An extremity x-ray is an image of the hands, wrist, feet, ankle, leg, thigh, forearm humerus or upper arm, hip, shoulder or all of these areas. The term "extremity" often refers to a human limb.
X-rays are a form of radiation that passes through the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white. Air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray.
How the Test is Performed
The test is done in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office. X-ray is done by an x-ray technologist.
You will need to hold still as the x-ray is taken. You may be asked to change position, so more x-rays can be taken.
