[Digital luminescence radiography in comparison with the conventional film-screen technique in diagnosis of fractures].
OBJECTIVE
The accuracy of digital luminescence radiography was compared with that of conventional film/screen techniques, using animal preparations and clinical examinations.


METHODS
Fine fissures were made in 8 animal bones and these were examined radiologically. The digital examinations were carried out with and without edge enhancement. 208 patients were examined in a similar way. Film quality and assessment of the fractures were evaluated quantitatively.


RESULTS
In no instance did either of the digital methods provide inferior quality when compared with conventional films. ROC analysis for evaluation of fractures in patients, using an experienced radiologist, showed no significant difference between the various methods (ROC areas: conventional 0.947, digital 0.958, digital with edge enhancement 0.943). With a less experienced observer there were significant advantages for both digital methods (ROC areas: 0.851, 0.886, 0.908).


CONCLUSIONS
Our investigation has proved that fractures which are difficult to see can be reliably demonstrated by digital luminescence radiography.
Fink
U
U
Institut für Radiologische Diagnostik, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Schwerdtfeger
J
J
Fink
B K
BK
Schätzl
M
M
Reiser
M
M
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D015588:Observer Variation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012372:ROC Curve; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013552:Swine; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens
Digitale Lumineszenzradiographie im Vergleich zur konventionellen Film-Folien-Technik bei der Diagnostik von Frakturen.