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A pelvis x-ray is a picture of the bones surrounding the hip area. The pelvis connects the legs to the body.

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. You will be asked to lie down on the table. The pictures are then taken, with the body repositioned to provide different views.

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Remove all jewelry. You will wear a hospital gown.

There is no discomfort except possibly from positioning the body.

The x-ray is used to detect fractures, tumors, or degenerative conditions of bones in the hips, pelvis, and upper legs.

Abnormal results may suggest:

• Pelvic fractures
• Arthritis of the hip joint
• Tumors of the bones of the pelvis
• Sacroiliitis (inflammation of the area where the sacrum joins the ilium bone)
• Ankylosing spondylitis (abnormal stiffness of the spine and joint)

There is low radiation exposure. However, pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays.

X-ray - pelvis

Rogers LF, Taljanovic MS, Boles CA. Skeletal trauma. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 46.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.