Trends in Radiation at a Level I Trauma Center.

Introduction Following traumatic injury, patients often require imaging modalities that subject them to large amounts of radiation. The current protocol for imaging workup in trauma patients includes plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT). Although these imaging modalities have improved quality and efficiency in trauma interventions, it is essential to understand their potential limitations and adverse effects. The large amounts of radiation from these imaging tests have raised concern for particularly vulnerable populations, including children and adolescents. Objective To evaluate the trends in radiation exposure in trauma assessment and imaging seen at a Level I trauma center. Methods This retrospective analysis used a de-identified dataset from the trauma registry at Desert Regional Medical Center Level I Trauma Center in Palm Springs, CA. Total radiation amounts were calculated based on the type of diagnostic modality. An effective radiation dose was assigned to each examination (radiograph and CT scan) based on the values provided by the American College of Radiology. Results There was a statistically significant positive correlation between injury severity score and effective radiation dose from imaging workup. From 2016 to 2021, radiation amount and year were found to be negatively correlated. There was a larger, statistically significant amount of radiation dosage among adult trauma patients (16.32 mSv) when compared to pediatric (6.32 mSv) and geriatric (12.67 mSv) groups. Conclusion Our Level I trauma center has observed a decline in radiation exposure with our current trauma protocols in place. On average, adult patients received the highest effective radiation dose to pediatric and geriatric patients. CT scans and radiography are essential tools in initial trauma workup and should be used only in appropriate patients.