JP2005278812A - Radiography support - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a change of a posture of a subject in a case of imaging the whole spine by dividing it into an upper spine and a lower spine. <P>SOLUTION: This radiography support used by being disposed between a radiation generating source and radiographic imaging equipment is formed of a radiation transmitting material and is provided with a backrest part supporting the body of the subject and a positioning part formed adjacent to the end part of the backrest part and determining the position to the radiographic imaging equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation imaging support table used at the time of standing radiography, and more particularly to a radiation imaging support table used when imaging is performed a plurality of times by moving an imaging apparatus.

In recent years, an apparatus capable of directly capturing a radiographic image as a digital image has been developed. For example, a semiconductor detection element is provided for each pixel arranged in a matrix, and the X-rays detected by each semiconductor detection element directly or indirectly by converting to light via a phosphor are applied to a thin film transistor (TFT) or the like. There is an imaging apparatus that uses an X-ray flat panel detector (hereinafter referred to as FPD) that reads out as an image signal using a switching gate. (See Patent Document 1)
Patent Document 1 discloses an X-ray imaging apparatus in which a subject can perform chest imaging in a natural posture when an overtable tube type X-ray imaging apparatus captures chest in an upright position.

  By the way, in medical radiographic images, so-called “long-length imaging” is performed for the purpose of grasping the entire subject in the whole leg imaging and whole spine imaging mainly for the purpose of measuring bones.

  In this long photographing, conventionally, a long film is housed in a long cassette together with an intensifying screen (screen) for photographing. At this time, a long cassette of a size capable of photographing the entire lower limbs and the entire spine was prepared, and the entire photographing range was photographed by one exposure.

In addition, a digital radiation image input method (digital long photographing) using a stimulable phosphor detector or the like without using a long film has been proposed. (See Patent Document 2)
In what is proposed in Patent Document 2, a plurality of cassettes storing stimulable phosphor detectors are arranged so as to partially overlap each other and stored in a dedicated cassette holder.

On the other hand, there has also been proposed a plurality of photostimulable phosphor detectors arranged and locked so as to partially overlap each other. (See Patent Document 3)
Imaging using stimulable phosphors is performed by combining a plurality of stimulable phosphors as described above and performing exposure once in the range including the entire lower limbs and the entire spinal column. It was.

It has also been proposed to perform whole spine imaging using an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that combines an X-ray image intensifier (hereinafter referred to as X-ray II) and an X-ray bed. (See Patent Document 4)
At this time, an X-ray bed is set up so that the subject stands in front of the X-ray bed. I. The X-ray tube is moved synchronously to perform imaging.
JP-A-11-137544 JP 11-244269 A JP-A-3-287249 JP 2003-290217 A

  Conventionally, all spine photography has been performed using a long film. However, there is a problem that a special long cassette is necessary, and handling and storage of the long film is difficult.

  Further, when photographing with a combination of photostimulable phosphors, there is a problem that handling at the time of photographing and reading of a radiation image is complicated because a plurality of photostimulable phosphors are combined.

  In recent years, radiation diagnostic apparatuses equipped with FPDs have rapidly spread, and in particular, standing position imaging apparatuses equipped with FPDs are remarkable. However, the maximum size of FPD currently in practical use is 43cm x 43cm, and it is difficult to image the entire spine at a time. Therefore, all spine imaging using an FPD-equipped standing imaging device has been performed too much. There is no current situation.

  If a large-area FPD that covers the entire spine is used, the entire spine can be photographed at one time. However, there is a problem that the cost of the FPD becomes very high due to the structure of the FPD.

  Therefore, in order to photograph the entire spine with the most popular standing imaging apparatus equipped with FPD, the standing imaging apparatus must be moved in the vertical direction and photographed a plurality of times. Usually, if it is a standing imaging | photography apparatus using 43cmx43cm FPD, imaging | photography of the whole spine will be attained by dividing | segmenting into 2 times.

  However, in this imaging method, for example, after imaging the upper spine, the imaging apparatus including the FPD is moved to image the lower spine. Therefore, the subject must be in a fixed posture for a longer time than normal imaging. Don't be. If the subject moves during photographing and the posture of photographing the upper spine and the posture of photographing the lower spine do not match, there is a problem that the two images taken separately cannot be joined.

