Patients are frequently exposed to numerous radiographs, during diagnosis and treatment, whether conservative or surgical, and follow-up. Full spine imaging is often performed in young patients where radiation dose is of special concern. In fact, frequent examinations involving ionizing radiations, even at low dose, lead to and increased risk of leukemia and brain cancer. This phenomenon has been predicted in pediatric orthopedic patients treated for idiopathic scoliosis, hip dysplasia, and leg-length discrepancy. Radiography plays a major role in confirming the initial diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis...

One hundred and fourty patients (median age 14.8 , range 6-25 years) were prospectively enrolled for a micro dose protocol, after a standard low dose protocol. For each patient full spine acquisition were performed (Posterior-anterior and lateral) both with standard dose protocol and with micro-dose protocol. All patients signed a written informed consent before image acquisition. Radiation exposure was assessed using equipment DAP meter. Images were reviewed independently by two experienced radiologists who were blinded to the acquisition protocol.

All scans were considered to be of adequate diagnostic quality. Radiation exposure was significant smaller in micro dose protocol, decreasing radiation dose approximately to 80% with respect to the standard dose protocol. Results are summarized in Figure 3.

In a small group of patients, we demonstrated that radiation exposure can be further reduced by 80% by using micro dose protocol, without losing diagnostic image quality. This achievement is of paramount importance, in particular when dealing with young patients.

P. P. Ragucci; Rozzano, LO/IT - nothing to disclose G. Tosi; Rozzano/IT - nothing to disclose G. Vatteroni; Milan/IT - nothing to disclose

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