What was the impact of X-rays in medicine after their discovery in 1895?

The discovery of X-rays in 1895 had a profound impact on medicine, particularly in diagnostics. Before X-rays, physicians often relied on physical examinations and rudimentary imaging techniques to diagnose conditions, which, in many cases, required invasive procedures or surgeries to see inside the body. Once X-rays came into use, doctors gained the ability to visualize internal structures such as bones and organs non-invasively. This advancement transformed the diagnostic process, allowing for quicker and more accurate assessments of injuries and medical conditions without exposing patients to the risks associated with invasive surgery.

This shift not only improved patient care but also aided in the development of treatment plans based on precise internal visual information. As a result, while surgical techniques indeed benefited from advancements related to X-rays, the most significant change was in the way doctors could diagnose illnesses and injuries. Other options, such as the replacement of stethoscopes or the exclusive use of X-rays for research, do not accurately represent the primary impact X-rays had on clinical practice.