Managing radiation risk in the evaluation of the pediatric trauma patient.
Pediatric trauma is usually a nonoperative experience for the pediatric general surgeon. The pediatric trauma surgeon resuscitates the child and then evaluates and triages the identified injuries. A common diagnostic tool is the computed tomography (CT) scan. Most children who require evaluation for significant trauma will get a CT scan, but there are no national guidelines directing the assessment. Injuries to the head, cervical spine, chest, and abdomen can all be imaged with a CT scan; the question is whether the liberal approach to imaging children is appropriate. Over the past decade, concern has arisen about the radiation dose delivered by CT. This concern has generated a national campaign to "image gently." This article reviews the data involving the risk of medical radiation exposure and discusses strategies for managing the risk.
Scaife
Eric R
ER
Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Utah, 100 N. Mario Capecchi, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA. Eric.scaife@hsc.utah.edu
Rollins
Michael D
MD
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000532:radiotherapy*