X-rays (also called radiographs) use safe amounts of radioactive beams to create film images of your bones and soft tissues. You may need an X-ray to check for bone fractures, joint disorders or spine conditions.

Fluoroscopy produces moving X-ray images of bones and tissues. Some fluoroscopy procedures require the use of an injectable contrast dye. The dye makes the area of your body clearer in imaging. Your provider may use fluoroscopy to guide joint reconstruction procedures or treat broken bones.

An arthrogram helps your provider diagnose the cause of hip pain, shoulder pain and other joint problems. Your provider injects a contrast dye directly into your joint. The absorbed dye makes the joint easier to see in medical images, such as X-rays or an MRI arthrogram.

Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of your muscles, soft tissues, nerves and joints. A musculoskeletal ultrasound helps diagnose muscle and soft tissue disorders, including sprains, strains and tears. The images also show joint swelling and arthritis.

Osteoradiology refers to X-rays or imaging that specifically looks for bone conditions and disorders. You may also get an osteoradiology test to check for bone cancer.

Joint steroid injections help ease arthritis pain. Your provider views medical images from fluoroscopy, ultrasounds or CT scans while injecting medication into an inflamed joint. The provider may also use images to help remove fluid from a swollen joint (joint aspiration).