How the Test is Performed

A Pelvic X-Ray is taken with the patient lying flat on a special X-Ray table, or on a specially-equipped bed that can accomodate an X-Ray film.

Medical Conditions and Symptoms

A Pelvic X-Ray is usually ordered to look for a fracture (break in the bone), following an injury, for example from a car accident or a fall. Older people are more likely to suffer a pelvic fracture from a fall at home.
On rare occassions, an Obstetrician may request X-Ray Pelvimetry, to obtain information about the size and shape of a woman’s pelvis, because of the implications for childbirth.

What happens after a pelvis X-ray?

After your pelvis X-ray, your radiologic technologist will ensure the X-ray images came out clear. If any images are blurry, they’ll retake them while you’re still there.

After that, a doctor called a radiologist will look at the X-ray images. Radiologists have special training in studying and understanding X-ray images. Once the radiologist has looked over the images, they’ll send a report to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will read the report, discuss the results with you and recommend treatment options.

Sometimes, your healthcare provider will want more images. You may have to return for follow-up X-rays. They’ll use these additional images to help make a correct diagnosis. You may also have to come back for follow-up to track your condition and watch for any changes that occur over time.