USE OF DIGITAL PHOTOLUMINESCENCE RADIOGRA PHY IN TRAUMATOLOGY - EXPERIENCE TO DATE

For more than 1 year we have had the opportunity of using a digital ph otoluminescence radiography system that allows documentation of the ra diological findings on a high-contrast scale. In addition to chest X-r ays this technical unit has been used to document skeletal findings in the skull, the cervical spine and the shoulder. In all, 211 cases hav e been evaluated in which digital and conventional X-rays have been ta ken during treatment. Using a 5-step confidence scale, two experienced investigators have evaluated and compared the digital and conventiona l X-rays. In respect of image quality, bone outline, and structure and identification of findings, digital documentation has proved at least as good as conventional documentation, and even superior in the case of shoulder X-rays. Improved image quality is caused by the superior b one outline. Therefore, we recommend digital photoluminescence radiogr aphy as a routine procedure for the documentation of findings in the s kull, cervical spine and shoulder. Repeated investigations will become unnecessary and it will be possible to cope with large numbers of pat ients.