X-ray is one of the most popular diagnostic imaging techniques that create visual representations of the internal structures of the human body. Healthcare providers use images produced by X-rays to diagnose and treat different health conditions.
X-rays have revolutionized various scientific fields and modern medicine. It has a long and fascinating history that spans over a century.
Here is a brief overview of the key milestones in the development of x-rays, from the discovery to modern medical imaging.
Discovery of X-rays
X-rays were first discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen. He discovered X-rays accidentally while working with cathode rays. After their discovery, Röntgen conducted experiments to study the properties of the X-rays. He named the newly discovered electromagnetic radiation X-rays because of their mysterious and unknown nature.
This accidental discovery of X-rays paved the way for the development of medical imaging. In 1896, X-rays were first used to diagnose a broken wrist of a boy.
Invention of X-Rays Machine
In 1896, British physicist Sir William Crookes invented the X-ray machine, which made it possible to generate and control X-rays for medical imaging. In the early 90s, it became a common technique for producing images of the human body. Doctors used X-rays to diagnose fractures, identify diseases such as tuberculosis, and detect foreign objects in the body.
As the years passed, X-ray machines became smaller and more efficient, leading to greater accessibility and lower radiation exposure for patients.
Computerized Tomography
In the 1970s, CT scanners were invented that revolutionized medical imaging. CT scans provide a detailed cross-sectional image of the body, making it easier for healthcare professionals to diagnose complex medical conditions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses radio waves and magnetic fields to provide a high-resolution image of soft tissues of the body. MRI was discovered in the 1980s, and since then, it has been helping diagnose a wide range of medical conditions.
Digital Radiography
Digital radiography has replaced traditional film-based radiography due to several advantages it offers. These advantages include lower radiation doses, faster image acquisition, and improved image quality.
Latest Advancements in Medical Imaging
Modern medical imaging continues to advance with the development of 3D imaging, dual-energy –X-ray imaging (DEXA), and hybrid imaging systems (e.g., using positron emission tomography and computed tomography together). These advancements have significantly contributed to reduced radiation exposure and more patient-centered care.
X-Ray Near Me in the Bronx, NY
If you are in search of a diagnostic facility that offers the latest in medical imaging, consider visiting Starling Diagnostics. At our diagnostic facility and primary care center, we offer digital X-ray, MRI, computed tomography, mammography, DEXA scans, and much more. Our radiologists and primary care providers strive to give our patients a comfortable and pleasant experience.
To schedule a scan, call us today at (718) 319-1610 or use our online appointment request form. For physician referrals, please use this form.