The PA projection of the clavicle: a dose-reducing technique.

This study compares dose and image quality during PA and AP radiography of the clavicle. The methodology involved a cadaver-based dose and image quality study. Results demonstrate a statistically significant 56.1 % (p <or= 0.001) and 56.5 % (p <or= 0.001) reductions to breast tissue and 62.3 % (p <or= 0.001) and 78 % (p <or= 0.001) reductions in the thyroid dose with employment of PA and PA15 caudal projections. Reductions of 28.5 % (p <or= 0.08) and 11.8 % (p <or= 0.12) in the doses to the eye were demonstrated for the PA. Differences in entrance-surface and exit doses were deemed non-significant. A 5.9 % (p <or= 0.39) reduction in overall image quality was seen with PA positioning. Reductions in image quality were evaluated to be non-significant at 95 % (AP vs PA (p <or= 0.06), AP15 degrees Vs PA15 degrees (p <or= 0.28). The current study demonstrated consistent significant dose reductions to the thyroid and breast when PA projection is chosen over the AP projection. The authors recommend the implementation of PA positioning for clavicle radiography.