Computed radiography
uses advanced digital x-ray techniques.
Computed radiography (CR) is a form of radiography that uses an imaging plate rather than a film cassette that must be taken into a dark room and developed. The imaging plate (IP) develops in relation to the x-ray energy it absorbs. That energy is then scanned with a special laser that "reads" it and creates a digital image. This can have considerable cost-saving implications because radiographers don't have to continually replace film cassettes. Instead they reuse the IP.
Using a Ferlic Filter
Ferlic filters are compensating filters used by radiographers to improve imaging quality. The most common use of ferlic filters is in producing images of thicker portions of the body. Images created with a filter can be enhanced with use of the ferlic filter. Common uses of these filters include images of the lateral hip, lateral cervical spine, shoulder, crosstable lateral lumbar, and spines with scoliosis. A special "wedge" filter can be used in images of the chest, thoracic spine, upright and decubitus abdomen, AC shoulder joint; an axillary view of the shoulder can be produced, as well.
Parallel Radiographs
In an article published on dvm360.com, Peter Emily, D.V.M., notes the advantages of parallel imaging techniques in dental radiography. The primary advantage that Emily notes is the fact that parallel imaging techniques can provide a superior image for diagnostic purposes. Parallel imaging involves the creation of images taken as near to parallel as possible to the oral tissue being photographed. Dr. Emily notes that various techniques can be used to adjust the IP slightly to produce images needed to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Using Contrast Effects
Various digital images can be produced at different exposure times to produce different-looking images. The images produced with these different exposure times will allow quantification and visualization of changes in bone structure and thickness over time. This can be done to digitally record or photograph the images in sequence and map the changes that can occur. Other techniques can also be used that involve the interplay of contrasts between two or more images to simulate changes in the bones. It has been noted by Botjan Likar, Rok Bemard, and Franjo Pernus, however, that such techniques can be inherently problematic because of the potential to misinterpret these contrasting images.
Tags: Emily notes, Computed radiography, different exposure, different exposure times, exposure times, images produced
