Radiographically

Radiographically is an adverb describing findings, observations, or assessments that come from radiography, the imaging method that uses X-rays to visualize internal structures. In medical writing, observations described radiographically pertain to plain radiographs (X-ray images) of the body and are contrasted with findings from other imaging modalities such as ultrasound or MRI. The term is commonly used to indicate that a statement derives from the appearance on X-ray images rather than from clinical examination or other tests.

Typical radiographic findings described as radiographic include fractures, dislocations, alignment of bones, presence of calcifications, implanted devices, or foreign bodies. Radiographically normal denotes that no acute abnormality is evident on the X-ray study, whereas radiographically evident pathology refers to features visible on the radiographs, such as a fracture, pneumonia on chest radiographs, or calcified vessels. The reliability of radiographic interpretation depends on technique, including proper projection, exposure, and patient positioning, as well as patient factors like body habitus and age.

While radiography is primarily associated with plain X-ray imaging, the term radiographically can also appear in broader discussions of imaging findings that originate from projectional, X-ray–based studies, including fluoroscopy in certain contexts. However, radiography remains distinct from computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, which are not typically described as radiographic in the same sense.