[Modern digital plain-radiography of the whole spine in scoliosis patients--dose reduction and quality criteria].

Purpose: To reduce the radiation exposure of plain radiographs of the entire spine depending on specific indications, since these are frequently performed examinations of children and young adults with scoliosis and to determine objective quality control criteria to ensure accurate assessment.

Materials And Methods: In this prospective randomized study 323 patients underwent plain-radiography of the entire spine with standard and 50 % reduced dose. In an experimental pilot-study this target-dose was determined using an Alderson-Phantom.

[Minimal-Invasive CT-guided spinal interventions--from pain therapy over biopsies to tumor therapy].

CT-guided spinal interventions have undergone a remarkable evolution during the last view years, leading to a wider range of indications, as well as to the development of highly specialized new procedures. This review article deals with different aspects of spinal CT-guided pain management, biopsy and tumor therapies and emphasizes a selection of practical considerations of important interventions.