Radiology Flashcards

(155 cards)

1
Q

Radiographs

A

Images created by Xray which have been projected through and object and interacted with a receptor
Different shades of grey on the image correspond to the different types of tissue and thicknesses of tissue involved

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2
Q

Why are radiographs useful?

A

Provide ability to see structures within the body, particularly mineralised tissues - many dental related conditions affect the mineral content of tissues
Can show normal anatomy and pathology
Aid diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring

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3
Q

Common intra and extra oral dental radiographs

A

Intra
Bitewings
Periapical
Occlusal
Extra
Panoramic
Lateral cephalogram

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4
Q

Electromagnetic radiation

A

Flow of energy created by simultaneously varying electrical and magnetic fields
No mass
No charge
Travels at speed of light
Can travel in a vacuum

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5
Q

EM spectrum

A

Shorter wavelength, higher frequency. higher energy
Gamma
Xray
UV
Visible light
Infrared
Microwaves
Radiowaves
Longer wavelength, lower frequency, lower energy

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6
Q

Frequency of EM waves

A

How many times one full wave cycle is repeated per unit time in Hertz
One Hz = One cycle per second

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7
Q

Speed of EM waves formula

A

Speed = frequency x wavelength

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8
Q

Energy of EM waves

A

Measured in electron volts
1 eV = energy (in joules) gained by one electron moving across a potential difference of one volt

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9
Q

Xray photon energies

A

124eV - 124 keV
Medical imaging uses mostly hard Xrays >5keV

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10
Q

Hard Xrays vs soft Xrays

A

Have higher energies and are able to penetrate human tissues
Soft are easily absorbed

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11
Q

What is the difference between Xrays and Gamma rays?

A

Gamma occur naturally

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12
Q

Production of Xrays

A

Electrons are fired at atoms at very high speed and on collision the kinetic energy of the electrons is converted into EM radiation and heat
Xray photons are aimed at a substance
Xrays cause ionisation - displace electrons from atoms/molecules

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13
Q

Electron shells

A

Orbits around atom where electrons are found
Electrons fill available spaces in innermost shells first
Shells are called K, L, M, N etc

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14
Q

Max number of electrons in a shell

A

2n^2 where n is shell number

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15
Q

Binding energy

A

Energy required to exceed electrostatic force between an electron and it’s nucleus, and remove the electron
Higher atomic number = higher electrostatic force

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16
Q

Amps

A

Measure of how much charge flows past a point per second

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17
Q

Current

A

A flow of electrical charge usually by movement of electrons

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18
Q

Why must Xray units modify mains electrical current?

A

Mains is alternation current, Xray requires direct current - rectification of the curren

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19
Q

Voltage

A

Difference in electrical potential between two points in an electrical field and is related to how forcefully a charge will be pushed through an electrical field
Measured in volts V
Synonymous with potential difference

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20
Q

Electrical supply to Xray unit

A

UK mains electricity is AC 13 amps or less, 220-240 volts
Dental Xray requires a direct current with 2 different voltages - one as high as 10s of thousands of volts, one as low as around 10
Transformers alter voltage from one circuit to another
One transformer mains -> Xray tube (cathode - anode)
One transformer mains -> filament

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21
Q

Xray beam

A

Made up on millions of Xray photons directed in the same general direction
They travel in straight lines but diverge from Xray source
Intensity is the quantity of photon energy passing through a cross sections area of the beam per unit time
Increased number or energy of photons = increased intensity, proportional to the current in the filament and voltage across the Xray tube

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22
Q

Intensity of Xray compared to distance from source

A

The intensity of Xray beam is inversely proportional to the square distance between the Xray source and the point of measurement
Doubling the distance will quarter the dose

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23
Q

Xray production basic outline

A

Electrons accelerated towards atoms at very high speed
On collision, the kinetic energy of these electrons is converted to heat and electromagnetic radiation (ideally Xray photons)
The Xray photons are aimed at a subject

