Radiology Week - History of the X-ray

Did you know that the discovery of a new and mysterious form of radiation in the late 19th century led to a revolution in medical imaging? In November of 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen accidentally discovered x-rays while experimenting with an electron-discharge tube, which he had covered with black cardboard to block the distracting glow caused by electrons striking the tube’s glass walls. To Roentgen’s surprise, he noticed a fluorescent screen more than a meter away was also glowing. Roentgen dubbed these mysterious rays capable of passing through glass “X” for unknown. Later he held a hand between the discharged tube and the screen producing a darker shadow of bones. These were seen within the slightly darken shadow-image of the hand itself. He named them “rays.”

Today, x-ray images are created digitally, using significantly less ionizing radiation and producing greater quality. They are used in a variety of ways: if you come to the Emergency Room, you may have an x-ray to see if you have pneumonia or a broken bone; in the operating room, they are used to help the surgeon with guidance for implants and rods; they are used for dental evaluation, by your vet and even by historians.

 

At CMC, digital x-ray imaging is located on level A; there are also many portable devices allowing for imaging in the OR, ER and on the floors. X-ray imaging is also available at Bedford Radiology in the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic building and Washington Place/Urgent Care in Bedford.