Digital Radiography in Pediatric Orthopaedics: A Prospective, Controlled, and Randomized Trial

A prospective, controlled, and randomized trial of digital radiography was conducted to evaluate its advantages in children. Matched pairs of radiographs of the feet were taken in 20 children, and pelvic radiographs were taken in another 20 children. Each pair comprised a digital and conventional film. Half of the digital films were made with a 50% radiation dose reduction. The films were scored for quality. Statistically significant advantages were seen for the digital radiographs as compared with the conventional technique. Visualization of soft tissue and bony detail was enhanced in both foot and pelvic radiographs. This was true even with a 50% dose reduction in many of the parameters scored. We conclude that digital radiography offers advantages over conventional radiography, and recommend its use.