/library/oar/handle/123456789/52737 Sun, 28 Dec 2025 04:57:34 GMT 2025-12-28T04:57:34Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/111280 Title: The role of the radiographer in Malta Abstract: The role of the radiographer as a healthcare professional is undergoing several changes in the global perspective, with Malta being no exception. This fact prompted the researcher to evaluate the role of the Maltese radiographer from various perspectives to capture the essence of such a role. The research was conducted by means of a questionnaire distributed randomly to the Maltese population of radiographers. Also, an informal pilot study was done in the form of three interviews with three radiographers having different lengths of working experience and occupying different posts within the local Radiography profession. The results of the study demonstrate that the majority of Maltese radiographers perceive themselves as producers of diagnostically valid images; however, the results also indicate that the role is complex and unique to the local institution with several unique traits which are present only locally. On the basis of the findings recommendations were proposed. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/111280 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/111219 Title: Imaging assessment of liver metastases Abstract: Metastases are the most common cause of malignancy in the liver. Although clinical evaluation may play a role, its diagnosis relies mostly on radiological imaging. Ultrasound (US), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Radionuclide Imaging (RNI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) all contribute to the evaluation of liver metastases and ultimately to better prognosis. An extensive literature review was undertaken in order to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of different imaging modality in differentiating liver metastasis which are lcm or larger in diameter. The results obtained were compared and discussed with surgical inspection and pathological findings to help establish the accuracy of each imaging modality. Since it is not expensive, readily available, and makes use of nonionising radiation, US is usually the first choice of investigation. However, due to its low sensitivity it is inconclusive. Ferumoxides enhanced MRI was found to be slightly more accurate than Spiral CT Arterial Portography. PET was shown to be the most accurate imaging modality. However, being very expensive it is only available in few institutions/ hospitals. The majority of literature reviewed concluded that the imaging modalities in current use are sensitive for lesions greater than lcm in size. Thus, the challenge is to detect smaller lesions. Finally, on the basis of literature reviewed, recommendations for an imaging strategy-when liver metastasis is suspected in relation to the current situation in Malta were proposed. Description: DIP.RADIOGRAPHY Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/111219 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53816 Title: Justification of ultrasound following mammography. Abstract: It is common practice to send patients for an ultrasound (US) examination after mammography if certain detail is not visible and a definite diagnosis cannot be made. However, if the US result will not change the management of the patient the US is considered to be unjustified. The aim of the study was to determine whether referrals for breast US after mammography were justified. As a result, a set of criteria for justified indications for US was drawn up. 18 cases were evaluated using this. tool. The results obtained from this research revealed that the majority of US were justified, though there was still a relatively high percentage of unjustified cases. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/53816 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53253 Title: The use of three-phase bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of the radiographically occult scaphoid fracture Abstract: Diagnosis of a scaphoid fracture represents a diagnostic challenge to the physician. It used to be thought that if a scaphoid fracture was present but could not be confirmed on radiographs at the time of injury, it would show up on radiographs around 10 to 14 days afterwards and only required placing the patient's wrist in a plaster cast until that time. This theory is still taught to students today, but the fact of the matter is that it has been known since 1981 that only an additional 2% of scaphoid fractures are demonstrated at this time and it may be up to six weeks before a scaphoid fracture can be safely excluded by radiographs. An early diagnosis of scaphoid fractures is crucial to initiate adequate treatment in order to avoid complications such as delayed healing, nonunion, pseudoarthosis, avascular necrosis, and arthrosis of the wrist. It is estimated that nonunion occurs in 5- 12% when prompt and adequate treatment is given. This rises as high as 88% when scaphoid fractures are not recognised within four weeks. So, early effective diagnosis is of the utmost importance in such cases. The role of bone scintigraphy has been well established for a number of years in the field of orthopaedics and used on a routine basis abroad for such cases. Surprisingly, bone scintigraphy is still limited locally to the diagnosis of osteomyelitis, Paget's disease, and malignant bone disorders, so the researcher decided to challenge the traditional way of diagnosing a scaphoid fracture and investigate the role of threephase bone scintigraphy in occult fracture detection. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/53253 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z