What factor most significantly leads to poor recorded detail in a radiographic image?

Poor recorded detail in a radiographic image is most significantly influenced by patient motion. When a patient moves during the exposure, it leads to blurring and a loss of clarity in the image, which compromises the overall detail. This is particularly crucial in radiography, where precision is necessary for accurate diagnosis. Motion can be caused by involuntary actions, such as breathing or heartbeats, or voluntary actions, such as discomfort or anxiety.

While other factors can affect image quality—such as excessive kilovoltage peak (kVp), which can reduce contrast and details, incorrect source-to-image distance (SID) that may cause distortion, and improper collimation that can introduce scatter or unnecessary exposure—these influences generally do not have the same immediate and significant effect on the sharpness and clarity of the image as patient motion does. Therefore, ensuring patient stillness is paramount in achieving optimal recorded detail in radiographic imaging.