An option for optimising the radiographic technique for horizontal beam lateral (HBL) hip radiography when using digital X-ray equipment

Charnley, CV; England, A; Martin, A; Taylor, S; Benson, N; Jones, L

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the optimum technique for the horizontal beam lateral (HBL) hip projection
considering image quality and radiation dose.
Methods: Using digital radiography equipment an anthropomorphic phantom was positioned for a HBL
projection of the hip. Radiographic exposures were undertaken across a range of acquisition parameters
(tube potentials, source to image distances, object to detector distances, with and without an anti-scatter
radiation grid/additional copper filtration). Each acquisition combination was imaged three times and
the dose area product (DAP) and post-AEC mAs recorded. 168 images were acquired. A single observer
evaluated five anatomical areas on all images using a two-alternative force choice technique. The
reference image was selected based on the current locally accepted technique. 50 images out of the
original 168 were independently assessed by a further four observers to ensure reliability of the results.
Results: Image quality, when comparing all the images to the reference, was improved on in two cases;
however the radiation dose had increased. 18 images had equal image quality with some having an 80%
reduction in the DAP. In terms of the diagnostic acceptability, 51 were considered acceptable with a lower
radiation dose.
Conclusion: By optimising acquisition factors for the HBL hip projection the radiation dose to the patient
can be reduced. Based on the findings the factors proposed for HBL hip projections are 90 kVp, 135 cm
SID, 45 cm ODD, grid and 0.1 mm copper filtration.

Citation

Charnley, C., England, A., Martin, A., Taylor, S., Benson, N., & Jones, L. (2016). An option for optimising the radiographic technique for horizontal beam lateral (HBL) hip radiography when using digital X-ray equipment. Radiography, 22(2), e137-142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2016.01.004

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 14, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Feb 8, 2016
• Publication Date: May 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Feb 1, 2017
• Journal: Radiography
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 2
• Pages: e137-142
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2016.01.004
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2016.01.004
• Related Public URLs: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/radiography