What Is Bucky In Radiography?
Bucky In Radiography, A Bucky is a component of x-ray units that holds the x-ray film cassette and moves the grid during x-ray exposure. The motion keeps the lead strips from being seen on the x-ray picture. The name refers to Dr. Gustave Bucky who invented the use of filter grids in 1913. A bucky is commonly used in radiography to hold the x-ray film in place during the imaging process. It is typically composed of a metal tray that is positioned behind the x-ray film, and a device that tightens a lead sheet (known as a grid) over the film to help reduce scatter radiation. This allows for a clearer image to be produced, as the scatter radiation can cause the image to appear fuzzy or distorted. Additionally, a bucky can be used to help adjust the angle of the x-ray beam, which can be useful for imaging different areas of the body.
The bucky is used for photography of various parts of body such as skull, chest, abdomen, and joint by cooperating with various x-ray machines. Bucky come in different sizes:
A. 17 1/4 x 18 7/8
B. 17 1/4 x 17 3/4
C. 18 x 18
Nowadays buckys are equipped with an inbuilt grid to improve the quality of x-ray images by absorbing the scattered radiation. Modern buckys also have added option of oscillation (aka oscillating bucky) which further helps in blocking the scattered radiation from reaching the x-ray cassette and hence improves the quality of x-ray image.
Use of bucky requires an increase in radiation exposure factors (kVp and mAs) to ensure a good quality x-ray image is obtained. Same x-ray procedure can be performed with lesser exposure factors if bucky is not used however the image quality will be compromised.
Types Of Bucky
There are several types of Bucky mechanisms used in X-ray tables. Each type offers specific features and advantages based on the imaging requirements. Here are some common types of Bucky mechanisms:
A. Fixed Bucky:- A fixed Bucky mechanism is permanently built into the X-ray table. It consists of a stationary tray or holder that holds the image receptor and a Bucky grid. The fixed Bucky is typically positioned above the table, and the patient is placed on top of it for imaging. This type of Bucky mechanism is commonly used in general radiography and provides consistent scatter radiation reduction and uniform exposure.
B. Floating Bucky:- A floating Bucky mechanism allows the image receptor to move slightly within the Bucky tray. This movement helps to accommodate patient positioning and reduce motion artifacts. The floating Bucky is designed to absorb scatter radiation while providing flexibility in image receptor positioning. It is often utilized in mobile X-ray units and specialized imaging procedures.
C. Tilting Bucky:- A tilting Bucky mechanism enables the Bucky tray and image receptor to tilt or angle during imaging. This feature allows for better positioning of the patient and improves imaging of specific anatomical areas. For instance, a tilting Bucky is commonly found in mammography tables, where it assists in achieving proper breast positioning and optimal image quality.
D. Reciprocating Bucky:- A reciprocating Bucky mechanism moves the Bucky tray and image receptor in a back-and-forth motion during the exposure. This motion helps to blur out grid lines and reduce grid-related artifacts in the final image. Reciprocating Buckys are often used in specialized imaging, such as digital radiography and fluoroscopy.
E. Potter-Bucky:- A Potter-Bucky mechanism allows for both vertical and horizontal movement of the image receptor. This versatility enables precise positioning of the image receptor for various imaging projections and examinations. Potter-Buckys are commonly employed in radiographic rooms where a wide range of imaging procedures is performed.
F. vertical Bucky:- A vertical Bucky refers to a configuration of the Bucky mechanism in which the Bucky tray and image receptor are positioned vertically or upright. Unlike the horizontal Bucky, where the image receptor is parallel to the table surface, the vertical Bucky has the image receptor positioned perpendicular to the table surface.
In a vertical Bucky setup, the patient is typically positioned standing or sitting upright in front of the Bucky mechanism. The image receptor, such as a cassette or digital detector, is placed against the patient’s chest or back, depending on the imaging examination being performed. The Bucky grid is integrated into the Bucky tray to reduce scatter radiation and improve image quality.
Vertical Buckys are commonly used in certain types of imaging procedures, such as chest X-rays or spine imaging. The vertical orientation allows for efficient imaging of the chest area, as the patient’s anatomy aligns well with the vertical placement of the Bucky tray and image receptor. This configuration also helps in minimizing distortion and maintaining proper positioning during the examination.
G. Horizontal Bucky:- Bucky mechanism can be oriented horizontally, meaning that the Bucky tray and image receptor are positioned parallel to the table surface. This orientation allows for easier patient positioning and maneuverability during the examination. The horizontal Bucky is commonly found in general radiography and is often integrated into fixed or floating Bucky systems.
The horizontal orientation of the Bucky tray facilitates the placement of the patient on the table, with the image receptor positioned on top of the Bucky tray. This configuration allows for smooth movement of the patient in and out of the imaging field, minimizing the need for repositioning and reducing patient discomfort.
By employing a horizontal Bucky, the imaging technologist can easily slide the image receptor under the patient, ensuring proper alignment with the anatomical area of interest. This configuration helps maintain consistent contact between the patient and the Bucky grid, which in turn improves the quality of the radiographic image by reducing scatter radiation and providing a more uniform exposure.
Use Of Bucky
The Bucky mechanism in an X-ray table serves several important purposes, contributing to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of X-ray imaging. Here are some key uses and benefits of the Bucky in an X-ray table:
A. Scatter Radiation Reduction:- One of the primary functions of the Bucky is to reduce scatter radiation. When X-rays pass through the patient’s body, some photons get scattered in various directions. Scatter radiation can degrade image quality by reducing contrast and creating unwanted artifacts. The Bucky grid, with its alternating lead strips and radiolucent material, helps absorb a significant portion of the scattered X-ray photons before they reach the image receptor. This results in clearer and more diagnostically valuable images.
B. Image Quality Improvement:- By reducing scatter radiation, the Bucky grid helps enhance image quality. It improves the contrast between different structures within the body, providing better visualization of anatomical details. The use of the Bucky in an X-ray table contributes to producing sharper and more accurate images, enabling healthcare professionals to make more precise diagnoses.
C. Uniform Exposure:- The Bucky grid assists in achieving a more uniform exposure across the image. It helps compensate for variations in X-ray intensity by absorbing or attenuating X-rays in different regions of the body. This uniform exposure ensures consistent image quality throughout the entire radiographic image.
D. Motion Artifact Reduction:- During X-ray imaging, patient movement can lead to motion artifacts that blur the image. The Bucky grid in an X-ray table helps reduce the impact of patient motion on the final image. By holding the image receptor securely in place, it minimizes the chances of blurring caused by movement, resulting in sharper and more accurate images.
E. Positioning Flexibility:- The Bucky mechanism in an X-ray table allows for easy positioning and movement of the image receptor. It enables the technologist to adjust the orientation and alignment of the image receptor according to the specific imaging requirements. This flexibility ensures proper positioning of the patient and facilitates the capture of optimal X-ray images.
F. Time Efficiency:- The use of the Bucky in an X-ray table contributes to time efficiency during imaging procedures. It eliminates the need for manually holding or adjusting the image receptor during the examination. The Bucky mechanism enables quick and convenient positioning of the image receptor, allowing the technologist to focus on patient comfort and other critical aspects of the imaging process.
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