A method for minimizing the radiation exposure from scoliosis radiographs
De Smet, A.A.; Fritz, S.L.; Asher, M.A.
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume 63(1): 156-161
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9355 PMID: 7451519 Document Number: 174901
The radiation exposure resulting from standard scoliosis radiographs was determined for eighteen adolescent girls. The risk of inducing breast cancer was estimated from the skin-exposure doses. The average skin exposure to the breasts was 59.6 millirads (0.59 mGy) for the anteroposterior radiograph. Assuming a total of twenty-two anteroposterior radiographs during a course of treatment, the cumulative exposure would result in a 1.35% relative increase in the risk of development of breast cancer. By utilizing collimation of the x-ray beam and proper selection of grids, films, and screens, the radiation risk of scoliosis radiographs is minimized.