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24
Q

Components of Xray unit

A

Tubehead
Collimator
Positioning arm
Control panel
Circuitry

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25
Xray tube
Made up of a glass envelope with a vacuum inside, containing -ve cathode (filament and focussing cup)and +ve anode (target and heat dissipating block)
26
What material is the heat dissipating block in Xray tube?
Copper
27
What material is the focussing cup in Xray tube?
Molybdenum
28
What material is the filament in Xray tube?
Tungsten, because of its high melting point 3422C and high atomic number 74 so lots of electrons per atom to be released It is also suitably malleable to form the coiled wire
29
What occurs at the cathode in the Xray tube?
A low voltage, high current electricity is passed through the Xray filament, heating it til incandescent ~2200C Electrons are then released from atoms in the wire creating a cloud of electrons around the filament
30
Focussing cup
Metal plate shaped around the filament Negatively charged to repel electrons towards the anode target Made of molybdenum due to its high mp 2623C
31
Between cathode and anode
Electrons are accelerated to a very high speed, and have high kinetic energy on collision with the anode target
32
Kinetic energy of electrons in Xray tube
60-70keV
33
Xray anode target
Metal block which gets bombarded with electrons, producing photons (and lots of heat) Made of Tungsten due to its high mp and the fact that it creates xray photons of useful energies Orientated at angle from filament as this reduces area from which Xray is emitted while increasing actual SA, for heat dissipation Focal spot is the precise area on the target at which electrons collide and produce Xrays
34
Penumbra effect
Blurring of radiographic image due to focal spot not being a single point, minimised by shrinking the focal spot
35
Glass envelope
Air tight vacuum so that air particles don't get in the way of electron path Leaded apart from one small window, so that Xray photons can only escape in the desired direction
36
Purpose of oil in glass envelope
Heat dissipation
37
Aluminium filtration in Xray tube
Removes lower energy non diagnostic Xray from the beam as these are fully absorbed, not contributing to image but increased pt dose - reduces photoelectric effect Thickness required <70kV-1.5mm 70kV+ - 2.5mm
38
Spacer cone
Helps direct beam Creates desired focus to skin distance
39
FSD
<60kV 100mm 60kV+ 200mm
40
Collimator
Lead diaphragm attached to the end of the spacer cone which reduces pt dose and focuses beam to shape and size of the receptor When using size 2 receptors, rectangular collimators should (at min) crop the beam area to 50x40mm but preferably 45x35mmo
41
Why is rectangular collimation recomended?
Can reduce pt dose by approx 50% and improves image contrast by reducing scatter
42
Xray control panel
On/off switch and light Electronic timer Exposure time selector and presets Warning light and noise
43
Continuous vs characteristic radiation
Continuous - produces continuous range of photon energies, maximum matches the peak voltage, bombarding electron interacts with the nucleus of target atom Characteristic - produces specific photon energies, characteristic to the target element, photon energies depend on the binding energies of electron shells, bombarding electrons interact with inner shell electrons of target atom
44
Typical characteristic spikes of electron energy in Xray unit 70kV
59kV 67kV
45
3 ways photons can interact with matter
Transmission - passes through unaltered Absorption - stopped by the matter Scatter - changes direction
46
Result of absorption and scatter occurring
Attenuation - reduced intensity of Xray beam
47
What determines Xray number of photons?
Current in the filament mA
48
What affects the energy of Xray photons?
Voltage across Xray tube kV
49
Minimal attenuation appearance
Black
50
Partial attenuation appearance
Grey
51
Complete attenuation appearance
White
52
Photoelectric effect
Complete absorption Photon in Xray beam interacts with inner shell electron in subject, resulting in absorption of the photon and creation of a photoelectron - gives out light
53
When does the photoelectric effect occur?
Energy of photon is equal to or just greater than the binding energy of inner shell electrons, therefore photoelectric effect predominates with lower energy photons, since human tissues have relatively low binding energies Any excess photon energy becomes kinetic energy of photoelectron and this can ionise and potentially damage adjacent tissues Inner electron shell them filled by cascade which produces light photons and/or heat
54
Probability of photoelectric effect
~ (p x Z^3)/ E^3 p - density of material Z atomic number E photon energy
55
Compton effect
Partial absorption and scatter Photon in beam interacts with an outer shell electron in the subject and results in partial absorption and scattering of the photon and creation of a recoil electron
56
When does the Compton effect occur?
