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. 2025 Jun;18(2):399-406.
doi: 10.1007/s12194-025-00890-6. Epub 2025 Apr 11.

Optimization of imaging conditions for infant hip imaging using flat panel detectors

Akira Suzuki  1 , Yoshiaki Hirofuji  2 , Noriaki Miyaji  2 , Kentarou Funashima  3 , Isami Takahashi  3
Affiliations

Optimization of imaging conditions for infant hip imaging using flat panel detectors

Akira Suzuki et al. Radiol Phys Technol. 2025 Jun.

Abstract

To investigate the optimal low-dose imaging conditions for infant hip radiography, using a commercially available infant phantom, and to identify conditions that are satisfactory to orthopedic surgeons, using a combination of low tube voltage, mAs, and Cu filters. Hip joint radiographs were taken with Cu filters (0, 0.1, 0.2 mm) at tube voltages from 40 to 70 kV in 5 kV increments. Seven radiographers graded the images, and the five images with the lowest dose and an average score of 3.5 or higher were selected. These images were then subjected to paired comparisons by six orthopedic surgeons. The selected acquisition settings all used low tube voltages (40-55 kV), and none used a 0.2-mm Cu filter. The optimal imaging condition was identified as 40 kV, 5 mAs, and a 0.1-mm Cu filter, giving the patient entrance surface dose of 11 μGy, which was the lowest dose investigated and was highly preferred by the orthopedic surgeons. Low-dose imaging using a Cu filter at low tube voltage can produce images that are satisfactory for orthopedic surgeons, with lower radiation doses than previously possible.

Keywords: Cu filter; Flat panel detector; Infant hip imaging; Low tube voltage.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: We declare that there are no conflicts of interest/competing interests associated with this manuscript. Ethical approval: Our institutional research ethics board approved this study. Employment: There is no recent (while engaged in the research project), present, or planned employment by any organization that may benefit or lose financially from the publication of this paper. Informed consent: This study did not use any patient data, using only data acquired from phantoms.

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