What Does a Rib X Ray Show

Test Overview. A chest X-ray is a picture of the chest that shows your heart, lungs, airway, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. A chest X-ray also shows the bones of your spine and chest, including your breastbone, your ribs, your collarbone, and the upper part of your spine.

What can show up on a rib X-ray?

• The condition of your lungs. …
• Heart-related lung problems. …
• The size and outline of your heart. …
• Blood vessels. …
• Calcium deposits. …
• Fractures. …
• Postoperative changes. …
• A pacemaker, defibrillator or catheter.

Can you see broken ribs on X-ray?

X-rays of the chest can show if you have broken ribs, though sometimes the breaks can be hard to see. This is especially true for very small breaks, or when the X-ray is performed immediately after the injury.