Novel use of Lodox Statscan in a level one trauma center

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2009 Nov;15(6):521-8.

Abstract

Trauma continues to be a large source of poor outcomes for patients in the United States. While clinical guise is very important in the acute setting, objective physical data is becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of many injuries sustained during trauma. Radiography has always been the primary diagnostic modality applied in trauma situations but it continues to be a time-consuming and unwieldy part of the acute resuscitation of the patient. The novel use of the Lodox Statscan (Lodox Systems (Pty), Ltd., Benmore, South Africa), a type of digital radiography, as a means to help combat these problems was evaluated at Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. This new machine uses a linear beam technology to scan the entire body in 13 seconds. Here, we describe this digital radiography system, its introductory use in the trauma bay, and discuss cases where it has proven valuable. Based upon our preliminary experience, the use of the device in large centers shows promise for improving morbidity and mortality outcomes in trauma patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / instrumentation
  • Resuscitation / methods
  • Trauma Centers
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology*