X-Rays and Soft Tissue Injuries After St. Louis City Car Collision

Soft tissues, like muscles, ligaments, and tendons, don't show up well on X-rays because:

• X-ray Penetration: X-rays use radiation to pass through the body. Denser tissues, like bones, absorb less radiation and appear white on the image. Soft tissues, with less density, allow most of the radiation to pass through, appearing gray or black and offering minimal detail.
• Soft Tissue Composition: Soft tissues don't have the same well-defined structure as bones. This makes it difficult to distinguish them from each other on an X-ray.

While X-rays might not be ideal for diagnosing soft tissue injuries, they can still be helpful in the initial assessment after a car crash. Here's why:

• Ruling Out Fractures: Even if a soft tissue injury is suspected, doctors might order an X-ray to rule out fractures first. A fracture can sometimes cause similar pain and limit movement, and it's crucial to identify and treat it promptly.

If a doctor suspects a soft tissue injury based on your symptoms and the X-ray results are normal, they might recommend other imaging techniques for a better look:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of soft tissues. It's excellent for diagnosing ligament tears, muscle strains, and internal injuries.
• Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create images of soft tissues. It's often used for examining muscles and tendons near the surface.

Remember, if you experience pain, stiffness, or swelling after a car crash, even if you don't have a visible bruise or X-ray abnormalities, see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for potential soft tissue injuries.