Faulty radiographs

FAULTY RADIOGRAPHS

Melbia Shiny Sobhanam

Good quality radiographs should have:

Image with optimum density & contrast.

Image with minimum distortion. Image with sharp borders &

maximum details.

Various reasons for faulty radiographs

1)Errors in operating the machine.2)Errors in techniques.3)Errors in processing & mounting.

Kvp – speed, penetration power, energy of Xray photons .

mA – amount , intensity of current .

S - time of current flow.

Errors in operating the machine

Lighter radiographs (underexposed/ underdeveloped radiographs).

Exposure time less < KVp underdeveloped

Darker films (overexposed /overdeveloped /high density)

Exposure time >. Higher Kilovoltage peak. (burn out

effect) Over developed.

Errors in technique

Improper manipulation /bending of film .

Phalangioma.

Cone cut/partial image.

Apical ends cut off.

Crown cut off

Region of interest not shown

Tipping/tilting of occlusal plane

Dot artifact

Blurring

Image shape distortion.

Tyre track/herring bone pattern

Double image

Size distortion/less vertical angulation/ elongation

More vertical angulation shortening

Improper horizontal angulation.

Cervical burn out/adumbration:

Ornamental artifact

Foreign body/restorative material

Errors in processing

Exposure of film in day light.

Contaminated film with developer before processing/developer spots.

Contaminated film with fixer before processing/fixer spots.

Film dropped into developer

Film dropped into fixer

Standard dark room principle Developer solution - left Water - middle Fixer solution - right

Film incompletely immersed in developer solution /developer cut off

Dust in developer solution

Film incompletely immersed in fixer solution/fixer cut off

Dust in fixer

Use of expired film

Improper washing of films

Warping of film

Improper position of hanger

Scratches on film

Writing on film

Film fog light fog radiation fog chemical fog deterioration of film

Finger nail artifact - dark cresent shaped

Improper drying

Black streaks

Smuge/finger prints touched by fingers

contaminated by developer/fluoride.

Over lapped films

Air bells

Reticulation/orange peel appearance

Static electricity/grass root/tree like/lightening marks

Frilling hot processing solution

Dark flow marks vigorous agitation.

Crimping artifact remove from film holder.

Errors in OPG1)Ghost image is a radiopaque artifact

produced when radiodense object is penetrated twice.

2)Lead apron artifact cone shaped artifact

Thyroid collar

3)Lips not closed dark radiolucent shadow

that obscuresanterior teeth.

4)Tongue not in contact with palate/palatoglossal air space

5)Frankfort plane upward

R L

6)Frankfort plane downwards

7)Teeth position anterior to focal trough

8)Teeth position posterior to focal trough

9)Midsagittal plane not centered

R L

10)Position of spine/spine shadow ghost

11)Blurring – due to patient movement

R

Bibliography

1)Diagnostic imaging of jaws Langland & Langlais.

2)Oral radiology White & Pharoah .3) Essentials of dental radiology Eric Whaites.4)Manuel of dental & oral radiology john wright. 5)Fundamental of dental radiology Manson &

Hing.6)Radiology for dental professionals Stabulus

Savage.7)Radiogra phic imaging for dental auxillaries

Miles ,Dis & Jensen.