Your doctor will determine when an X-ray is needed based on their ability to diagnose an injury without it, or if they want to see what is going on under the surface to confirm what they suspect the injury may be. When it comes to injuries such as a sprain or a broken bone, the symptoms can be very similar, and an X-ray will often be needed to confirm the type of injury. X-rays can be used for suspected fractures and infections that can affect the bones and teeth as they show up very clearly through an X-ray. Arthritis can also be confirmed through an X-ray and multiple images over a span of time can help a doctor determine if the case of arthritis is getting worse. X-rays can be used to detect many additional conditions such as osteoporosis, bone cancer, lung infections or conditions, breast cancer, enlarged heart, blocked blood vessels, digestive tract problems, and swallowed items.