What is the primary purpose of using a grid in radiography?

The primary purpose of using a grid in radiography is to enhance image contrast. Grids are designed to improve the quality of the radiographic image by absorbing scattered radiation that occurs as X-rays pass through the body. When X-rays interact with body tissues, some of them are absorbed or scattered, and this scattered radiation can degrade the quality of the image by adding unwanted density, resulting in a foggy appearance.

By incorporating a grid, which is made up of alternating strips of radiolucent (allowing X-rays to pass through) and radiopaque (preventing X-rays from passing) materials, the scattered rays are effectively filtered out, allowing only the primary (non-scattered) X-rays to reach the film or digital detector. This leads to a sharper image with improved contrast, making it easier to distinguish between different tissues and structures within the body.

While factors like patient exposure and spatial resolution might be influenced by grid use, the main objective of using a grid is specifically to enhance the contrast of the image, making it clearer for diagnostic purposes.