Think of an Xray as a shadow puppet... and this is why it's bad.

An x-ray can be thought of as a shadow puppet, where the anatomy being imaged is the "puppet" and the x-ray machine is the "light source." Just like a shadow puppet can appear larger or smaller depending on how close it is to the light source, anatomy in an x-ray can appear larger or smaller depending on how close it is to the x-ray machine.

This magnification effect can be especially problematic in orthopedic imaging, where accurate scaling is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. If an image is not properly scaled, it can lead to inaccurate measurements of bone lengths, joint space widths, and other critical parameters. This can result in incorrect surgical decisions, longer procedure times, and increased risk of complications.

Using an x-ray scaling tool like the Akucal can help to ensure that anatomy is accurately scaled in digital images. This can save time and money by reducing the need for additional imaging studies and improving the accuracy of treatment planning. Without such a tool, there is a risk of inaccurate scaling, which can ultimately lead to unnecessary waste of time, money, and resources.