Question

The use of digital systems means that you may not need to use manual technique often or ever. But you may still need to know how to do it, just in case.

• In your first post describe a scenario where you would need to use a manual technique to obtain your image (trauma, surgical suite, non-routine due to patient condition, etc.). Be sure to include the following:
• Which body part is being imaged?
• How is the part and IR positioned?
• What factors do you take into account when deciding the best technique for low patient dose but a quality image?

Answer 1

In case of severe trauma or injury situation, the digital system is not efficient and hence a manual technique is to be used for obtaining the image. One of the examples is during pelvic fracture and when the injury is bad, it cannot be properly diagnosed with digital technique and hence manual intervention is required and important. This is because with the digital technique, some of the injuries might simply go unnoticed and might later cause a lot of complications. While examining the pelvic area during injury or fracture, the area can be properly examined with help of manual imaging. This helps in identifying the pattern of injury and how sensitive it is.

It is central that the patient is positioned appropriately for the image during pelvic injury or fracture. It is important to rotate the feet medially. It is important that the femoral neck is in parallel with IR plane and this is achieved by placing the lower limbs about 15 to 20 degrees. The heels must be immobilized and placed at an elevation and around 8 to 10 inch apart. With this positioning, it gives a clear image of the complete pelvis and hence helps in better imaging.

In order to decide the best technique for low patient dose but get good quality image, the positioning of the patient is very important and an important. The patient must be positioned according depending on which part of the pelvis needs to be imaged. The visualization balance needs to be optimized during the imaging so that the picture quality is good. The contrast sensitivity is also something that is to be determined and hence it helps in determining the visibility range.