Practical strategies to lower radiation exposure in pediatrics distal radius fractures: An orthopedic view

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are the most common pediatric injuries. Conventional bi-planar X-ray imaging is generally considered as the clinical gold standard for the diagnosis of pediatric distal radius fractures because it is cheap, quickly obtained, saved and ready for additional reviewing. However, the radiation risk of X-ray imaging is its major drawback when obtaining exposures in children in their growing age. Here, we review strategies to lower radiation exposure in this population in three stages of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up as an orthopedic surgeon who is usually consulted for these cases from minimum deformity to those who need surgical intervention.