Keywords:
Anatomy, Digital radiography, Technical aspects, Dysplasias
Authors:
M. J. Mullins1, B. M. Moloney2, D. O'Keeffe1; 1Galway/IE, 2Connaught/IE
DOI:
10.26044/essr2019/P-0183
Imaging findings OR Procedure Details
Current practice at our hospital is to peform AP only radigraph after 4 months of age.
In the setting of a specific clinical concern from a paediatrician or orthopaedic surgeon,
additional frog leg views can be added.
Lateral views are reserved for confirmation of suspected SUFE or in other rare clinical circumstances.
Frog leg lateral view can help to determine if a subluxed hip will reduce.
Discussion with the radiographer group at our institution raised the suspected concern that there is a lack of standardised approach to various aspects of radiograph technique.
This largely includes lack of consenus on :
- The specific clinical circumstances additional views should be taken.
- Gonad shielding policy.
- Guide to repeat imaging.
Practical technical aspects of imaging paediatric hips include:
- Preparation of the room with lead gowns for parents etc.
- Parents should hold the children's feet in direct eyeline of the child.
- Swaddling may be useful for younger infants.
- If a specific concern is highlighted - direct single frog leg view is useful to decrease radiation dose.