[The problem of radiation exposure during radiography of the entire spine]

The stimulus for this investigation concerning radiation exposure during radiography of the spine, particularly in children with scoliosis, is the fact that there are no data in the literature. In 16 series of measurements we studied the effect of grids, kilovoltage, focus-film distance and film-screen systems using dosimeters. The use of grids led to a 5-7 times increase in radiation dose compared with exposures without grids. For this reason grids are not recommended for serial examinations in cases of scoliosis. It is easier to evaluate the spine on a single large film than on several small films and radiation dose is also halved. Therefore, the use of large single films is recommended, particularly for children and adolescents.