Orbital x-ray

Orbital X-ray

Orbital X-ray (pronunciation: /ˈɔːrbɪtəl ˈeks reɪ/) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses X-ray technology to produce images of the orbit, which is the bony socket in the skull that houses the eye.

Etymology

The term "orbital" is derived from the Latin "orbita", meaning a track or path, and refers to the circular path that the eye makes in its socket. "X-ray" is named after the X-radiation, a form of electromagnetic radiation, discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen.

Procedure

An Orbital X-ray is typically performed in a hospital's radiology department. The patient is positioned so that the X-ray machine is aimed at the orbit. The X-ray machine sends a controlled amount of X-ray radiation through the orbit, and the unabsorbed radiation is detected and processed into an image.

Uses

Orbital X-rays are used to detect abnormalities or injuries in the orbit, including fractures, tumors, infections, or foreign objects. They can also be used to monitor the progress of diseases affecting the orbit, such as thyroid eye disease.

Risks

As with any procedure involving exposure to radiation, there is a small risk of developing cancer from an Orbital X-ray. However, the amount of radiation used in this procedure is minimal, and the benefits of diagnosing potential health issues generally outweigh the risks.

Related Terms

• Radiology
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Orbital x-ray
• Wikipedia's article - Orbital x-ray

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