DIGITAL IMAGE MANIPULATION OF UNDEREXPOSE D X-RAYS - EXAMINATIONS WITH A FLUORESCENT LIGHT SCANNER

Incorrect exposure of conventional radiographs frequently leads to rep etition of the examination and thereby to increased radiation exposure for the patient. Underexposed films of an Alderson-Rando phantom, an ankle joint and a patella were digitised by means of an inexpensive fl uorescent light scanner, and subsequent image manipulation improved qu ality so as to make the image diagnostically adequate. For the demonst ration of markedly underexposed structures digitalisation with subsequ ent contrast enhancement was used. Well exposed structures are best ev aluated in contrast enhanced transmitted light. Our results suggest it should be possible to reduce the number of repeat exposures and there by to limit radiation exposure.