The use of radiation, such as X-rays, to image parts of the body.
(See also imaging techniques; radiology.)
Diagnostic radiography is the technique of examining parts of the body by passing X-RAYS through them to produce images on ?uorescent screens or photographic plates.
n. diagnostic radiology: traditionally, the technique of examining the body by directing *X-rays through it to produce images (radiographs) on photographic film or a fluoroscope. Increasingly radiography involves the production of images by *computerized tomography, *magnetic resonance imaging, and *nuclear medicine. It is used to produce images of disease in all parts of the body, to be interpreted by radiologists for physicians and surgeons. It is also widely used in dentistry for detecting dental caries, periodontal disease, periapical disease, the presence and position of unerupted teeth, and disease of the jaws. See also radiographer; radiology.
A radiological technique for detecting osteoporosis (see BONE, DISORDERS OF) in which a beam of X-rays is directed at the bone-area under investigation – normally the spine and hip – and the CALCIUM density measured. If the calcium content is low, preventive treatment can be started to reduce the likelihood of fractures occurring.... quantitative digital radiography
(DR) an alternative to film radiography, by acquiring X-ray images from a large number of individual X-ray detectors on a matrix in a digital format directly. This contrasts with *computerized radiography, in which an *analogue image is taken and then put into a reader to be converted into a *digital image. The technique allows the storage of images and their subsequent retrieval, manipulation, and interpretation using computers (see PACS).... digital radiography
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