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Optimizing the tube potential for lumbar spine radiography with a flat-panel digital detector

¹ Department of Radiology, Örebro University Hospital, SE-701 85, ² Department of Clinical Medicine, Örebro University, SE-701 82, ³ Department of Medical Physics, Örebro University Hospital, SE-701 85 and ⁴ Department of Natural Sciences, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden

View larger version (18K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 1. Overlay contour plot for the anteroposterior projection with 20 cm polymethylmethacrylate and a filtration of 4.5 mm Al. The default clinical settings — a tube potential of 77 kV and system speed 400 — can be found along the x-axis. The white area indicates possible settings that do not lead to a lower image quality or higher effective dose. Lower image quality figure (IQF) values indicate better image quality.

View larger version (17K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 2. Overlay contour plot for the anteroposterior projection with 25 cm polymethylmethacrylate and a filtration of 4.5 mm Al, simulating a heavier patient. IQF, image quality figure.

View larger version (17K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 3. Overlay contour plot for the lateral projection with 24 cm polymethylmethacrylate and a filtration of 4.5 mm Al. IQF, image quality figure.

View larger version (16K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 4. Overlay contour plot for the lateral projection with 29 cm polymethylmethacrylate and a filtration of 4.5 mm Al, simulating a heavier patient. IQF, image quality figure.