When is the use of radiographic grids recommended?

Radiographic grids are recommended when the object being imaged has a thickness that exceeds a certain threshold, typically around 10 cm. The primary purpose of using a grid is to improve the quality of the radiographic image by reducing the amount of scatter radiation that reaches the film or digital detector. As the thickness of the body part increases, scatter radiation becomes more prevalent, and this can degrade image quality by adding unwanted density to the image.

When using a grid, the radiographic technique must be adjusted to account for the increased exposure required to maintain image quality. Grids are particularly beneficial when imaging areas with higher tissue density, such as the abdomen or thorax, where scatter radiation is more likely to obscure the structures of interest.

In situations where the thickness is below 10 cm, the benefit of a grid diminishes because the scatter radiation is less significant, and using a grid may not warrant the additional exposure required. This is why the recommendation to use grids specifically applies to thicknesses of 10 cm or greater, ensuring optimal imaging results.