COMPARISON OF STIMULABLE PHOSPHOR TECHNOLOGY AND CONVENTIONAL SCREEN-FILM TECHNOLOGY IN PEDIATRIC SCOLIOSIS

One hundred consecutive patients being investigated for scoliosis were studied using a double cassette containing a conventional film screen and a stimulable phosphor plate. The images were separated, randomise d and scored thrice by three radiologists for anatomic structure visua lisation. The exposure to the plate and film and repeat rate were meas ured. Scoliosis angles were comparable on both sets of images, however , visualisation of vertebrae, vertebral end plates, pedicles, spinous processes and other structures were significantly improved (p < 0.0001 ). Intra- and inter-observer reliability was high with good intraclass correlation. There was a 40% potential exposure reduction, and retake s were decreased from 3 to 0%. We conclude that stimulable phosphor im ages give better anatomic structure visualisation with potential radia tion exposure reduction and lower repeat rate.