  An object of the present invention is to provide radiography capable of minimizing the movement of a subject and minimizing an increase in exposure dose when performing whole spine imaging using the most popular FPD-equipped standing imaging apparatus. It is to provide a support base.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a radiographic support that is used by being disposed between a radiation source and a radiographic imaging device, and is formed of a radiation transmissive material. And a backrest portion that supports the body of the subject and a positioning portion that determines the position of the radiographic imaging device formed in the vicinity of the end portion of the backrest portion.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiographic support stand that is disposed between a radiation source and a radiographic image capturing device, and is formed of a radiolucent material to support a subject's body. A positioning portion for determining a position of the radiographic imaging apparatus on the frame portion and the substrate portion; and a frame portion on which the backrest portion is fixed, and a substrate portion that supports the frame in a self-supporting manner. Forming.

  According to the present invention, even when the whole spine is photographed in two parts, the upper spine and the lower spine, the subject only needs to lean on the backrest of the photographing stand. The subject's posture change can be reduced by photographing the spine. In addition, since the imaging stand is provided with a positioning portion that determines the position with the radiographic imaging apparatus, the imaging stand is positioned at an appropriate position with respect to the radiographic imaging apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a radiation imaging support stand according to the present invention, wherein 1 is a substrate, 2 is a left frame attached to the substrate 1, 3 is a right frame attached to the substrate 1, 4 is a lower frame, and 5 is an upper frame. Reference numeral 6 denotes a backrest portion on which the subject leans against the back, and is fixed to each of the above-described frames. Reference numeral 7 denotes a marker. In this embodiment, a metal sphere having a diameter of about several millimeters is used. Reference numeral 8 denotes a marker holding member for holding the marker 7, and 9 denotes a holding tape for detachably holding the marker holding member 8 with respect to the backrest portion 6. The marker 7 is attached to the backrest portion 6 according to the height of the subject. The position can be changed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic support base of the present invention has a substrate 1, and the center of gravity of the entire radiographic support base is configured to be within the outer shape of the substrate 1. The support stand can stand alone.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a standing radiographic apparatus, and the radiographic support of FIG. 1 is used in combination with such a standing X-ray apparatus. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a base of a standing stand, and the shape of the stand is notched as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 102 denotes a support, and 103 denotes a radiographic image capturing apparatus. The radiographic image capturing apparatus 103 includes an FPD sensor (not shown) therein. The radiographic image capturing apparatus 103 is movable in the YY direction in the drawing according to the height of the subject. 201 is a radiation source.

  When performing radiographic imaging of the chest front image using the standing radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the subject stands between the radiographic imaging apparatus 103 and the radiation generation source 201, and the radiographic image is captured. The position of the imaging device 103 is adjusted to the height of the subject's chest, and the chest is placed on the front surface of the radiographic imaging device 103.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the radiographic support of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is combined with the standing radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. At this time, the width w1 of the substrate 1 of the radiation imaging support base is slightly narrower than the width w3 of the notch portion a of the base 101 in FIG. 2, and by inserting the substrate 1 into the notch portion a of the base 101, Positioning in the width direction of the lower portion of the radiation imaging support base can be performed.

  Further, the depth dimension d1 of the substrate 1 is set such that the back end surface s1 of the substrate 1 abuts the front end surface s1 of the notch portion a of the base 101, so that the radiation imaging support base, the radiographic imaging device, and the depth direction are located at predetermined positions. Can be positioned in relationship. As described above, the substrate 1 has a function of causing the radiation imaging support base to stand on its own, and has a positioning function for bringing the radiation imaging support base and the radiographic imaging device into a predetermined positional relationship.

  The upper frame 5 is formed with a recess b which is a positioning portion for holding the radiation imaging support base and the radiation imaging apparatus in a predetermined positional relationship. The width w2 of the concave portion b of the upper frame 5 is slightly wider than the width w4 of the support column 102 in FIG. 2, and the upper portion of the radiation imaging support base is positioned in the width direction by fitting the recess portion b into the support column 102. be able to.

  Further, the depth of the recess b of the upper frame 5 is set so that the end face s2 of the recess b abuts against the end face s3 of the support column 102 so that the radiation imaging support base and the radiographic imaging apparatus have a predetermined positional relationship in the depth direction. The dimension d2 is set. Accordingly, the concave portion b of the upper frame 5 has a positioning function for bringing the radiation imaging support base and the radiographic imaging device into a predetermined positional relationship.

