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Movement artifact (standing erect x-ray)

Case contributed by Bálint Botz
Diagnosis not applicable

Presentation

Evaluation of scoliosis

Patient Data

Age: 15 years
Gender: Male

Standing erect EOS low dose XR

At first glance it appears that the patient has an odd-shaped scoliosis, however a closer inspection (see magnified image) reveals that in fact the vertebrae in the region of the suspected scoliosis are in fact all distorted in an unnatural way - thus it is an effect of patient movement during acquisition.

Case Discussion

The EOS x-ray system is a valuable tool in the assessment of spine deformities, however radiographers and radiologists must be aware that due to the slow, 'sweeping' image acquisition technique, this modality is far more likely to be affected by movement artifacts than conventional x-ray acquisition is. Furthermore, unlike with other radiographs the movement does not necessarily affect the entire image, with the rest appearing normal, making it more difficult to detect.

Disclosure: I, Dr. Balint Botz, have no actual or potential ethical or financial conflict of interest in relation to this device. This case is not intended to be a personal endorsement or recommendation of this product.

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