[Indications of radio-pelvimetry at a university hospital and a district general hospital].

Studies carried out on the phantom have shown how reliable transverse diameter measurements of the pelvis are when carried out by X-Ray scanning pelvimetry compared with conventional X-Ray pelvimetry. The practice of scanning radiopelvimetry (digital radiography) depends on the availability of the machine and of an induced, secondary circuit. The arrival of this new technique makes it necessary for the sake of economy to limit the indications for the investigation. We have studied the indications for the examination in a population of pregnant women in a University Hospital Service as well as pregnant women in a District General Hospital. Since the conditions under which obstetrics are carried out in general hospitals are more precarious, more radiological examinations are carried out in them. Frequently investigations were carried out on primiparous women who have normal pelves. It appeared difficult to lower the number of indications. Digital X-Rays will therefore cost a lot. In university hospitals the indications for carrying out the investigations were studied critically. It seems to be possible to reduce the numbers to 6% of all patients who are delivered. Rationalizing the indications will make it possible to avoid the extra cost which results from carrying out scanning X-Ray pelvimetries more reliably and delivering a lesser dose of X-Rays than ordinary conventional X-Ray pelvimetries deliver.