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Radiation exposure from musculoskeletal computerized tomographic scans.
Debdut Biswas1, Jesse E Bible, Michael Bohan
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, 800 Howard Avenue, P.O. Box 208071, New Haven, CT 06520-8071, USA.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|August 5, 2009
Summary
Computerized tomographic (CT) scans for musculoskeletal conditions expose patients to significant radiation. Effective radiation doses are highest for spine imaging and decrease for extremities further from the torso.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiation Dosimetry
Background:
- Computerized tomographic (CT) scans are vital for diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions.
- CT imaging involves the highest radiation exposure among all imaging modalities.
- Understanding effective radiation doses is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effective radiation doses of CT scans used for various musculoskeletal applications.
- To compare radiation doses across different anatomical regions of the musculoskeletal system.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of helical CT scans for extremities and spine from a single institution.
- Calculation of effective dose values using dosimetry software based on National Radiological Protection Board guidelines.
- Comparison of chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT doses with existing literature for validation.
Main Results:
- Mean effective doses for CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis were consistent with prior studies (5.27, 4.95, and 4.85 mSv).
- Spine CT scans exhibited the highest effective doses: cervical (4.36 mSv), thoracic (17.99 mSv), and lumbar (19.15 mSv).
- Upper extremity CT doses: shoulder (2.06 mSv) > elbow (0.14 mSv) > wrist (0.03 mSv). Lower extremity CT doses: hip (3.09 mSv) > knee (0.16 mSv) > ankle (0.07 mSv).
Conclusions:
- CT imaging of the axial and appendicular skeleton results in substantial radiation exposure.
- Effective radiation dose from CT scans decreases as the anatomical structure is located further from the torso.
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