Can an X-ray examination be safely carried out on children?
March 21, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Helma Rothwiller
Dear Mr./Mrs. Radiologist,
My name is Erwin Lahn and I am very concerned about my child. My son Max is 6 years old and recently had an accident where he broke his arm. The treating doctor has advised us to have a X-ray examination done to precisely locate the fracture and adjust the treatment accordingly.
However, I am very worried about whether a X-ray examination can be safely performed on children. I have heard about the risks of radiation exposure and I am wondering if the examination is really necessary or if there are alternative diagnostic methods that pose less risk to my child.
I understand that X-ray examinations can provide important information, but I want to ensure that my child's health is not jeopardized by the examination. Are there specific measures that can be taken to minimize radiation exposure? Are there other imaging techniques that are equally effective in this case?
I would greatly appreciate your expert opinion on this matter and kindly request your recommendation on the best course of action to ensure the health and safety of my son.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Erwin Lahn
Dear Mr. Lahn,
Thank you for your message and trust in my expertise as a radiologist. I understand your concerns about the health of your son Max, especially regarding the X-ray examination.
First of all, I want to assure you that X-ray examinations in children can be performed safely, especially when conducted by pediatricians or radiologists with experience in pediatric radiology. It is important to accurately locate the fracture to ensure the best possible treatment for your son.
Regarding radiation exposure, there are various protocols and measures in radiology to keep radiation exposure as low as possible. Particularly in children, efforts are made to keep radiation exposure to a minimum by using lower X-ray doses. Modern X-ray machines have technologies such as automatic exposure control and digital detectors that can further reduce radiation exposure.
There are also alternative imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound examination, which in some cases can serve as safe and effective alternatives to X-ray examination. However, the choice of the appropriate method also depends on the type of fracture and the specific requirements of the case.
In your case, where an accurate localization of the fracture is required, the X-ray examination may be the best option. I recommend discussing with the treating physician and the radiologist to make the best decision for your son's health. You can also discuss the exact radiation doses and safety measures with the radiologist to ensure that the examination is conducted as safely as possible.
I hope that my response has addressed your concerns regarding the X-ray examination of your son. If you have any further questions or need additional information, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Helma Rothwiller
