English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Objective: Traditional lead gonadal shields may not be effective to reduce radiation exposure, owing to poor compliance from radiographers and frequent repeated examinations due to obscured diagnostic areas. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bismuth shields on image quality during paediatric pelvic radiography. Methods: We previously developed bismuth radioprotective gonadal shields for use in paediatric pelvic radiography at our institution. We retrospectively retrieved and reviewed radiographic images from an existing digital image library. All images were examined for the presence and accurate positioning of gonadal shields. The diagnostic image quality was assessed by an experienced evaluation panel with selected imaging criteria adapted from the European guidelines. Results: A bismuth shield was present in 154 of 198 radiographs of boys and in 170 of 182 radiographs of girls. In boys, the shield protected the testes area adequately in 92 images and partially in 51 images. The shield obscured the remaining 11 images, rendering image quality suboptimal according to the European guidelines. In girls, the shield protected the ovaries adequately in 169 images and partially in one image. No significant differences were seen between the quality of shielded and non-shielded images. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that these shields do not have a detrimental effect on image quality and can be recommended for routine use.

Bismuth Radioprotective Gonadal Shields: Prevalence of Use and Effect on Image Quality during Paediatric Pelvic Radiography