Regarding my article "Setting up a Technique Chart" in the MPI Dynamic Chiropractic issue of June 18, 1993, I heard from the Radiological Health Committee of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic College of Radiology, and you may wish to consider some of their suggestions as follows:
An excellent choice for an x-ray technique calculator is one that comes with an acrylic penetrometer (for those who purchase the complete kit). The express purpose of the penetrometer is to perform a series of x-ray exposures on your x-ray system (that includes the generator, tube, collimator, screens/film, and processing) to determine the ability of your system to blacken a film. This information is then compared to a standardized set of exposure densities. From this comparison comes a total correction factor which is used in determining optimal radiographic exposures for virtually any body part. The beauty of such a system is that it permits the physician and their technologists to utilize equipment that may be temporarily out of calibration (where mA is nonlinear).
You might wish to request assistance from film manufacturers (where permitted by law). Generally, upon request, reputable manufacturers will send their personnel on-site to expose anthropomorphic or water phantoms. This exposure information is then sent to the parent company and a computerized exposure chart is produced which is specific for that office, x-ray that this service is free for the continued use of that manufacturer's film products. In our experience, if this type of chart does not produce consistently good results, it is more likely a problem related to the calibration of the x-ray generator or processing problems, such as improper temperature for development or inaccurate replenishment rates.
Lastly, it should be noted that some of the new high-frequency equipment offers preprogrammed exposure techniques as an option with the added benefit of reduced patient exposure.
Hopefully, these suggestions will assist those needing to improve their exposure techniques. If you have further questions you may wish to contact the American Chiropractic College of Radiology, your local diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology, your local medical or health physicist, or your state regulatory agency.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
