an x - ray recording system contains an x - ray emitter for generating a beam used for imaging , an imaging x - ray detector with a two - dimensional or three - dimensional recording geometry for determining the attenuation of the rays of the beam , a patient bearing and / or positioning device for a patient in a recording region of the x - ray recording system between the x - ray emitter and the x - ray detector . a time of flight camera is arranged for establishing the contour of the patient and a computer with a memory and software stored therein is present , which computer unit is embodied , during operation , to generate a three - dimensional wire model of the patient with joint locations arranged therein from the contour of the patient recorded by the tof camera and to simulate and display at least one anatomical structure scaled to the wire model .