When the energy of incoming photon is much greater than binding energy of electron, therefore it predominates between higher energy photons and outer shell electrons
57
Effect of recoil electron production by Compton effect
Recoil electrons can ionise and potentially damage adjacent tissues
58
What happens to a photon after it undergoes the Compton effect?
The photon loses energy and changes direction, it can still undergo the photoelectric or further Compton effect
59
What is the effect of energy of photon on direction of scatter?
Higher energy are deflected more forward Lower energy are deflected more backward
60
What is the effect of photons being scattered slightly obliquely?
May still reach the receptor but will interact with the wrong area, causing darkening of the image in the wrong place Results in fogging of the image and reduces image contrast and quality
61
Types of ionising radiation
1. Byproducts of radioactive decay (alpha large 2n 2p particle, travels few inches, beta small particle travels few feet, gamma high energy travels long distance) 2. Artificially produced radiation - Xray Xray and gamma rays are identical apart from Xrays being produced artifically
62
Most significant effect of ionising radiation
DNA in cells nuclei can be damaged - faulty repair of chromosome breaks resulting in the development of abnormal cell populations and therefore cancer Can damage DNA directly (radiation interacts with DNA molecule or another important part of the cell) or indirectly (radiation reacts with water within the cell, producing highly reactive free radicals which can join in pairs to form hydroxyl radicals, which can cause damage to the cell)
63
Ionising radiation
Ionising radiation has enough energy to turn atoms into ions by knocking away electrons in the atoms orbit, this results in a positive ion and a free electron Each ionisation process will deposit approx 35eV locally, greater than the energy involved in atomic bonds (approx 4eV)
64
Damage to DNA double stranded helix
One broken strand - usually repairable Double strand break - more difficult to repair, usually due to alpha radiation, if repair is faulty, can lead to mutations affecting cell function Biological effect will depend on type of radiation, amount of radiation, time over which dose is received, tissue/cell type irradiated
65
Organ cancer risks and radiation
There are only increased risks of cancer after irradiation of certain tissues Most medical exposures do not irriadiate the body uniformly Risk will vary depending on the organ getting the highest dose
66
What determines radiosensitivity of tissues?
Function of the cells that make up the tissue If the cells are actively dividing
67
Highly radiosensitive tissues
Stem cells Bone marrow Lymphoid tissue GI Gonads Embryonic tissue
68
Moderately radiosensitive tissues
Skin Vascular endothelium Lung Lens of the eye
69
Least radiosensitive tissues
CNS Bone Cartilage Connective tissue
70
3 possible outcomes after radiation causes DNA mutation of a cell
Mutation repaired Cell death Mutated cell survives, can cause cancer
71
What does LNT Linear No Threshold model estimate?
The long term biological damage from radiation
72
Absorbed dose
Energy deposited by radiation Units Gy Gray
73
Equivalent dose
Absorbed dose multiplied by weighting factor depending on the radiation type Beta, gamma, xray - weighting 1 Alpha weighting 20 Measured in Sieverts Sv
74
Digital receptors
Phosphor plates Solid state sensors All multiple use
75
What is the difference between digital and film radiography?
Differ in how the Xray beam is dealt with after it has interacted with the patient - difference in the film and how the film is processed Digital has mostly taken fil radiography's place due to multiple benefits but film is still sometimes used
76
Film receptors
Direct action or indirect action All single use
77
Sizes of receptors
Variety, exact measurements may differ between companies Size 0 - ant PA Size 2 - BWs, post PA Size 4 - Occlusal
78
Xray shadow
When beam passes through an object some photons are attenuated - this cross section is an Xray shadow The shadow is basically the image information held by the Xray photons after a beam has passed through an object Image receptor detects this Xray shadow and uses it to create an image
79
How do digital receptors create an image?
The receptor measure the Xray intensity in each defined area Each area is given a value relating to the intensity (typically 0-225, most-least) Each value corresponds with a shade of grey Lower number darker shade Displayed as a grid of squares called pixels More pixels - better detail
80
What is the effect of increasing the number of pixels on a digital Xray image?
Increases the resolution which will provide a more diagnostic image up to a limit
81
Greyscale bit depth
Number of different shades of grey available Typically at least 8 bits Shades of grey = 2^8
82
DICOM
Format for digital images International standard format for handling digital medical images
83
PACS
