Radiology Flashcards
What type of current do X-Ray producers need
Direct current
How do X-Ray machines get current from the mains
They have generators which modify AC so that it becomes DC
This process is called rectification
Inverse Square Law - Radiology
The further the patient stands from the X-ray beam, the lower the dose
Parallax
An apparent change in the position of an object caused by a real change in the position of the observer
What might X-Ray photons do as they travel through tissue (4)
Pass through unaltered
Scatter without losing energy
Scatter and be absorbed
Be absorbed
X-Ray attenuation (2)
Reducing in number of photons within beam
Result of absorption and scatter
What colour are areas on an X-Ray with complete attenuation
White
How can scatter be reduced
Reduction of area irradiated also called collimation
What is the absorbed radiation dose measured in
Greys
What is the effective radiation dose measured in
Sieverts
What guidelines govern radiology (2)
Ionising Radiation and Medical Exposure Guidelines (IRME)
Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017)
What should you ask the patient to do before taking a panoramic radiograph
Put their tongue to the roof of their mouth or there will be a dark line across teeth (air)
How is a film radiographic image produced (6)
Development
Rinsing
Fixation
Removing
Washing
Drying
What is KVP (2)
Peak Kilovoltage
Max voltage applied across X-ray tube
How does an increase in voltage effect scatter
Increases scatter
Film radiograph too dark
Overexposed
Developer left on too long
How often should radiology equipment be tested
Daily
How is a panoramic radiograph formed?
Simultaneous movement of beam and image receptor
DPT
Dental Panoramic Topograph
DPR
Dental Panoramic Radiograph
Impact of distance from rotation centre on panoramic radiology (3)
Further from rotation centre - faster movement
Anteriors closer to rotation centre so slower movement
Closer to rotation centre - narrower focal layer
Focal trough
The layer of tissues in focus
What must be done prior to panoramic radiograph
All metal objects removed
Reference plane for panoramic radiograph
Frankfort plane
Angulation of panoramic radiograph
Upwards at 8 degrees due to curve of monson
Where should the vertical canine line be on a panoramic radiograph
On the upper canines
Limitations of panoramic radiology (5)
- Big shoulders
- Long exposure time
- Width of layer in focus (structures may be present that cannot be seen)
- Horizontal distortion
- Positioning difficulties
Positioning difficulties for panoramic radiology (3)
Class II Div 1
Class III
Very young/very old
Panoramic - Patients canines behind canine guide line (3)
- Closer to source than machine expects
- Image magnified horizontally
- Beam too slow
Panoramic - Patients canines in front of canine guide line (3)
- Further from source than machine expects
- Beam too fast
- Teeth reduced in width
Common ghost images (4)
- Earrings
- Metal restorations
- Anatomical features
- Soft tissue calcifications - lymph nodes, salivary calcifications
Position of ghost images (3)
- Always higher due to angulation
- Horizontally magnified
- Usually further forward
Digital receptors (2)
- Phosphor plate
- Solid-slate sensor
Film Receptors (2)
- Direct action
- Indirect action
Size 0 Receptor
Anterior periapicals
Size 2 Receptor
Bitewings
Posterior periapicals
Size 4 Receptor
Occlusal Radiographs
Appearance of dentinogenesis imperfecta on radiographs
Sclerosis (thinning) of root canals
Types of skull radiograph (4)
- Occipitomental
- Postero-anterior mandible
- Reverse Towne’s
- True lateral skull
What area is mainly assessed by occipitomental radiographs
Midface
What area is mainly assessed by postero-anterior mandible radiographs
Posterior mandible excluding condyles
Reference line used for most skull radiographs
Orbitomeatal line
Angles for occipitomental radiographs (4)
0
10
30
40
How would facial fractures be assessed with radiographs (2)
- Occipitomental
- Typically 2 angles used
OM Radiograph Positioning (4)
- Face towards receptor
- Orbitomeatal line 45 degrees to receptor
- 0 degrees - beam central/perpendicular to receptor
- Nose-chin position
Why is a PA mandible radiograph not suitable for viewing facial skull
Superimposition of skull base
Fractures that indicate an OM radiograph (5)
- Le fort
- Zygomatic complex
- Naso-ethmoidal complex
- Orbital blow out
- Coronoid process (not fracture)
Fractures that indicate PA mandible radiograph (4)
- posterior third of body of mandible
- Angles of mandible
- Ramus
- Low condylar necks
Other indications for PA mandible radiograph (2)
- Mandibular hypo/hyperplasia
- Maxillofacial deformities
PA mandible radiograph positioning (4)
- Face towards receptor
- Head tipped forward so orbitomeatal line perpendicular to receptor
- Beam central and perpendicular
- Forehead nose position