January 18, 2010 - Imaging technology has long been essential in determining the nature of a professional football player’s injury, but with the increasing prevalence of digital x-ray technology, it’s now used just as much to discern whether an athlete is able to safely remain in the game.
On average, about seven or eight players may require X-rays during any given game. The arms, legs, hands and feet are most commonly imaged, followed by shoulders, necks and ribs. In addition to game-day injury X-ray needs, scans are also commonly done to ensure that any pins, plates or brackets from previous injuries and surgical treatment are properly in place. If so, the player can safely and confidently start the game or return to the field mid-game.
The Denver Broncos recently installed a digital X-ray system at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium, to provide immediate diagnosis of player injury within minutes of a questionable incident. The team is using Fujifilm’s FCR XC-2 digital X-ray system, which provides medical staff and athletic trainers with a wide range of customized anatomical menus. Exams can be completed swiftly, and the digital system eliminates the need to print X-ray films so players can be diagnosed more quickly.
As with the Broncos, players on visiting teams also have access to the digital X-ray technology not only when an injury is suspected during play, but before and after games as well. In each team locker room are several computer monitor workstations where the images are sent and viewed.
For more information: www.fujimed.com
March 13, 2026 
