X-Ray Exam: Humerus (Upper Arm)

What It Is

An X-ray of the humerus is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make images of the upper arm (between the shoulder and elbow). During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the upper arm, and an image is recorded on a computer or special film. This image shows the soft tissues and the bone in the upper arm, which is called the humerus.

The X-ray image is black and white. Dense body parts that block the passage of the X-ray beam through the body, such as bones, appear white on the X-ray image. Softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles, allow the X-ray beams to pass through them and appear darker. An X-ray technician takes the X-rays.

An X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital or a health care provider's office takes the X-rays. Two different pictures are usually taken of the humerus: one from the front (anteroposterior view or AP) and one from the side (lateral view).

Why It's Done

A humerus X-ray can help find the cause of common signs or symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the upper arm. It can detect a broken bone; after the bone has been set, it can help determine whether it is in proper alignment and has healed properly.

If surgery of the upper arm is required, an X-ray may be taken to plan for the surgery and, later, to see the results of the operation. Also, an X-ray can help detect cysts, tumors, later stages of infection, and other diseases in the bone of the upper arm.

Preparation

A humerus X-ray doesn't require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove some clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the image.

If your daughter is pregnant, it's important to tell the X-ray technician or her doctor. X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy because there's a small chance the radiation may harm the developing baby. But if the X-ray is necessary, precautions can be taken to protect the fetus.

Procedure

Although the procedure may take about 15 minutes or longer, actual exposure to radiation is usually less than half a second.

Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling. Parents usually can accompany their child to provide reassurance. If you stay in the room while the X-ray is being done, you'll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child's reproductive organs also will be protected with a lead shield.

If your child is in the hospital and can't easily be brought to the radiology department, a portable X-ray machine can be brought to the bedside. Portable X-rays are sometimes used in emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), and operating rooms.

The technician or radiologist will position your child (either lying or standing), then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Two X-rays are usually taken (from the front and from the side), so the technician will return to reposition the arm for each X-ray.

Older children will be asked to stay still for a couple of seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the arm still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.

What to Expect

Your child won't feel anything as the X-rays are taken. The X-ray room may feel cool due to 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 stay in the required position, the technician might be able to find another position that's more comfortable. 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-rays may need to be redone.

Getting the Results

The X-rays will be looked at by a radiologist (a doctor who's specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images). The radiologist will send a report to your 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 quickly. 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's some risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount used in a humerus X-ray is small and not 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 a humerus X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is 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 humerus X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.