rt.
The inherent film latitude and flexibility is also said to add a new dimension to interpretation and film management. However, one problem that may limit the use of computer radiography is costs which are significantly greater than for traditional film-screen systems.
Another problem that may have to be resolved before computer radiography is really ready for the new millennium is networking. The manipulation and transfer of images without loss of data is difficult resulting in unique image artifacts and the need for new parameters to judge the quality of an image. Another problem area, according to Bragg, Murray and Tripp (1997) will be radiation dose as often certain examinations using computer radiography actually require more radiation exposure than traditional film-screen techniques.
With respect to costs, Seeger (1998) reports that an area in which radiography is going to see many changes is in the availability of systems for direct digital radiography which is far less costly than standard systems. Indeed, Seeger reports that plan film acquisition, archiving, storage, and interpretation have undergone revolutionary changes, moving into the electronic era. He states that viewing hard-copy film is becoming obsolete as digital image acquisition and display will eventually render radiology departments filmless.
These new systems are expected to be environmentally safe since no chemicals are used, and not only are they much more cost effective, they also make images available within seconds. Seeger feels (1998) that such a systems will be especially useful in the area of sports injuries, noting that:
Although it seems unlikely that a new modality will enter the imaging arena in the very near future, we will continue to see the development of software and hardware technology that allows rapid acquisition of superior quality cross-sectional image data...As these technologies continue to flourish, diagnosis...