The use of low dosage X-ray (Lodox/Statscan) in major trauma: comparison between low dose X-ray and conventional x-ray techniques.
BACKGROUND
Patients presenting with major trauma normally require resuscitation, usually carried out according to techniques laid down by the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Program of the American College of Surgeons. Techniques normally suggested include the routine radiology of the cervical spine, chest and pelvis. This can sometimes be time consuming and may not return helpful information in all cases.


METHODS
This paper describes the use of a new low dose X-ray technique (Lodox/Statscan to perform these X-rays, and compares their interpretation by both radiologists and trauma surgeons with images obtained from conventional X-rays. The time taken for the respective images to be obtained was measured.


RESULTS
There was no difference in the amount of information obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the Lodox allowed a substantial reduction in the time taken for resuscitation, without prejudice to diagnostic radiology.
Boffard
Kenneth D
KD
Department of Surgery, Milpark Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. trauma@mweb.co.za
Goosen
Jacques
J
Plani
Frank
F
Degiannis
Elias
E
Potgieter
Herman
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012151:Resuscitation; D013997:Time Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*