Picture archiving communication system Storage and access to images Not connected to dental practices Main components - inputs, secure network, workstations, archive
84
Environment for viewing digital radiographs
Subdued lighting Avoid glare Monitor - clean, adequate resolution, high enough brightness and suitable contrast level
85
SMPTE test pattern
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers Available online Can be used to assess the resolution, contrast and brightness of your monitor
86
Phosphor plates/photostimulable phosphor plate/storage phosphor plate
Not connected to computer Thinner than solid state After receptor is exposed to Xrays, it must be put in a scanner and read to create final image
87
Image creation using phosphor plates in patient's mouth
Receptor exposed to Xray beam Phosphor crystals in receptor excited by the Xray energy, resulting in the creation of a latent image
88
Image creation with phosphor plates in the scanner
Receptor scanned by a laser Laser energy causes the excited phosphor crystals to emit visible light This light is detected and creates the digital image
89
Types of solid state sensors
CCD charge coupled device CMOS complimentary metal oxide semiconductor
90
Solid state sensors image creation
Usually wired but can be wireless Latent image created and immediately read within the sensor itself Final image created virtually instantly
91
Solid state sensor components
Back housing and cable Electronic substrate CMOS imaging chip Fibre optic face plate Scintillator screen Front housing
92
Identification dot
Located in corner of receptor to aid orientation of image Only useful if receptor was positioned correctly during exposure
93
Cross infection control when taking digital radiographs
Intra oral receptors have purpose made covers to prevent saliva contamination - single use Receptors still disinfected between uses
94
Why is careful handing of digital receptors important?
Certain types of damage will impact every subsequent image obtained from that receptor Reduces their diagnostic value and may render receptor unusable Hold by their edge not their flat surfaces
95
What causes white lines on digital receptors??
Scratches/tears Fingerprints Bending/creases
96
Phosphor plates vs solid state sensors
PP - thinner, lighter, usually flexible, wireless (more comfortable). Variable room-light sensitivity, risk of impaired image, latent image needs to be scanned separately, handling similar to film, delicate SS - bulkier, more rigid, usually wired, smaller active area, no issues with room-light control, replace less often, more expensive
97
Components of film packet
Radiographic film Protective black paper to protect film from light exposure, damage from fingers, saliva Lead foil backing to absorb some excess Xray photons Outer wrapper usually plastic which prevents saliva ingress, and indicated which side of the packet is the front
98
Radiographic film
Material in which the actual image is formed Sensitive to Xray and visible light photons Photons interact with emulsion on film to produce latent image which only becomes visible after chemical processing
99
Radiographic film structure
Transparent plastic base to support the emulsion Adhesive to attach emulsion Emulsion layered on both sides Protective coat of clear gelatin to shield the emulsion from mechanical damage
100
Radiographic emulsion
Silver halide crystals embedded in gelatine binder Microscopic crystals effectively become the pixels of the final image Film generally higher resolution than digital
101
Silver halide crystals in film radiography
Usually silver bromide Become sensitised on interaction with Xray (and v. light) photons During processing sensitised crystals are converted to particles of black metallic silver -> dark parts of final image and non sensitised crystals are removed -> light parts of final image
102
Lead foil in film radiography
In packet, behind the film Absorbs some excess photons - those in the beam that continue past the film AND those scattered by pt tissues and returning back to the film Embossed textured pattern to make it obvious if receptor was placed the wrong way around
103
Film speed
Relates to the amount of Xray exposure required to produce an adequate image Increase speed leads to reduced radiation required to receive an image Affected by number and size of silver halide crystals in the emulsion Larger crystals -> faster film but poorer resolution, because crystals act as pixels
104
Film speeds
E 2x faster than D, half the exposure time, half the dose F 20% faster than E, 20% reduction in time and dose If changing to different film speed, you must either convert settings on Xray unit or install a filter to absorb part of the primary Xray beam
105
Intensifying screens
Used alongside indirect action film for extra oral radiographs (too bulky for intraoral use) Reduce radiation dose but also reduce detail Becoming less common as digital receptors become more commonplace Indirect action film placed inside a cassette with an intensifying screen either side Screens release v light upon exposure to xrays, this visible light creates the latent image on the film