  FIG. 4 is a view from the AA direction in FIG. 3 and shows that the concave portion b of the upper frame 5 is fitted to the support column 102 and the upper portion of the radiation imaging support base is fixed in a predetermined positional relationship. ing. On the other hand, FIG. 5 is a cross section taken along the line BB in FIG. 3 and the substrate 1 as the first positioning means is fitted into the recess a of the base 101, and the lower part of the radiation imaging support base is positioned in a predetermined positional relationship. Is shown.

  The radiation imaging support stand shown in FIG. 1 is a stand that can stand alone. The upper part of the imaging stand is positioned between the upper frame 5 and the support column 102 of the imaging apparatus as shown in FIG. Since the lower portion of the stand is positioned between the substrate 1 and the base 101 of the imaging apparatus as shown in FIG. 5, the positions of the radiation imaging support base and the imaging apparatus are stabilized in a predetermined positional relationship during imaging. If the thickness of the base 101 and the thickness of the substrate 1 are set to substantially the same thickness, there is no step at the joint between the base 101 and the substrate 1, and the risk that the subject will trip is eliminated.

  As described above, the radiation imaging support base of the present invention can easily position the positional relationship with the radiographic imaging device in a predetermined relationship. At this time, the depth dimension d1 of the substrate 1 and the depth dimension d2 of the recess b of the upper frame 5 are set so that the spatial distance between the front surface of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 103 and the backrest portion 6 is about 10 mm.

  Further, the backrest 6 is made of a transparent or translucent material, and the position of the radiographic imaging device 103 can be confirmed from the radiation source 201 side through the backrest 6 as shown in FIG. It is like that. As a material for the backrest portion 6, a material having low X-ray absorption, such as acrylic resin and polycarbonate, is suitable, and a thickness of 10 mm or less is desirable in order to reduce the exposure dose to the subject. Taking into account the deflection caused by the subject leaning on the backrest 6, the thickness is optimally around 3 mm.

  FIG. 6 is a view from the CC direction in FIG. 3. The radiographic imaging support base of the present invention is combined with the radiographic imaging apparatus, and the spine full-length imaging is divided into upper and lower spine imagings, and is divided into two parts. It is explanatory drawing when doing. The radiographic imaging apparatus is positioned in a predetermined positional relationship with the radiographic imaging support base as described above. The subject P stands on the board 1 with his back leaning against the backrest 6. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 104 denotes a mount that holds the radiographic image capturing apparatus 103 and is movable with respect to the support column 102, and 105 denotes a grip.

  First, in order to perform imaging of the upper spine, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 103 is adjusted to a position where the uppermost portion of the spine can be imaged. In FIG. 6, it is represented by a solid line, and the center of the radiation image capturing apparatus 103 at that time is CL-u. As shown in the figure, the marker holding member 8 that holds the marker 7 adjusts the position on the backrest 6 so as to be in the position corresponding to the vicinity of the lower end of the imaging range of the radiographic imaging apparatus 103. In this embodiment, a total of two markers are attached to the marker 7, one on each side of the marker holding member 8.

  Next, the height of the radiation source 201 is adjusted to the height of the radiation image capturing apparatus 103. At this time, the operator is on the side of the radiation source 201 and makes an adjustment while confirming the position of the radiation image capturing apparatus 103 through the transparent or translucent posture holding means 6.

  Furthermore, the irradiation field is adjusted so that the subject is not exposed to unnecessary radiation. As indicated by w5 in FIG. 4, the horizontal irradiation field is narrowed to be narrower than the body width of the subject P in a range where the spine does not protrude from the imaging range. Since the marker 7 is arranged in this irradiation field and hidden behind the subject P, it cannot be seen from the operator on the radiation generation source 201 side. On the other hand, since the marker holding member 8 has a length 1 that protrudes from the body vice of the subject P, the marker holding member 8 can be visually recognized. That is, it is possible to indirectly confirm the vertical position of the marker 7 at the position of the marker holding member 8.

