Who: Dr. Helene Pavlov, Radiologist-in-Chief at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, a leader in treating children and adults for bone, joint, muscle and tendon injuries, is available to discuss summertime bumps and bruises in children and what parents should understand about radiation safety regarding X-rays and other types of imaging.
What: With summer upon us children will be out in force running, playing their favorite sports, riding bikes and having fun with their friends. As much fun as these activities can be, injuries can sometimes occur, sending children to their local hospital’s emergency department for X-rays, CT scans and more.
Recent media coverage about high levels of ionizing radiation associated with the frequent use of CT (computed tomography) scans has heightened fear and concern among parents regarding radiology and imaging. Dr. Pavlov can discuss the important safety protocols and procedures that parents should take into consideration when their children need imaging for possible fractures.
Four Things to Keep in Mind:
Less is BestChildren are still growing and their bodies are more susceptible to the effects of ionizing radiation – the less ionizing radiation the better. Parents should ask if the center emphasizes ALARA, the acronym for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” with regard to ionizing radiation exposure.
Talk to the Doctor Before agreeing to an imaging examination, Dr. Pavlov suggests parents ask what the doctor suspects is the problem and whether there is a non-ionizing radiation imaging examination and expertise available, such as an MRI or an ultrasound examination that could be substituted for the specific condition clinically suspected.
Make Sure Shielding is PracticedEnsure that the radiology technologist shields the child and confines the area being exposed. It is okay to ask if the technique being used has been adjusted to the size of the child.
Inquire About Repeat RatesAsk about the center’s repeat rate, or how often an image needs to be repeated because of excessive motion, incorrect positioning or improper technique. If it is high, parents may want to choose a different imaging center for their child’s examination. It is also wise to inquire about the number of pediatric patients seen. The higher the percentage of children, the more experience the team has in acquiring the image correctly on the first try.
About Hospital for Special SurgeryFounded in 1863, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is a world leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and rehabilitation. HSS is nationally ranked No. 2 in orthopedics, No. 3 in rheumatology and No. 24 in neurology by U.S. News & World Report (2009), and has received Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and has one of the lowest infection rates in the country. From 2007 to 2010, HSS has been a recipient of the HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award. A member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS provides orthopedic and rheumatologic patient care at New York-Presbyterian Hospital at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center. All Hospital for Special Surgery medical staff are on the faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College. The hospital's research division is internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. Hospital for Special Surgery is located in New York City and online at www.hss.edu.
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