106
Film processing
Sequence of steps which converts the invisible latent image into a visible permanent image MUST be carried out under controlled standardised conditions to ensure consistent image quality Different methods - manual, automated, self developing (less common)
107
Common steps of all film processing methods
Developing - converts sensitised crystals to black metallic silver particles Washing - removes residual developer solution Fixing - Removes non sensitised crystals and hardens emulsion (which contains the black metallic silver) Washing - removes the residual fixer solution Drying - Removes water so that film is ready to be handled/stored
108
Manual (or wet) cycle
Person dips film into different tanks of chemicals at precise concentrations and temps for specific durations, then washes film after each tank Must be carried out in a dark room with absolute light-tightness and adequate ventilation Fairly laborious process
109
Automated cycle
More common way of film processing All necessary steps are carried out within a machine Exposed film goes in one end, processed film comes out other Faster and more controlled than manual processing and avoids the need for a dark room BUT more expensive
110
Opening a film packet for automated processing
Disinfect the surface of the packet Hold the packet under the hood of the processor unit Peel back flap of outer wrapper Fold back lead foil Pull back paper flap Hold film by edges and slide out Insert film into processor slot/shelf
111
Self developing films
Not recommended Advantages - no darkroom or processing facilities required, faster Disadvantages - poorer image quality, image deteriorated more rapidly over time, no lead foil, easily bent, difficult to use in positioning holders, relatively expensive
112
Processing issues with developing
Developing (silver halide -> black metallic silver) involves a chemical reaction affected by time, temp and concentration, developer solution oxidises in air and becomes less effective in time - needs to be replaced regularly
113
Potential causes of a pale image in film radiography
Exposure issue - radiation exposure factors too low Developing issue - film removed from solution too early, solution too cold, dilute or old
114
Potential issues in fixing stage of film developing
Fixing involves a chemical reaction which removes non sensitised crystals and hardens the remaining emulsion Inadequate fixing means non sensitised crystals are left behind meaning Image greenish-yellow or milky Image becomes brown over time
115
Potential issues in fixing stage of film developing
Fixing involves a chemical reaction which removes non sensitised crystals and hardens the remaining emulsion Inadequate fixing means non sensitised crystals are left behind meaning Image greenish-yellow or milky Image becomes brown over time
116
Potential issues with film developing washing stage
Developer and fixer solution will continue to act if not washed off
117
Advantages of digital radiograhy
Computer filing - easy storage and archive Easy back up of images Images can be integrated into pt notes Easy transfer of images Images can be manipulated No chemical processing required
118
Disadvantages of digital radiography
Worse resolution - risk of pixelation Requires diagnostic level computer monitors for optimal viewing Risk of data corruption/loss Hard copy print outs generally have reduced quality Image enhancement can create misleading images
119
Extra oral radiography
Xray source and receptor outside patient Allows visualisation or teeth, jaws, facial bones etc
120
Extra oral radiography purposes
Imaging larger sections of the dentition Alternative when pt unable to tolerate intra oral Imagine non dento-alveolar regions
121
Common extra oral radiograph types
Panoramic Cephalometric - lateral, postero-anterior Oblique lateral Skull radiographs - occipitomental, poster-anterior skull/mandible, Reverse Towne's, true lateral
122
True vs oblique
True - Xray beam perpendicular to head Oblique - not perpendicular, off at an angle
123
Mid sagittal plane
Line down middle of the face
124
Interpupillary line
Connects both pupils
125
Frankfort plane
Connects infraorbital margin and superior border of external auditory meatus
126
Orbitomeatal line
Connects outer canthus and centre or EAM
127
Cephalostat
On all units that take cephalograms Ensure standardised positioning of equipment and patients head - avoids discrepancies between radiographs and reduces magnification/distortion Includes ear rods and forehead support
128
Lateral cephalograms receptor to focal spot distance
1.5-1.8m from Xray focal spot to receptor, to minimise magnification
129
Problem and solutions for visualising soft tissues on lateral cephalograms
Soft tissues show up poorly when exposure settings are optimised for hard tissues Solutions Place an aluminium wedge filter in the unit to attenuate the specific area of the beam exposing the soft tissues or Used software to enhance the soft tissues post exposure
