Digital film processing: applications to the musculoskeletal system.

A prototype digital film processing system was systematically evaluated for specific applications to the musculoskeletal system. Test objects included a line pair resolution phantom and specimens designed to simulate lytic cortical and both lytic and sclerotic cancellous bone lesions. Clinical radiographs from a wide variety of osseous and soft tissue disorders were studied. Although digitization cannot improve the inherent resolution and information content of film, it is capable of enhancing contrast and visualization of detail. As a result, digital processing carries significant potential for improved diagnosis in musculoskeletal radiology.