An abdominal X-ray may be done to check the area for causes of belly pain. It can also be done to find an object that has been swallowed or to look for a blockage or a hole in the intestine. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this imaging test.

Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of your abdominal organs. It can help detect organ problems, such as gallstones, kidney stones, or liver disease.

The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. The rotator cuff can become injured or wear down with age. If injured, the rotator cuff may need surgery to repair it.

Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps relieve compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal), or tumors.

Joint aspiration is a procedure to remove fluid from the space around a joint using a needle and syringe. It may be done to relieve swelling, or to obtain fluid for analysis to diagnose a joint disorder or problem.

Bunion surgery is done to reduce the pain and correct the deformity caused by a bunion. A bunion is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe. Read on for details about this surgery.

Ligaments surround a joint to give it support and limit its movement. A torn ligament severely limits knee movement. Surgery is a choice to repair a torn ligament if other treatment does not work.

A muscle biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue to diagnose disease. The tissue is usually removed using a needle.

Femoral popliteal bypass surgery is used to treat blocked femoral artery. The femoral artery is the largest artery in the thigh. It supplies oxygen-rich blood to the leg. Blockage is due to plaque buildup or atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis in the leg arteries causes peripheral vascular disease. The same process causes heart disease and stroke.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is done to treat an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulging, weak spot in the aorta that may be at risk for rupturing. In this case, the aneurysm is in part of the aorta that is in the abdomen.