  The irradiation field in the vertical direction is adjusted according to the vertical imaging range of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 103 as indicated by w6 in FIG. At this time, the marker holding member 8 is disposed at a position where the marker 7 appears in the vicinity of the lower end of the imaging range. Since the marker holding member 8 is disposed within the imaging range, when shooting, the shadow is reflected, which may adversely affect the diagnosis. In the present invention, the material of the marker holding member 8 is CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) and is 1 mm or less, so that it is possible to prevent shadows that may affect diagnosis from appearing. The marker 7 needs to be attached to the backrest 6 in accordance with the height of the subject, but when using a plurality of markers 7, the marker 7 is attached to the marker holding member 8 as in the present invention. This improves operability.

  Thus, the preparation for imaging the upper spine is completed, the patient P is irradiated with radiation from the radiation source 201, and a radiographic image of the upper spine is captured. FIG. 7 shows an example of a photographed upper vertebra image, and shadows 7 'of the marker 7 are shown on the left and right in the lower part of the image.

  Next, preparation for photographing the lower spine will be described. In FIG. 6, the position of the radiographic imaging device 103 when imaging the lower spine is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Let CL_l be the center of the radiation imaging apparatus at this position. After imaging the upper spine, the operator operates the grip 105 to move the radiation imaging apparatus 103 from the center CL_u to CL_l. At this time, the position of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 103 is such that the marker 7 is reflected in the vicinity of the upper end of the image when the lower spine is imaged, that is, the marker part overlaps at the time of upper spine imaging and lower spine imaging. Decide.

  In this way, the operator moves the radiation generation source 201 downward and adjusts the height position of the radiation generation source 201 to the center CL_l of the radiation image capturing apparatus 103 '. At this time, the operator makes an adjustment while confirming the position of the radiation image capturing apparatus 103 ′ through the transparent or translucent backrest 6.

  Next, in the same manner as when the upper spine is photographed, the irradiation field is adjusted in the vertical direction so that the subject is not exposed to unnecessary radiation. At this time, adjustment is performed so that the marker 7 appears in the upper part of the photographing range. Thus, the preparation for imaging the lower spine is completed, and the subject P is irradiated with radiation from the radiation source 201, and a radiographic image of the lower spine is captured. FIG. 8 is an example of an image of the lower spine taken as described above, and the shadow 7 'of the marker 7 is shown on the left and right in the upper part of the image.

  As shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 8, in this embodiment, a total of two marker images 7 ′, one on the left and right, are captured, so when connecting the upper and lower vertebrae images, It becomes possible to connect the rotation direction with high accuracy.

  When moving the radiographic image capturing apparatus 103 downward, the subject P stands by in the posture when the upper spine is imaged. At this time, since the subject P leans against the backrest portion 6, the subject P easily stands still at that position, and the position of the radiation imaging apparatus 103 can be changed without being affected by the subject P. That is, even if the radiographic image capturing apparatus 103 is moved, it is possible to minimize the change in the posture of the subject. When the radiation imaging support base in the present invention is not used, the subject P leans on the radiographic imaging device 103 and holds the posture, but when the radiographic imaging device 103 is moved in this state, the subject moves. End up. In particular, when the radiographic imaging device 103 is applied to the buttocks of the subject P, since the buttocks protrude backward from the back, the entire position of the subject P moves to the radiation source 201 side. It is difficult to shoot images that endure.

  FIG. 9 is obtained by connecting the upper vertebra image shown in FIG. 7 and the lower vertebra image shown in FIG. 8 so that the marker images 7 ′ recorded in the images overlap each other. To create the image of FIG. 9, the images of FIGS. 7 and 8 may be printed out on a film with a medical printer, overlapped and stopped with a transparent adhesive tape or the like, or have an image connection function. An image viewer may be used to link digital data and observe on a monitor.

  The radiography support base of the present embodiment is usually placed and placed in a state where the radiography support base is retracted from a predetermined position and is self-supported when imaging is performed with a single irradiation. For example, when imaging is performed with multiple irradiations by moving the imaging device, the radiation imaging support is moved between the radiation source and the radiation imaging device, and the radiation imaging support is moved by the positioning means. And taking a picture so that the subject leans against the posture holding auxiliary means.

  The use of the radiation imaging support base of this embodiment has an advantage that divisional imaging of the entire spine can be performed easily and reliably in combination with a standing radiation imaging apparatus.

