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Achieving dose reduction in lumbar spine radiography
J B Heriard1, J A Terry, A L Arnold
1Department of Radiology, Tulane University Medical Center Hospital and Clinic, New Orleans, La.
Radiologic Technology
|November 1, 1993
Summary
The prone position for lumbar spine X-rays significantly reduces radiation dose to sensitive organs like the eyes and gonads compared to the supine position. This positioning offers a safer alternative for patients undergoing lumbar spine examinations.
Area of Science:
- Radiological Sciences
- Medical Imaging Physics
Background:
- Conventional lumbar spine examinations typically utilize the supine position.
- The prone position is an alternative but less frequently employed technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare radiation doses associated with supine (AP projection) versus prone (PA projection) lumbar spine examinations.
- To evaluate entrance skin exposure (ESE) and organ-specific radiation doses.
Main Methods:
- Radiation dose measurements were taken for both supine and prone positioning.
- Doses were assessed for eyes, thyroid, ovaries, testes, bone marrow, and entrance skin exposure.
Main Results:
- The PA projection (prone) yielded a 52% lower ESE than the AP projection (supine).
- The PA projection significantly reduced radiation to the eyes (200+%), ovaries (200+%), uterus (200+%), and testes (200+%).
- A moderate increase in bone marrow dose (28%) and a slight decrease in thyroid dose (17%) were observed with the PA projection.
Conclusions:
- Prone positioning for lumbar spine examinations offers substantial radiation dose reduction to critical organs.
- The PA projection demonstrates a favorable radiation protection profile compared to the AP projection for lumbar spine imaging.