What is the difference between conventional X-rays and digital X-rays?
November 27, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Nina Bergmann
Dear Radiologist,
My name is Sebastian Hausdorf and I have been suffering from back pain for some time, mainly in the lumbar spine area. Due to these symptoms, I have already seen my general practitioner, who referred me to radiology for further investigation.
During my appointment at your practice, I was informed that both conventional X-rays and digital X-rays are available to further examine my symptoms. Since I have little experience with medical examinations of this kind, I am unsure which procedure is best suited for me.
I have heard that conventional X-rays use analog films, while digital X-rays show the images directly on the computer screen. I am wondering if there is a difference in image quality and diagnostic accuracy between the two methods. Are there specific advantages of digital X-rays in terms of radiation exposure, image capture speed, or post-processing capabilities?
As the health of my spine is very important to me and I would like to quickly determine the cause of my symptoms, I would like to know from you which X-ray procedure is best for me. What are the pros and cons of choosing between conventional and digital X-rays, and which option would you recommend to me?
I thank you in advance for your expertise and support in addressing my questions.
Sincerely,
Sebastian Hausdorf
Dear Mr. Hausdorf,
Thank you for your inquiry and trust in my expertise as a radiologist. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from back pain in the lumbar spine area and need to undergo radiological treatment. I will be happy to answer all your questions regarding conventional and digital X-ray procedures to help you decide which procedure is best suited for you.
Firstly, I would like to explain to you that conventional X-ray imaging actually uses analog films to create images of the body region being examined. These films need to be developed after the image is taken, which takes a bit more time compared to digital X-ray, where the images appear immediately on the computer screen. So, the main difference between the two procedures lies in how the images are generated and displayed.
In terms of image quality and diagnostic accuracy, there are minimal differences between conventional and digital X-ray procedures nowadays. Both procedures provide high-resolution images that can give the radiologist important information about possible injuries or conditions in the spine. However, with digital X-ray, the images can be viewed and analyzed faster since they are immediately available and do not need to be developed.
Another important aspect is the radiation exposure. Digital X-ray typically uses less radiation than conventional X-ray, which is particularly important for repeated examinations. Additionally, the image acquisition speed is higher with digital X-ray, increasing the efficiency of the examination. Furthermore, digital X-ray images offer the possibility for post-processing, such as enlarging or adjusting the contrast of the images to better visualize the smallest details.
Overall, due to the mentioned advantages, I would recommend the digital X-ray procedure. It is faster, uses less radiation, and offers more opportunities for image optimization. Please discuss this recommendation with your treating physician to ensure that the examination is tailored to your individual needs.
I hope that I could assist you with this information and I am available for any further questions. Thank you for your trust and I wish you all the best for your health and a quick resolution of your symptoms.
Best regards,
Nina Bergmann, Radiologist
