Factors affecting patient movement and re-exposure in cone beam computed tomography examination

OBJECTIVE: To assess operator-, examination-, and patient-related factors, affecting patient movement and re-exposure in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination. STUDY DESIGN: The sample consisted of 248 CBCT examinations in 190 patients video-recorded during examination. Three observers scored the videos; the patient moved or did not move. Operator-, examination-, and patient-related factors were evaluated separately (chi-square test) and by multivariate regression analyses (patient movement and re-exposure as separate outcomes). RESULTS: The prevalence of movement was 21%. Cotton roll stabilizing patient's jaws, CBCT unit touching patient's hair, and patient's age 15 years or greater were related to movement. Age 15 years or greater had a significant impact on movement (P < .001; odds ratio [OR] 11.0). There were 16 re-exposures (6.4%). Age 15 years or greater, presence of a cotton roll, and field of view (FOV) were related to re-exposure. Use of a large FOV had significant impact on re-exposure (P = .04; OR 5.8). CONCLUSIONS: Operator-, examination-, and patient-related factors may affect patient movement and re-exposure in CBCT examination.