Strategy to Reduce Radiation Exposure in Postoperative Spinal Computed Tomography Scans

Overview

Journal Surg Neurol Int

Specialty Neurology

Date 2021 May 5

PMID 33948329

Citations 1

Authors

Anirudh Murthy

Ezriel Kornel

Seth Neubardt

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: When diagnosing and treating spinal disorders, spine surgeons commonly utilize computed tomography (CT) scans preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.

Methods: This article reviews the literature regarding the potentially harmful effects of X-rays, specifically from CT scans.

Results: The risk for damaging DNA and developing cancer increases with increasing scan length (e.g., increasing amount of radiation received).

Conclusion: When assessing postoperative status, CT scans should be directed only through the area of specific interest to limit the total dose of radiation received by the patient.

Citing Articles

Accuracy and precision of volumetric bone mineral density assessment using dual-source dual-energy versus quantitative CT: a phantom study.

Koch V, Grosse Hokamp N, Albrecht M, Gruenewald L, Yel I, Borggrefe J Eur Radiol Exp. 2021; 5(1):43.

PMID: 34608576 PMC: 8490583. DOI: 10.1186/s41747-021-00241-1.

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