A skeletal survey is a radiological test used to diagnose diseases and conditions. It includes an X-ray evaluation of the skull, thorax, spine, and long bones and is used to diagnose multiple myeloma, bone damage, degenerative bone disease, and osteomyelitis. It is also used in forensic analysis to detect child abuse. X-ray imaging is the most efficient form of medical imaging for conducting a skeletal investigation.
A skeletal survey is a radiological test that scans the major bones of the human body. This full skeletal radiographic evaluation is used to diagnose a number of diseases and conditions. Under certain circumstances, skeletal investigations are also used in forensic analysis.
An X-ray evaluation of the skull, thorax, spine, and long bones is included in most skeletal investigations. Long bones are defined as bones where the length exceeds the width. For example, an x-ray for long bones would consist of the femur, tibia, and fibula for a leg, and the humerus, radius, and ulna for the arm. The hands and feet also contain long bones, called metacarpals and phalanges.
Skeletal surveys usually last about an hour. While X-rays are usually painless, an injured patient may experience some discomfort when moving to change positions for different angles of the X-ray. Patients should not wear jewelry during this test, and pregnant women should notify the x-ray technician and other pregnancy healthcare professionals before testing.
Healthcare professionals may order a skeletal survey to diagnose a variety of medical conditions and diseases. Skeletal examination is essential for diagnosing multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of plasma cells. Multiple myeloma cancer cells can build up in the bones and form lesions that can be seen on an X-ray. Skeletal investigations are also used to examine bone damage from the trauma of an accident and to diagnose degenerative bone disease and osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can be caused by an injury in which an infection spreads to the bone or after an operation in which a plate or metal rod is inserted into a broken bone.
Skeletal investigations also have an important forensic use. They are commonly performed when child abuse is suspected. If abuse is suspected, X-ray technicians and physicians will look for multiple fractures, especially fractures of different ages. Rib fractures and fractures of the scapula and sternum are also highly suspect in infants and young children.
X-ray imaging is the most efficient form of medical imaging for conducting a skeletal investigation. These images are produced as X-ray particles pass through the body and the images are captured on special film. Very dense objects such as bone will appear white on an X-ray. The lungs, which contain air, will appear black, while the muscles will be gray.
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