130
Thyroid collar
Almost always used when taking lateral cephalograms Thyroid gland is relatively radio sensitive May obscure hyoid bone and cervical vertebrae, irrelevant to most cases, but sometimes used to assess maturity of skeleton
131
Thyroid collar
Almost always used when taking lateral cephalograms Thyroid gland is relatively radio sensitive May obscure hyoid bone and cervical vertebrae, irrelevant to most cases, but sometimes used to assess maturity of skeleton
132
Benefits of CBCT
No superimposition or magnification of anatomy Images can be viewed at any angle (not indicated currently due to increased radiation dose) Indicated for orthognathic surgery for pre op assessment
133
Benefits of CBCT
No superimposition or magnification of anatomy Images can be viewed at any angle (not indicated currently due to increased radiation dose) Indicated for orthognathic surgery for pre op assessment
134
Benefits of CBCT
No superimposition or magnification of anatomy Images can be viewed at any angle (not indicated currently due to increased radiation dose) Indicated for orthognathic surgery for pre op assessment
135
Benefits of CBCT
No superimposition or magnification of anatomy Images can be viewed at any angle (not indicated currently due to increased radiation dose) Indicated for orthognathic surgery for pre op assessment
136
Oblique lateral radiography
Provides view of posterior jaws without superimposition of contralateral side Uncommon nowadays - difficult to master technique Superseded by panoramic in most situations
137
Oblique lateral radiography
Provides view of posterior jaws without superimposition of contralateral side Uncommon nowadays - difficult to master technique Superseded by panoramic in most situations
138
Indications for oblique lateral radiography
(Similar to panoramic) Assessment of dental pathology Assessment of presence/position of unerupted teeth Detection of mandibular fractures Evaluation lesions/conditions affecting jaws As an alternative to panoramic when pre-cooperative, learning difficulties, tremors, unconscious
139
Cone beam CT
Sectional images - thin slices 0.4mm or thinner
140
Why do we use radiographic localisation?
To determine location of a structure or pathological lesion in relation to other structures
141
Clinical situations where radiographic localisation may be used
Positions of unerupted teeth - most common - normal but ectopic or impacted, supernumerary, proximity to important structures Location of roots/canals for endo or surgery Relationship of pathological lesions to normal features Trauma Soft tissue swellings
142
Parallax
An apparent change in position of an object caused by a real change in the position of the observer
143
Sequence of events for parallax
Identify direction of tube head shift Identify structure we want to know the location of Choose a reference point which can be seen in both images Observe the movement of the desired structure in relation to the reference point
144
Options for parallax with horizontal tube shift
Equivalent views such at 2 PAs, 2 BWs, 2 oblique occlusals
145
Options of radiographs for parallax with vertical tube shift
Different views such as panoramic and oblique occlusal, panoramic and bisecting angle lower periapical
146
Purpose of quality assurance in dental radiology
To ensure consistently adequate diagnostic information, whilst radiation doses to patients (and others) are kept ALARP taking into account the relevant requirements from IMRER17 and IRR17
147
Quality assurance programme components
Procedures - risk assessment, local rules, contingency plans Staff training Xray equipment Patient dose Display equipment Image quality
148
Regular checks for digital image receptors
Check receptor itself for visible damage Check image uniformity by exposing the receptor and checking if image is uniform - constant shade of grey Check image quality - radiograph of a test object
149
How does delamination of digital receptors appear?
White areas around edge
150
How does cracking of digital receptors appear?
Network of white lines
151
How do scratches on digital receptors appear?
White lines
152
What could black marks on digital radiographs be caused by?
Sensitisation of radiographic emulsion
153
Quality assessment of image quality 3 parts
Image quality rating - grading Image quality analysis - reviewing images to calculate success rate and identify any trends for suboptimal images, carried out periodically e.g. every 4 month, last 150 images reviewed Reject analysis - recording and analysing each unacceptable image
154
Diagnostically acceptable positioning factors for BWs
Show entire crowns of upper and lower teeth Include distal aspect of the canine and mesial aspect of last standing tooth (may require more than one) Every approximal surface shown at least once without overlap (where possible, may be impossible if crowding)
155
Diagnostically acceptable positioning factors for PAs
Shows entire root Shows periapical bone Shows crown