INTRODUCTION TO TRAUMA/EMERGENCY RADIOGRAPHY.pptx

This a a presentation on Trauma Radiography. It is a lecture material based on class presentation and contains information on the common considerations to Radiographers/Imaging technologists carrying out emergency radiographic procedures.

1. A SEMINAR PRESENTATION BY RAD. OGBUKA MODESTUS CHINEDU DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY OBAFEMI-AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL COMPLEX JUNE 2023 TRAUMA RADIOGRAPHY

2. OUTLINE INTRODUCTION BEST PRACTICES IN TRAUMA RADIOGRAPHY ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENTS’ CONDITION PLANNING THE EXAMINATION PATIENT CARE EQUIPMENT POSITIONING COMMON PROJECTIONS RADIATION PROTECTION CONCLUSION

3. INTRODUCTION Trauma is defined as a severe injury or damage to the body caused by an accident or violence. Victims of trauma require immediate and specialized care. Radiographers are essential for the diagnosis of the injuries sustained during traumatic events. Trauma Radiography can be an exciting and challenging environment to Radiographers. It’s important that the Radiographer is acquainted with the most common traumatic injuries and the imaging procedures frequently performed at the trauma unit as well as the equipments. This is important for the speed and efficiency needed for attending to trauma patients

4. BEST PRACTICES IN TRAUMA RADIOGRAPHY Speed Accuracy Quality Practice standard precaution Attention to details professionalism Attention to departmental protocol and scope of practice

5. ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENT’S CONDITION The radiographer should scrutinize the request form and assess the patients condition very well. The Radiographer should listen to the patients rate and manner of speech, this may provide insight into the patient’s mental and emotional stability. Its crucial that the Radiographer frequently assess the patients condition during the procedure, recognize any sign of decline or distress and report any change in the status to the attending physician. Some examination may require delay depending on the patients condition. Eg ; intoxicated patient in the absence of major trauma.

6. PLANNING THE EXAMINATION Proper planning is essential especially for patients with multiple injuries. Determine where to start first and how it will be done before commencing the examination. Consider the stretcher and the x-ray machine positions.

7. PATIENTS CARE If conscious, the R adiographer should explain the procedure in details and in terms the patient will understand. Listen and reassure the patient Constant assessment of the condition The Radiographer should be versed in taking vital signs, knowing normal ranges and competent in CPR Do not make the procedure to be a strenuous one to the patient Change clothes and remove radiopaque materials where necessary. Its important to always remember that the patient is in serious pain.

8. EQUIPMENT Standard Trauma Radiography unit has a dedicated equipment which includes; A mobile or ceiling mounted x-ray machine . A specialized stretcher or bed that has a movable tray to hold the imaging receptor (IR)/cassette. A good IR. Positioning aids viz.; sand bags, sponges, pillow, tapes etc. Grids and portable IR holders Some departments have Ct scan esp. for skull. Statscan , an advanced X-ray imaging system scan the whole body at a go.

9. Statscan

10. POSITIONING T he primary challenge of a Trauma Radiographer is to obtain a high-quality diagnostic image without repeat. Care must be taken to ensure good positioning without worsening the patients condition/injuries. As often as possible, move the tube and the IR instead of the patient to obtain the desired projection Horizontal beam is often used for lateral views Always consider the standard positioning first. Consider the pathology Be flexible with positioning and use of equipment. Eg ; bigger cassettes may be required in some cases to accommodate for lesser adjustment of the patient.

11. COMMON PROJECTIONS

12. PROJECTIONS CONTI….

13. RADIATION PROTECTION ALARA principle Shielding of radiosensitive organs viz.; gonads and thyroid Proper collimation Consider patients relative and other health professionals.

14. CONCLUSION It is important that Radiographer obtain a good professional training before going into Trauma Radiography. The Radiographer should conform to the best practices in T rauma Radiography. Frequent monitoring of the patients’ condition is very essential. Patient’s condition should not be used as an excuse for producing poor images.

15. REFERECES Jeannean HR. Trauma Radiography. Radiologu Key. Available at: http://radiologykey.com/traumaradiogaphy/ Whitley AS, Sloane S, Hoadley G, Moore AD, Asolp CW. Clark’s Positioning in Radiography 12 th Edition. Arnold Publishers, 2005. pg 466-471. ISBN: 0340763906 Craig CB, William NZ, Noah DG. Resource Cost Analysis Of Cervical Spine Trauma Radiography. Radiology 2001; 220 (3), 581-587 Hackney DB. Skull radiography in the evaluation of acute head trauma: A survey of current practice. Radiology 1991; 181 (3), 711-714