by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

I still remember when a sweet, smiling little girl came into my office a few years back.She had injured her wrist.I did my usual exam which includes palpating areas of tenderness.Well I hit a sore spot; she let out a yelp and sobbed “why did you hurt me?”I felt so bad, but was tempted to tell her that’s what doctors do (not really).Instead I explained I needed to know what specific area was injured so I would know where to look on an x-ray.I don’t think she bought it.

At any rate, I thought of this when I read an Academy of Emergency Medicine study concluded the Ottawa Ankle Rules could be applied to as young as 6 years old and up.What are these rules? (more…)

Dr. Hubbard recently wrote about X-ray radiation—how it can add up. Today, we’re featuring a guest post from board-certified radiologist Helene Pavlov, M.D., F.A.C.R., on how to keep it from adding up more than necessary in your kids. Dr. Pavlov is radiologist-in-chief at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

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Imaging Studies, Radiation and Children
Things to Think About When Your Child is Having an Imaging Study Done

by Helene Pavlov, M.D., F.A.C.R.

Outdoor sports sometimes lead to injuries and fractures, which can land children in hospital emergency rooms and doctors’ offices. Many of these injuries will require imaging examinations to help identify the problem and determine treatment.

Recent media coverage regarding high levels of ionizing radiation associated with frequent use of CT (computed tomography) scans has heightened fear and concern regarding imaging examinations.

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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Have you ever had an X-ray?  Probably so.  What would modern medicine be without them?  I can’t count the times I’ve seen a kid with a hurt wrist thinking it was a sprain but I ordered an X-ray just in case and surprise, surprise.  There’s a little fracture.

But sometimes we might depend on them a little too much.  (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

The FDA has joined with other organizations to remind us about the increased risks of medical radiation on children. The Image Gently campaign cautions the public and health-care professionals to be careful when giving kids CT (CAT) scans.

CT scans can be lifesaving diagnostic tools and experts don’t think the radiation dosage significantly increases cancer risk. However, it can accumulate in the body over time. They believe children are more sensitive to this because they usually have a longer lifetime ahead of them for accumulation. Also , their cells divide more rapidly so DNA has more of a change for damage.

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