Skeletal Survey
A skeletal survey, also called a trauma or bone survey, is when we use X-rays to take pictures of the bones inside of a child’s body.
The exam consists of about 20 X-ray images of a child from head to toe. A whole-body skeletal survey is not painful and takes about 30 minutes.
What happens during the survey?
Your child may need to be put into a hospital gown for the images. They will need to have their diaper or underwear removed for some of the images. The X-ray technologist can use a cloth diaper to cover your child while their diaper is removed.
Your child will need to lie as still as possible on an exam table while we take X-ray images of their body. It is OK if your child is fussy or crying during the exam. We will help you with distraction and making sure your child is as comfortable as possible throughout the exam. The X-ray machine will not hurt your child. It will shine a light on the part of the body that is having an image.
How can I help my child during the X-rays?
We invite you to stay with your child in the room (please make other arrangements for any siblings). You can give your child snacks, a bottle or pacifier and help distract them with a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or a video on your phone during the procedure.
Your child will need to be in different positions for different body parts to get imaged. The X-ray technologist will help you hold your child in position for the images. We invite you to help hold and comfort your child.
We will provide you a lead apron to wear while you are in the X-ray room. The apron helps to protect you from radiation. If you are pregnant, please consider asking someone else to stay with your child and stepping outside the exam room. You may choose to stay with your child in the exam room if you chose to do so.
How long does the survey take?
The skeletal survey takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on how many breaks your child needs and how many images we need to take. Before we are done, the radiologist will review the images to see if we need to take any additional X-rays.
Is there any follow-up?
You will be asked to return in 2 weeks to repeat a limited version of the survey. This allows your doctor to see any tiny changes or healing to the bones. To reduce radiation exposure, the number of X-rays taken on the follow-up is significantly less than the first survey.
Do the X-rays use radiation?
Yes, your child will be exposed to a small amount of radiation. You, as a caregiver, may also be exposed to a small amount of radiation when you are in the X-ray room.
We understand that radiation dose is a special concern for children. Your child’s doctor is recommending this skeletal survey because they think the benefit of doing it outweighs the risk of radiation exposure for your child.
If you have questions about the radiation, ask your child’s X-ray technologist, doctor, or read our handout “Radiation Exposure” at seattlechildrens.org/pdf/PE1128.pdf
To Learn More
- Radiology
206-987-2089 - Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
