[Use of magnetic resonance imaging in orthopaedic trauma surgery: global needs analysis]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a very important role in traumatology; however, clear guidelines and standard operating procedures do not exist on a large scale. The aim of this worldwide needs analysis was to gather detailed information on this imaging modality in the daily work of trauma and orthopedic surgeons and trainees, and to identify ways to optimize its application. Using the network of the"Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen - Association for the Study of Internal Fixation" (AO/ASIF), participants who registered for a webinar on this topic were asked to complete a structured set of questions and simulated cases online.

A total of 442 participants from 69 countries registered for the webinar and 361 (81.6%) completed all or the main parts of the survey. The main reported barriers to the optimal use of MRI were high cost, long waiting time, a lack of communication between surgeons and radiologists, and a lack of experience and training in this technology.

To address these barriers, a more structured curriculum in the training period of orthopedic and trauma surgeons may be required as well as the development of resources for continuing and self-directed learning.