Radiography, or as it is most commonly known, x-ray, is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. Discovered more than a century ago, x-rays can produce diagnostic images of the human body on film or digitally on a computer screen.

X-ray imaging is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to assess bones and joints, or to diagnose diseases such as pneumonia. Most x-ray examinations consist of at least two views of a body part obtained at right angles to one another. X-ray dye or contrast mediums are used in some examinations to make certain structures such as the kidneys or bowels are visible on an x-ray image.

Patients should expect to be placed in various positions during their examination. If test results do not correlate with clinical findings or if symptoms persist despite a negative x-ray result, examination with other imaging techniques may be recommended.