Imaging in pediatric traumatology and orthopedics

Conventional or digital radiography is still the basis of imaging diagnostics of the skeletal system in pediatric patients. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, treatment selection, and follow-up. In addition, procedures such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and also nuclear medicine techniques can and should be used. It is advantageous to use trained radiology technicians who are familiar with the handling of children in X-ray diagnostics. If there is no dedicated pediatric radiology department, it is recommended to follow the guidelines from radiology societies (as low as reasonably achievable [ALARA]) and radiation protection commissions. The present article describes how state-of-the-art tools such as dose monitoring systems and software-controlled image processing and also postprocessing can be used. The article provides information on how the various modalities can be optimally used in order to achieve the best result, i.e., diagnosis, with the least possible effort and burden for the child.