Radiographic examination of the pelvis with bilateral views (lateral and anteroposterior)

What This Test Measures

A pelvis X-ray captures detailed images of your pelvic bones, including the femur heads, hip joints, sacrum, coccyx, and proximal femur. It may also show parts of the lower spine and proximal tibia/fibula if included in the view. This imaging helps visualize bone density, alignment, and potential abnormalities such as fractures, dislocations, or degenerative changes.

Common Uses and Indications

Doctors order pelvis X-rays for diagnosing fractures (e.g., hip or femoral neck breaks), evaluating hip dysplasia, assessing post-surgical changes, detecting infections (osteomyelitis), or identifying tumors or metastatic disease. They’re also used pre-operatively to plan procedures like hip replacements or orthopedic surgeries.

Preparation and Procedure

No special preparation is needed. You’ll be asked to remove jewelry, clothing covering the pelvic area, and wear a lead apron for safety. The technician will position you on an X-ray table, and you’ll lie still while the X-ray machine takes images from different angles (AP and lateral views). The process takes about 10–15 minutes.

Risks and Considerations

Pelvis X-rays use low-dose radiation, which carries minimal risk. However, pregnant women should inform their doctor to avoid unnecessary exposure to the fetus. Rarely, radiation can cause mild skin redness or temporary fatigue, but these are uncommon.