The amount of x-ray exposure the patient receives from the x-ray evaluation is the most common concern parents mention.  While these concerns are well intentioned, they are also misguided.  X-ray physics is a complicated subject with many variables that must be considered when determining how safely it can be used.  Patients receive a far greater dosage of exposure from continual use of a cell phone or from the “routine” x-rays taken at the dentist office.  In fact, all of the 8 view sectional x-ray views utilized in the scoliosis intervention program (which evaluates the spine in sections, instead of the whole spine in one x-ray for more accurate positioning and curvature measurement) combine only equal the amount of exposure a patient receives from 1 full spine standing film.

 

The internet can be an excellent source of information, but much of the research involving x-ray safety concerns was conducted in the 1940’s and 1950’s and are considered obsolete in a world of new x-ray  technology.  One of the larger and newer studies published in the 2000 edition of the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedic was conducted over the course of 13 years and measured the total amount of x-ray exposure in surgically treated scoliosis patients (considered the most total x-ray exposed group).  The study found the “group’s risks for developing leukemia, breast cancer, or a heritable defect, respectively were 0.8%, 2.1%, and 3.0% higher than the base line risks.  The other treatment groups had increased cancer risks of <1%”.  The final conclusion of the study was the increase risk of carcinogenesis or hereditary defects in these patients is minimal.

 

**“The risk of carcinogenesis from radiographs to pediatric orthopedic patients.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics.  2000; 20(2): 251-4