Effectt of Compensating Filter on Image Quality in Lateral projection of Thoracolumbar Radiography

Abstract

Imaging of the thoracolumbar area is difficult because of different composition and density in that region. The difference may cause non uniformity of optical density on radiograph. The aim of this research was to study the effect of compensating filter on image quality in lateral projection of thoracolumbar radiography. The study was performed by an X-ray unit exposed to the body phantom where different thicknesses of aluminum were used as compensating filter. The radiographs were processed by DICOM reader and being imported to KPACS software to analyze the pixel depth value, contrast and noise. it was found that the compensation filter increased radiographic image quality for thoracic lumber region by compensate the radiation energy that reach the thoracic region and appears dark without the filter and the lumber region which are low dense and shows good quality image and acceptable in image diagnosis without the filter. It was also found that the appropriate filter thickness was 8 mm in the thoracic region and 2mm in the lumber region and Thickness of Aluminum compensating filter required to compensate the thorax and lumbar region was 5 mm. Finally, the addition of aluminum compensating filter is advantageous in terms of efficiency which saving radiograph film, workload of the radiologic technologist and radiation dose to patient.