Scoliosis and spine imaging.

Lois Lehman, R.T.(R)(CT), is assistant director of radiology at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. Radiographers understand the importance of getting the most diagnostic information from as few radiographs as possible. And in the world of pediatric scoliosis imaging, pediatric orthopedic surgeons, radiologists and orthotists must obtain more than just spine data from each and every radiograph. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) is a pediatric orthopedic hospital in Dallas, Texas. Upon diagnosis of scoliosis in a child, the hospital staff assures the patient and parents that, although scoliosis can be inherited, it is not uncommon, not contagious and usually not painful. TSRHC staff also help patients and parents understand that they did not cause the scoliosis and they could not have prevented its occurrence. With 7 pediatric orthopedic surgeons at TSRHC requesting more than 12 000 scoliosis films a year, our pediatric radiographers take the time needed to produce excellent radiographs, maximize radiation protection and support patients and parents. This article is a follow-up to the Directed Reading titled “Spinal Curves and Scoliosis,” by Susan M Anderson, MAEd, R.T.(R), in the September/ October issue of Radiologic Technology. I will expand on Anderson’s article by discussing the different protocols for imaging babies, children, preteens and teens.