A Comprehensive Guide to Pediatric Patient Positioning in Diagnostic Imaging

Discover essential techniques and considerations for optimizing pediatric patient positioning to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort in radiological procedures.

The Importance of Accurate Pediatric Positioning

Proper patient positioning is crucial in radiology and diagnostic imaging procedures, which also holds true for pediatric patients. Accurate positioning ensures that the images obtained are of high quality and provide the necessary information for correct diagnosis. It allows radiologists to visualize the targeted anatomy or area of interest with clarity and precision.

In pediatric patients, proper positioning is even more critical due to their smaller size and unique anatomical considerations. Children have different body proportions and structures compared to adults, and their organs and bones are still developing. Therefore, precise positioning is essential to minimize distortion, artifacts, unnecessary radiation exposure, and even potential injury.

Accurate pediatric positioning also helps in reducing the need for repeat imaging, which can be stressful and time-consuming for both the child and their parents. By obtaining high-quality images on the first attempt, the overall imaging process becomes more efficient, leading to better patient outcomes and improved patient experience, as well as saving time and money for both the patient and the provider.

Challenges in Pediatric Patient Positioning

Positioning pediatric patients for radiological procedures poses unique challenges due to their age, size, and potential inability to cooperate. Some key challenges caused by these unique factors include:

• Motion Artifacts and Degraded Image Quality - Infants and toddlers, in particular, may have difficulty staying still or following instructions during the imaging process. This can result in motion artifacts and degraded image quality.

• Ensuring Comfort and Safety while Maintaining Accurate Positioning - Children may feel anxious or scared in unfamiliar environments, which can affect their cooperation. Radiology departments need to create a child-friendly and reassuring atmosphere to help alleviate fears and encourage compliance.

• Distress and Discomfort Caused by Immobilization Devices - The use of immobilization devices and techniques may be necessary in certain cases to ensure the child remains in the desired position throughout the procedure. These devices can cause a lot of discomfort and distress, so care must be taken to minimize the amount of distress caused.

Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach involving radiologists, technologists, pediatric nurses, and child life specialists. Collaboration and communication among team members are crucial to developing strategies that optimize pediatric patient positioning while prioritizing their well-being.

Best Practices for Positioning Infants and Toddlers

When positioning infants and toddlers for radiological procedures, several best practices can help ensure accurate imaging and patient comfort. These include:

• Using appropriate immobilization techniques - Depending on the procedure and the child's abilities, immobilization devices such as positioning aids, Velcro straps, or specially designed pediatric immobilizers may be used. These devices help restrict movement and maintain the desired position.

• Employing distraction techniques - Distraction can be a powerful tool to engage young patients and keep them calm and cooperative during the imaging process. Techniques like toys, music, videos, or bubbles can divert their attention and reduce anxiety.

• Involving parents or caregivers - Allowing parents or caregivers to be present during the procedure can provide comfort and reassurance to the child. Their presence can also help in positioning the child correctly and obtaining their cooperation.

• Ensuring proper communication - Clear and age-appropriate instructions should be provided to the child and their parents/caregivers. It is important to explain the procedure in a way that they can understand, addressing any concerns or questions they may have.

By implementing these best practices, healthcare providers can optimize pediatric patient positioning, improve image quality, and enhance the overall experience for both the child and their family.

Pediatric Immobilizers 

For a large number of pediatric imaging procedures, it's a requirement to immobilize the child to obtain a clear image. Different pediatric immobilizers are designed for different procedures. Some examples of pediatric immobilizers and their uses include:

• Huggers

  • Pediatric Huggers are a type of patient immobilizer designed by Domico Med-Device which provides womb-like warmth and immobilization during diagnostic imaging procedures. These immobilizers get their name thanks to their purpose being to "hug" the patient rather than immobilize them, a design philosophy that maintains a focus on comfort while not compromising on proper immobilization.

    
    
    

• MedVac Immobilization System

  • The MedVac Immobilization System is a pediatric immobilization system developed by Domico Med-Device designed for MRI, CT, and X-ray procedures. This system is designed to accommodate children up to 4 years old and comes in two sizes for increased compatibility. The Medvac Immobilization system is flexible until vacuumed, then becomes rigid and acts as a splint, keeping the patient immobilized.

• Head Immobilizers

  • Head immobilizers like the AP-PA Pediatric Head Immobilizer from Domico Med-Device are vital tools for procedures that require precise immobilization of the head. These innovative devices not only securely hold the head in place but also ensure the utmost comfort for the young patient throughout the imaging process. By providing gentle and effective immobilization, this head immobilizer allows for clear and accurate imaging while minimizing any discomfort or anxiety that the child may experience.

• Extremity Immobilizers

  • Like head immobilizers, extremity immobilizers are designed to immobilize a specific part of the body. One example of an extremity immobilizer is the Domico Med-Device AP-PA Hand/Foot Immobilizer, a versatile immobilizer designed to facilitate comparative X-ray studies of the hands or feet of a pediatric patient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper pediatric patient positioning in radiological procedures is essential for obtaining accurate diagnostic images while ensuring the comfort and safety of young patients. By addressing challenges such as motion artifacts, discomfort, and anxiety through best practices and the use of pediatric immobilizers, healthcare providers can optimize the imaging process for children. Collaborative efforts among multidisciplinary teams, as well as proper equipment, are key to achieving successful outcomes. To learn more about the importance of accurate pediatric positioning in radiology and to discover innovative techniques and tools, continue exploring our blog for valuable insights and resources. Stay informed and engaged to make a positive impact on pediatric imaging practices.

Want to learn more? Check out this article about the benefits of pediatric & child immobilization devices: