Image quality in conventional lumbar spine radiography: evaluation using the post-processing tool Diamond View.

Conventional radiography contributes for the majority of examinations in radiology departments. Based on the European Commission Quality Criteria we evaluated the effects on image quality when applying the new post-processing tool Diamond View (Siemens AG Medical Solutions, Germany) to conventional lumbar spine radiographs. 100 digital image pairs in two directions in two planes of lumbar spine radiographs were prospectively evaluated by two radiologists. Statistical analysis was performed with a p-value<.05 considered as significant. Images were evaluated on basis of the modified imaging Quality Criteria by the Commission of the European Communities, rated on a five-point scale. Statistical analysis showed an overall tendency for improved image quality of Diamond View (DV) for all criteria. Significant differences could be found in most of the criteria. Additional phantom analyses supported the advantage of DV. In conclusion DV improves image quality in conventional lumbar spine radiographs.