The X-ray: Uses, Breakthroughs, and How it Relates to Radiology

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An accidental invention in 1895 would forever change our view of the human body on an earthshaking level. German physicist, Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen, was experimenting with electric currents through glass cathode-ray tubes; he discovered a glowing effect from the tubes. Not understanding what he was seeing, he labeled it “X radiation” for its unexplained properties. Rontgen, being a scientist, yet a true humanitarian, refused to patent his invention. To him, scientific advances belong to the world and should not be for profit. And so, the course of medical history took an upward turn and a Nobel Prize of Physics was awarded to the worthy recipient in the year of 1901.

Uses of X-Rays

This impressive achievement has allowed man to nonchalantly peer into the very core of the human body for over a century. Without x-ray, we would be so limited in our diagnostic abilities; the morbidity rates would be off the chart. Not only does the x-ray tell us when to operate, but when NOT to operate. Probably the single most important advantage of x-ray is that of its diagnostic capabilities.

For so long, disease plowed its way through our bodies with absolutely little or no recourse. People died by the thousands, with the luxury of a simple snapshot of reality, could have lived normal lives and changed our destiny.

The art of “feeling” along a broken bone and resetting it with a possible stint of willow wood and well-wrapped linen was good for a simpler time as far as bones go. So, if it healed crooked and was still functional, not much fuss was made. But, the collapsed lung, obliterated hip, lung cancer, coin in the gullet of a two year old; these needed further consideration. What better way to see into the soul than a picture machine that could go deeper than a stoic smile and capture the image of the actual disease culprit? Today, x-rays are used to detect cracks in metal, luggage inspection at airports, and problems with teeth as well a bones.

Benefits That Have Come from Uses of X-Rays

As a result of simple x-ray discovery, some other brilliant people took this simple concept to a much higher level. Now, we have fancy machines like sonograms, echocardiograms, mammogram machines, magnetic resonance imaging, CAT scans and bone scan machines. If only Wilhelm could see us now, he would be mesmerized by the opportunities that he availed our planet from simple dabbling with machinery in his man cave, one random summer afternoon.

Even more astounding is that though x-radiation travels in a straight-line beam to project the target’s image onto a plate of film, it can also be controlled with a simple adjustment to the incredible machine. With limited use, the x-ray machines are relatively harmless, and scatter is monitored regularly with indicators worn daily by professionals who understand the risk.

When compared to other inventions in the medical field, beyond a proverbial doubted shadow, the x-ray is among the most effective, accurate, most utilized avenue of diagnosis available to the entire world. It is relevant in almost any field of treatment and should never be taken for granted.