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How much X-ray is too much?

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  • How much X-ray is too much?

    We are in the waiting and watching stage for my daugher. The orthopedic surgeon said wait 6 months before another x-ray. I understand the concern over too much radiation. However, 6 months seems like a long time considering her age and stage of maturity. My DD is 12.5 years old. She has not started menstruation and family history indicates it could still be a few years off. Her Risser Sign appears to be 0, Tanner Stage 2. Should I be asking for an x-ray at 4 months? Earlier? How often do people normally
    get x-rays at this stage?
    Daughter 17.5 (diagnosed @ 12 yrs) in Sept 2007 AIS
    Oct 2007: T-20, L-20 [160 cm]
    Mar 2008: T-24, L-24 [163 cm], started Cheneau brace
    May 2008: T-16, L-7 (in-brace) [164.2 cm]
    Oct 2008: T-23, L-15 (out-of-brace) [167 cm]
    Feb 2009: T-20, L-18 (in-brace) 2nd brace
    Jun 2009: T-20, L-16 (in-brace) [172.2 cm]
    Dec 2009: T-33, L-16 (out-of-brace) [173.8 cm]
    Apr 2010: T-25, L-12 (in-brace) [175.3 cm] 3rd brace
    Mar 2011: T31, L20 (out) [176.2]
    Jul 2012: T31, L20 (out) [177.2]

  • #2
    Hi,

    The answer to that question might depend somewhat on her degree of curvature. A lot of times, it's 4 months between x-rays but there are so many factors to consider.
    mariaf305@yahoo.com
    Mom to David, age 17, braced June 2000 to March 2004
    Vertebral Body Stapling 3/10/04 for 40 degree curve (currently mid 20's)

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScoliosisTethering/

    http://pediatricspinefoundation.org/

    Comment


    • #3
      How much X-ray is too much?

      Good point! She measures from T6-T9, apex right, 19 degrees and T10-L3, apex left, 17 degrees according to an orthopedist. The radiology report shows T5-T9, 24 degrees, and T11-L3, 22 degrees.

      BTW, should I be concerned about this difference? They are measuring from different vertebrae, right?
      Daughter 17.5 (diagnosed @ 12 yrs) in Sept 2007 AIS
      Oct 2007: T-20, L-20 [160 cm]
      Mar 2008: T-24, L-24 [163 cm], started Cheneau brace
      May 2008: T-16, L-7 (in-brace) [164.2 cm]
      Oct 2008: T-23, L-15 (out-of-brace) [167 cm]
      Feb 2009: T-20, L-18 (in-brace) 2nd brace
      Jun 2009: T-20, L-16 (in-brace) [172.2 cm]
      Dec 2009: T-33, L-16 (out-of-brace) [173.8 cm]
      Apr 2010: T-25, L-12 (in-brace) [175.3 cm] 3rd brace
      Mar 2011: T31, L20 (out) [176.2]
      Jul 2012: T31, L20 (out) [177.2]

      Comment


      • #4
        It looks like your daughter's measurements are within the +/-5 degrees margin of error, even if the same physician/person reads the xray. Using a COBB angle measurement, or any other xray measurement is not exact science. If she's been followed for 4 months previously, and hasn't had much change in her curves, then 6 months seems very reasonable and appropriate. Unless there is an obvious change - like she starts menses, she suddenly has a growth spurt, you notice a visible change in her body, etc.

        As far as too much xray, I can't speak about that. My son has been xrayed from day 1, literally. A lot of xray, but necessary for his congenital scoliosis and other orthopedic issues. I think you are safe.
        Carmell
        mom to Kara, idiopathic scoliosis, Blake 19, GERD and Braydon 14, VACTERL, GERD, DGE, VEPTR #137, thoracic insufficiency, rib anomalies, congenital scoliosis, missing coccyx, fatty filum/TC, anal stenosis, horseshoe kidney, dbl ureter in left kidney, ureterocele, kidney reflux, neurogenic bladder, bilateral hip dysplasia, right leg/foot dyplasia, tibial torsion, clubfoot with 8 toes, pes cavus, single umblilical artery, etc. http://carmellb-ivil.tripod.com/myfamily/

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        • #5
          Hi,

          I would get a second opinion ASAP because if you wait 6 months you'll probably be looking at spinal surgery in the not to distant future. The number of x-rays you'll be dealing with in preparation/during AND after surgery will make your head spin.

          Canadian eh
          Daughter, Deirdre born Oct 2000. Diagnosed with 60 degree curve at the age of 19 months. Serial casting by Dr. Hedden at Sick Kid's Hospital. Currently being treated by Dr. Rivard and Dr. Coillard in Montreal with the Spinecor brace and curve is holding at "2" degrees. Next appointment 2008

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