they are blurred or unclear, the X-ray may need
to be redone.
Getting the Results
A radiologist (a doctor specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images)
will evaluate them. The radiologist will send a report to your child's doctor, who
will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
In an emergency, the results of an X-ray can be available within a short period
of time. Otherwise, results are usually ready in 1-2 days. In most cases, results
can't be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.
Risks
In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there is some risk to the body with
any exposure to radiation, the amount used in an elbow X-ray is very small and isn't
considered dangerous. It's important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount
of radiation required to get the best results.
Developing babies are more sensitive to radiation and are at more risk for harm,
so if your daughter is pregnant, be sure to tell her doctor and the X-ray technician.
Helping Your Child
You can help your young child prepare for an elbow X-ray by explaining the test
in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray
is much like posing for a picture. You can describe the room and the equipment that
will be used, and reassure your child that you'll be right there for support.
For older kids, be sure to explain the importance of keeping still while the X-ray
is taken so it won't have to be repeated.
If You Have Questions
If you have questions about why the X-ray is needed, speak with the doctor. You
can also talk to the technician before the procedure.