  Since this radiation imaging support base is self-supporting, it can be easily placed at a position that does not interfere with imaging during normal imaging. Further, since the radiation imaging support base can always keep the relative positional relationship with the radiation imaging apparatus constant by the positioning means, it is possible to always obtain a stable radiation image. In addition, since the subject is held in posture by the posture maintenance assisting means, the subject moves even if the radiation imaging apparatus is moved between the first radiation irradiation and the second radiation irradiation. It has the effect that it can be prevented.

  In addition, since the position of the radiation imaging support base of the present embodiment is determined with respect to the radiation imaging apparatus at two locations of the substrate part and the upper frame part, the positional relationship between the radiation imaging support base and the radiation imaging apparatus is ensured. It becomes possible to keep in a predetermined position. In particular, since the positioning portion of the upper frame is provided, even when the subject leans against the backrest portion, the positional relationship can be reliably held at a predetermined position.

  Further, the radiation imaging support base of the present embodiment can imprint this marker simultaneously with the subject. This has the advantage that, when connecting the radiation images of all the vertebrae divided and photographed twice, it is possible to connect the images based on the image of the recorded marker.

  Furthermore, since this marker is detachable with respect to the backrest portion, it has an advantage that it can be arranged at an optimum position according to the height of the subject.

  The marker is provided on a radiation transmissive marker holding member, and the marker holding member is detachable from the backrest portion. Since the marker or marker holding member is placed at a position where it can be seen from the radiation source side across the subject, it is easy to check whether the marker is placed at the optimum position for the subject. It has the advantage of being able to.

  In the radiographic support of the present invention, the backrest portion is highly radiolucent and transparent or translucent, and its thickness is set to 10 mm or less. For this reason, since X-ray absorption in the backrest part can be reduced, it is possible to prevent an increase in the exposure dose of the subject. In addition, since the backrest is transparent or translucent, the position of the radiation imaging apparatus can be confirmed through the posture maintenance assisting means from the opposite radiation generation source side across the subject. When shooting separately, there is an advantage that shooting can be performed reliably.

The perspective view of the radiography support stand of this invention. The perspective view of a standing-up radiographic imaging device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the radiographic support of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is combined with the standing X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 2. The figure from the AA direction in FIG. BB sectional drawing in FIG. The figure from CC direction in FIG. X-ray of the upper spine. X-ray of the lower spine. The X-ray photograph which connected the X-ray photograph of the upper spine shown in FIG. 7, and the X-ray photograph of the lower spine shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Board | substrate 2 Left side frame 3 Right side frame 4 Lower frame 5 Upper frame 6 Posture holding means 7 Marker 8 Marker holding means 9 Removable tape 101 Base 102 Strut 103 Radiographic imaging device 201 Radiation generation source

Claims (8)

A radiographic support that is used between a radiation source and a radiographic imaging device,
A backrest that is made of a radiolucent material and supports the subject's body,
A radiation imaging support table, comprising: a positioning unit that determines a position with respect to the radiographic imaging device formed near an end of the backrest portion. A radiographic support that is used between a radiation source and a radiographic imaging device,
A backrest that is made of a radiolucent material and supports the subject's body,
A frame portion to which the backrest portion is fixed; and a substrate portion that supports the frame in a self-supporting manner;
A radiation imaging support base comprising: a positioning portion for determining a position of the radiographic imaging device on the frame portion and the substrate portion.   The radiographic imaging support table according to claim 1, further comprising a marker serving as a reference at the time of imaging, wherein the marker can be attached to the backrest portion.   The marker according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a marker serving as a reference when photographing, and a marker holding member that holds the marker, the marker holding member being freely attachable to the backrest portion. The radiation imaging support described. A radiographic support that is used between a radiation source and a radiographic imaging device,
A backrest that is made of a radiolucent material and supports the subject's body,
A radiation imaging support, comprising: a marker that can be attached to the backrest portion. A radiographic support that is used between a radiation source and a radiographic imaging device,
A backrest that is made of a radiolucent material and supports the subject's body,
Marker that serves as a reference when shooting,
A radiation imaging support base comprising: a marker holding member that holds the marker in a freely attachable manner to the backrest portion.   The radiation imaging support according to claim 4, wherein the marker holding member is made of a radiation transmissive material. The radiographic imaging support base according to claim 1, wherein the backrest portion is transparent or translucent and has a thickness set to 10 mm or less.

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