From the Guidelines
X-rays of the buttocks can be performed and are typically referred to as pelvic X-rays, which are used to evaluate the hip joints, pelvic bones, sacrum, coccyx, or soft tissues in the buttock region. These imaging studies are commonly ordered for various reasons, including:
- Trauma assessment, such as after falls or accidents
- Evaluation of hip or pelvic pain
- Screening for fractures
- Examining the sacroiliac joints
- Investigating abnormal masses According to the American College of Radiology, an AP view of the pelvis is often included in the radiographic series to evaluate the hip joints and pelvic bones, as it allows for comparison of potential abnormalities to the contralateral asymptomatic side 1. Additionally, a study published in the World Journal of Emergency Surgery recommends the use of lateral and anteroposterior plain X-ray film of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to identify the position and determine the shape, size, and location of a suspected retained anorectal foreign body, as well as to detect possible pneumoperitoneum 1. The procedure for a pelvic X-ray is simple and painless, involving lying on an X-ray table while the technician takes images from different angles, and the radiation exposure is relatively low and considered safe for most patients. However, pregnant women should inform their healthcare provider beforehand, and if more detailed imaging is needed, other studies like CT scans or MRIs might be recommended instead of or in addition to X-rays.
From the Research
X-ray of the Buttocks
- There is no direct evidence of an X-ray specifically for the buttocks in the provided studies.
- However, studies have discussed the use of X-rays in diagnosing pelvic fractures, which may involve the buttock area 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The studies suggest that X-rays can be useful in identifying certain types of pelvic fractures, such as pubic symphysis diastasis, but may miss or underestimate other types of fractures, including those in the sacrum, ilium, and acetabulum 4.
- In some cases, X-rays may be used as an initial screening tool to rapidly determine the need for immediate interventions, such as hip reduction or pelvic arterial embolization 5.
- It is worth noting that the provided studies focus on the diagnosis of pelvic fractures, rather than specifically on X-rays of the buttocks.
- Therefore, while there is no direct evidence on X-rays of the buttocks, the studies suggest that X-rays can be a useful tool in diagnosing certain types of pelvic fractures, which may involve the buttock area 2, 3, 4, 5.