• BACKGROUND
    • Whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) plays an important role in the management of severely injured patients. We evaluated the radiation exposure of WBCT scans using different positioning boards and arm positions.
  • METHODS
    • In this retrospective study, the radiation exposure of WBCT using a 16-slice multislice computed tomography scanner was evaluated. Individual effective doses (E, mSV) was calculated. Patients were assigned to two groups according to placement on a plastic transfer mat (PTM, group 1) or on the Trauma Transfer™-Board (TTB, group 2). Data were collected for each group with arm placement on the abdomen (a) or in raising position (b), respectively. The maximum ventro-dorsal diameter [VDD] at the trunk was measured.
  • RESULTS
    • 100 patients with potentially life-threatening injuries were analysed. Patient demographics and VDD did not differ in the two groups. Radiation exposure in term of E did not reveal any significant differences between the two positioning boards using same arm position [group 1a (n=26) vs. 2a (n=24) (mSV): 16.7±4.7 vs. 17.1±4.4, group 1b (n=26) vs. 2b (n=24) (mSV): 13.1±3.9 vs. 14.3±1.5]. The arm raising positioning showed a significant reduction in E in comparison to the placement on abdomen position [group 1b vs. 1a (mSV): 13.1±3.9 vs. 16.7±4.7, p<0.05, group 2b vs. 2a (mSV): 14.3±1.5 vs. 17.1±4.4, p<0.05].
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • Patient arm positioning for WBCT has an important influence on radiation exposure. Effective dose was 16-22% lower when arms were raised. An individual placement algorithm may lead to a relevant reduction of radiation exposure of severely injured patients.