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More careful 'aiming' of CT cuts down on radiation without compromising image quality

A recent study found that extending localizer radiographs and extra axial images beyond defined levels increases radiation exposure. Limiting these areas can significantly reduce radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality. The researchers discovered that a total of 562 extra images were acquired in the studied examinations.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 1, 2006

Benefits of continuous NSAID use in ankylosing spondylitis

The study found that patients with ankylosing spondylitis who took NSAIDs continuously experienced less spinal joint damage than those who only used them for pain management. This suggests that inflammation and progression of joint damage may be separate processes in AS, and NSAIDs may have unexplored disease-controlling properties.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJun 2, 2005

A shallow hip socket predicts osteoarthritis of the hip

A long-term study of 835 participants found moderate acetabular dysplasia to be a strong independent risk factor for hip OA. Women with acetabular dysplasia had a higher incidence and severity of hip OA, especially those with high-stress workloads and low BMI.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMar 3, 2005

A new marker for osteoarthritis

Researchers found a strong correlation between a peptide fragment of type II collagen (CTX-II) and the prevalence and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), particularly at the knee and hip. CTX-II levels were associated with increased risk and severity of OA, including rapid joint destruction.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateAug 5, 2004

Decision rules and physician judgment

The study found that physician judgment had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 26% for the Ottawa rules, and 80% and 59% for the Leiden rule. With structured data collection, physicians' judgment was similar to existing ankle rules in terms of sensitivity and ability to safely reduce radiographic examinations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 18, 2002

Fusion spin-off makes high-res images of tiny objects

Researchers at Cornell University's Laboratory of Plasma Studies have developed a new X-pinch imaging technique that produces extremely high-resolution images of minute objects. The technique, which uses powerful electrical currents to create plasma, has been used to image objects as small as house fly hairs and even living ants.