ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potentials of magnification radiography as compared with conventional radiography in diagnosing bone tumors. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Sixty-two patients with primary bone tumors and tumorlike lesions underwent radiography with both conventional (non-magnified) and magnification (five-fold) techniques. All radiographs were analyzed by four radiologists and the findings correlated with the histopathology findings. The microfocal X-ray unit used for magnification radiography had a focal spot size of 20-130 microns. Digital luminescence radiography was employed with magnification, while normal film-screen systems were used with conventional radiography. RESULTS: The diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions as well as the individual tumor diagnosis were determined with higher accuracy using magnification compared with conventional radiography (88% vs 75% and 71% vs 52%, p < 0.01). Margins of destruction, periosteal reactions and matrix patterns were evaluated with higher certainty by all of the radiologists (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Magnification radiography may improve the evaluation and diagnosis of bone tumors.
