28 replacement (STAR) and compare the accuracy of rotational radiography to that of plain digital radiographs, hypothesizing that rotational radiography will show more and larger periprosthetic cysts. All participants underwent rotational radiography and plain radiographs in the same session. This was an independent study approved by the local ethical board. Methods: 42 consecutive patients with a STAR were enrolled. All images were randomized and reviewed independently by blinded musculoskeletal radiologists in regards to size and location of cysts. Cysts were measured in three planes when possible. Results: Significantly more cysts were detected on rotational radiography (74 vs. 55), P=0.03 (McNemar’s test). The average size of cysts on rotational radiography were 1653mm3 vs. 813mm3 on radiographs, p<0.0001(Wilcoxon signed rank test). An inter-observer agreement of κ=- 0.24 (p=0.1), 95% CI (-0.08, -0.41) and an intra-observer agreement of the senior radiologist at κ=0.20 (p=0.3), 95% CI (-0.23, 0.62) highlight the importance of experience when interpreting rotational radiography images. 8.14. Installation of X-ray and Digital Processing in an Underdeveloped Country/Guinea West Africa Presenter: Eugene Frank, Mayo Clinic/Foundation, U.S.A Authors: Eugene D. Frank, Jeffrey Brezee, Charlotte Brunholzl Introduction: Guinea, West Africa is one of the most underdeveloped countries of the world. The conditions of the medical clinics and hospitals in the country are bleak. Some development is starting to emerge in the private sector. Electricity is present in the major cities only and electrical blackouts are common in medical facilities. Sanitation is a significant unmet need. The medical facilities are over crowded and medical equipment is in disrepair. Training of radiographers and x-ray operators is nonexistent. Medical communication is very limited between neighbor countries. Methods: Our three-person radiography team from Mayo Clinic, working through our evangelical Christian church, obtained a refurbished G.E. AMX-4 x-ray machine and a new Fuji tabletop digital processor with two plates and shipped it to Guinea in container. Results: The three-person radiography team traveled to Guinea, unpacked the radiography equipment and set it up in a newly built addition to the hospital. The hospital has its own 110 Volt power supply and the equipment worked excellent. X-rays were taken on local people for the first time in history. The closest x-ray facility to the town is 300 miles. Many issues came forth and we will discuss those in the presentation. 8.15. Imaging of gastrointestinal perforation: is there a place for plain radiography? Presenter: Man Lok Chan, Uniradiology, Australia Authors: ML Chan, A Steward, M Schneider Introduction: The value of plain radiography to identify gastrointestinal (GI) perforation is questionable while computed tomography (CT) has relatively high detection rate for GI perforation. This study aimed to compare the sensitivity of plain radiography and CT in the detection of GI perforation, thus to determine if a preliminary plain radiographic examination query for GI perforation should remain as a practical approach. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a large public hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The interpretation of radiology reports on plain radiographic and CT examinations over a period of 17 months were compared with the patient discharge summaries. Results: Eighty-one plain radiographic examinations were analysed and 56 cases(69%) did not show GI perforation, of which 44/56 cases(79%) were false negatives. The sensitivities of plain radiography and CT in the detection of GI perforation were 23% and 78% respectively. Overall, 64/81 patients(79%) were referred to CT after the initial radiographic examinations. In conclusion, CT is the preferred preliminary imaging modality in the detection of GI perforation. 8.16. Radiographic skills in a field hospital Presenter: Kim Pelle Christensen, OUH Odense University Hospital, Denmark Author: Kim Pelle Christensen Introduction: To report on the differences between emergency radiography in a hospital setting vs field ER from the viewpoint of a radiographer in the x-ray dept. in a field hospital in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan ’09. The workload and visualization of the difference between the injuries obtained in the battlefield are demonstrated and the different degrees of trauma from the Emergency Medicine to fatal trauma and the mechanisms of injury will be discussed. Radiographers has to cope with Blast-IED, blast, fragmentation v foot patrol, IED, blast, fragmentation v vehicle, Grenade, RPG, missile, Gun-shot wounds, Motor vehicle accidents, Burns, Falls and Stab wounds. Many of the injured persons are Multiple casualty incidents, which also calls for special radiographic skills. Alongside the radiographer needs general radiographic skills as the ER-room contains DR, CT, US and fluoroscopy and the radiographer must also perform examinations in the Operating Room. Methods: A summary of personal experience compared to the basic skills of a radiographer Results: Emergency Radiography in the field demands both specialized and general radiographic skills. The radiographers work in an international environment under a lot of pressure and stress, and must handle situations that are beyond the scope of the general radiography education 8.17. A Report from voluntary work in x-ray departments Presenter: Ritva Marttila, North Karelia Central Hospital, Finland Author: Ritva Marttila Introduction: ADRA Finland, which is a part of Seventh-day Adventist Church, makes development co-operation in many countries. I have worked as a volunteer radiographer in two projects, in Kenya and in Ukraine. At the beginning of the projects hospitals and their needs and circumstances were evaluated by ADRA Finland. We planned, what kind of equipment and aid are needed. Some Finnish hospitals had donated x-ray equipment, which had been used about ten years, but still in good condition. ADRA was responsible to transport them. At last a Finnish radiographer and a mechanic travelled to start the action. Imaging with donated device succeeded well during both projects. We were able to make the developing process stabile and we used normal exposure values. Fortunately, the imaging with donated equipment is still going on successfully in both hospitals. In my presentation I shall evaluate, what kind of development co-operation is suitable to x-ray departments in the countries, which need development aid. I shall find practical resolutions to the questions: what is relevant to recipients and what is possible to donors. I shall also consider, is it better to give as aid knowledge and skills or equipment. Methods: During the project the mechanic maintained devices and the radiographer prepared the developing process to work. X-ray images were taken with portable x-ray equipment. Images were construed by local doctors. The imaging process became correct. Results: Donated equipment has to be in good condition and simple to use. Because local maintenance is often missing, the device must be easy to maintain. Instructions for use and manuals are needed. Donors have also to take into the consideration environmental factors. The disposal of broken equipment must be done by modern concept. Finally the interest and ability of local radiographers, who continue to work with device, is the most important thing to get development aid successful. 8.18. Radiographer on an island Presenter: Kristiina Korpi, Ålands hälso- och sjukvård, Finland Author: Kristiina Korpi Introduction: What is it like to be a radiographer on an island? What are the challenges and are there any benefits? Åland is an autonomous, demilitarised, Swedish-speaking region of Finland. It is a group of more than 6000 islands. 65 of them are inhabited. Public healthcare on Åland is provided by Åland’s Public Healthcare Service (ÅHS). There is one hospital, located in the northern part of Mariehamn and healthcare clinics in most municipalities. I would like to present you some special features of how it is to work on our hospital as a radiographer. There are 12 radiographers
ISRRT | Book Of Abstracts
To see the actual publication please follow the link above