A systematic procedure to optimise dose and image quality for the measurement of inter-vertebral angles from lateral spinal projections using Cobb and superimposition methods

Al Qaroot, B, Hogg, P ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6506-0827, Twiste, M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2724-3283 and Howard, D ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1738-0698 2014, 'A systematic procedure to optimise dose and image quality for the measurement of inter-vertebral angles from lateral spinal projections using Cobb and superimposition methods' , Journal of X-Ray Science and Technology, 22 (5) , pp. 613-625.

Preview

PDF - Accepted Version Download (323kB) | Preview

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with vertebral column deformations are exposed to high risks associated with ionising radiation exposure. Risks are further increased due to the serial X-ray images that are needed to measure and asses their spinal deformation using Cobb or superimposition methods. Therefore, optimising such X-ray practice, via reducing dose whilst maintaining image quality, is a necessity.

OBJECTIVES: With a specific focus on lateral thoraco-lumbar images for Cobb and superimposition measurements, this paper outlines a systematic procedure to the optimisation of X-ray practice.

METHODS: Optimisation was conducted based on suitable image quality from minimal dose. Image quality was appraised using a visual-analogue-rating-scale, and Monte-Carlo modelling was used for dose estimation. The optimised X-ray practice was identified by imaging healthy normal-weight male adult living human volunteers.

RESULTS: The optimised practice consisted of: anode towards the head, broad focus, no OID or grid, 80 kVp, 32 mAs and 130 cm SID.

CONCLUSION: Images of suitable quality for laterally assessing spinal conditions using Cobb or superimposition measurements were produced from an effective dose of 0.05 mSv, which is 83% less than the average effective dose used in the UK for lateral thoracic/lumbar exposures. This optimisation procedure can be adopted and use for optimisation of other radiographic techniques.

KEYWORDS: Cobb method; Optimisation of X-ray imaging; exposure dose reduction; image quality preservation; lateral thoraco-lumbar imaging; superimposition method

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Health Sciences Research
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of X-Ray Science and Technology
Publisher:	IOS Press
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0895-3996
Related URLs:	Publication
Funders:	University of Jordan and Ossur
Depositing User:	M Twiste
Date Deposited:	14 Oct 2014 16:23
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2022 18:46
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/32912

Actions (login required)

Edit record (repository staff only)