영유아 복부 선자세 촬영시 보조기구의 활용이 영상에 미치는 영향

The Use of Supplementary Apparatus and its Impact on the Image for the Abdomen Erect Examination of the Baby

Purpose : “Abdomen erect” position is not very suitable for treatment, since it is not easy to hold the baby still as in “supine” position. In response, the necessity of a supplementary apparatus for babies got attention. By using the apparatus, the baby’s body movement and distortion could be prevented, enhancing the quality of the image. Materials and Methods : This study was performed among infants and todcllers(ages ranged from 3 months to 3 years) who didn’t use supplementary apparatus(total 117) from January to March 2008, and who used supplementary apparatus(total 124) from March to August 2008. The mode of examinations was usually done by fixing the children to the supplementary apparatus, but for some children who cannot stand by their own they were examined by supporting their shoulders from the back by their care givers or health care providers. The e-valuation items are the tiltness to one side, the hidening of their abdomen by the care givers’ hands, the adequateness of the collimator, the inclusion of the diaphragm, and the inclusion of both abdomen. Results : At the examination method using a supplementary apparatus produce wider diagnostic fields and 50% more adequate image than that not using a supplementary apparatus. Single fault results improved with 19% and images with more complicated one with two or more faults improved by more than 34% resulting in net increase in the image quality. The suggestive reason of this improvements is less mobility of the patients by fixing the patient firmly to the supplementary apparatus resulting in less repeat radiographing and more valuable images. Conclusion : For radiology, enhancing the quality of the picture takes precedence over technicality and doctor’s competence, which will help to provide the best medical service possible. On the contrary, it appears that the effort to improve the position of babies and children for better picture, has been dwindling. The use of a supplementary apparatus gave us a picture that was more in line with the purpose of the treatment, and the quality of the image improved visibly.