Considering the Factors When Evaluating Images of the Appendicular Skeleton System.

Introduction

For the accurate diagnosis it is essential radiographs must be of good quality (Robert, 1998). Consequently it is indispensable that the image must be diagnostic and optimal. The drivers that control the quality of the radiographs like technique and exposure factors are homogenized. The construction of a reliable radiological diagnosis

To aid in arriving at a correct diagnosis of the patients' condition, it is common practice for the medical professionals to send the sick or traumatized patients to the medical imaging (MI) department for radiographic examinations. At the MI department, the Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) are responsible for interacting with these patients and producing relevant images of the patients' anatomical region that is being evaluated. The images that are produced are then interpreted by radiologists to enable the MDs to diagnose and treat the patient's condition more precisely.

A familiarity with the data of normal and pathological anatomy, histology and physiology as well as considerable personal experience in the ability to discriminate between normal variants and overlying artefact and real pathology. Berlin, 2007 states the radiograph becomes that the more extensive the knowledge of the radiologist in the field of pathology and pathophysiology, the more enlightening. Recent years have seen the advent of non radiologists reporting radiographs. If these limited, knowledge in pathology and the information to acknowledge different medical conditions, it consigns the reader to produce reports of limited value. Some very significant subtle pathological processes in the skeletal system produce completely normal images and different pathological processes in the skeleton may give the same X-ray changes in the bones. Tuberculosis, hip, can manifest itself in an extremely wide and a diverse range of X-ray changes and reporters need to be aware of the information that will guide them to the correct differential diagnosis. (Berlin, 2007)

Reporters of radiographs need to be aware all the factors that will influence the final diagnosis and realize that their report may change how that patient is managed.

Technical issues

In the differential diagnosis of fracture special importance sometimes plays the shadow detected on the images, simulating the line of fracture, crack, and even displacement of bone fragments. Source of diagnostic errors may be the band, linear shadows and spots that appear on radiographs due to defects in X-ray films and intensifying screens. Folds of clothing or skin, as well as the imposition of the lumbar muscles, and a gas bubble may provide shade, simulating a line of fracture of a bone (Berlin, 2007). Differential diagnosis is based on the fact that this line is beyond the bones, while in turn it ends up within the bone. Overlay of contours of bones against each other, so called tangential effect, various kinds of bandages, ointments and adhesive residues can provide shade, simulating a fracture and even fragments.

In some urgent cases, the radiologist is forced to produce specific answer and is not asked to give a full etiologic diagnosis (Gleadhill et al., 1987). If the reporter produces a list ...