PURPOSE: Spine boards are frequently used in preclinical emergency care. Different models were examined with regard to their feasibility for plain film radiography and computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Five current spine board models were measured for their dimensions and weight. Transmission of radiation [microGyls] and dose area product [cGy x cm(2)] were determined with a patient equivalent aluminium phantom. Image artifacts, image quality and resolution of anatomic details were evaluated with an anthropomorphic Alderson phantom. RESULTS: With only 6.3 kg new models show a 28 % reduction in weight, three spine boards generate lateral artifacts due to a narrow width of 41 - 42 cm. Radiation transmission of all boards was similar, however dose area products differed by up to 59 %. Image quality was impaired in 4 out of 5 boards because of image artifacts, CT scanning was not impaired with all boards. CONCLUSION: Only one board (Ferno Millenia(R)) showed sufficient properties for plain film radiography and CT. There is no suitable spine board for preclinical and clinical applications as well as for trauma radiology, further improvements of current designs are essential.
PURPOSE: Spine boards are frequently used in preclinical emergency care. Different models were examined with regard to their feasibility for plain film radiography and computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Five current spine board models were measured for their dimensions and weight. Transmission of radiation [microGyls] and dose area product [cGy x cm(2)] were determined with a patient equivalent aluminium phantom. Image artifacts, image quality and resolution of anatomic details were evaluated with an anthropomorphic Alderson phantom. RESULTS: With only 6.3 kg new models show a 28 % reduction in weight, three spine boards generate lateral artifacts due to a narrow width of 41 - 42 cm. Radiation transmission of all boards was similar, however dose area products differed by up to 59 %. Image quality was impaired in 4 out of 5 boards because of image artifacts, CT scanning was not impaired with all boards. CONCLUSION: Only one board (Ferno Millenia(R)) showed sufficient properties for plain film radiography and CT. There is no suitable spine board for preclinical and clinical applications as well as for trauma radiology, further improvements of current designs are essential.