Improved fracture detection using the mammographic film-screen combination

AIM The single emulsion or single screen system is usually reserved for mammography since its use in general radiography is limited. The purpose of this study is to compare the mammographic film-screen combination (MFC) and the standard film-screen combination (SFC) in terms of fracture and soft tissue injuries detection. PATIENTS, METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this prospective study, 41 patients from Accident and Emergency suspected of having injury in the hands, wrists, ankles and feet regions were radiographed using both MFC and SFC. These were compared in terms of image quality, presence of fractures and soft tissue injuries. The two different film-screen combinations were also compared in terms of detection of bony fragments, film characteristics such as film speed, contrast and spatial resolution, dose and cost. RESULTS The MFC gives statistically better image quality compared to SFC. In 10% of patients, fractures were detected only in the MFC, which also detects tiny bone fragments that may not be resolved by the SFC. The spatial resolution of the MFC is greater than the SFC. The film speed and contrast of the MFC are lower than that of the SFC. The doses of MFC were higher compared to SFC. CONCLUSIONS The MFC detects fractures better compared with SFC. However, the entrance skin dose for the mammographic film-screen combination was about 35% to 55% higher than the standard film-screen combination.