[Conventional roentgen diagnosis in traumatology]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Diagnostic X-rays are crucial in trauma care.
• Assessing the efficacy and efficiency of these procedures is vital for optimizing patient outcomes and resource allocation.
• The University Clinics of Frankfurt's Department of Traumatology utilizes a significant volume of diagnostic X-rays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of diagnostic X-rays in traumatology.
• To identify areas for improvement in X-ray utilization and cost-effectiveness.
• To determine the potential for reducing the number of diagnostic X-rays performed.

Main Methods:

• Review of 5874 diagnostic X-ray procedures performed at the Department of Traumatology.
• Analysis of the accuracy and efficiency of the X-ray diagnostic method.
• Assessment of potential reductions through critical indication review and avoidance of routine imaging.

Main Results:

• The diagnostic X-ray method demonstrated extremely high efficiency with a false result rate of only 0.00017%.
• A more critical approach to indications, particularly avoiding routine skull X-rays, could enhance efficacy.
• An optional reduction of 16% in traumatologic X-rays was identified, leading to a 17.2% cost reduction.

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic traumatologic X-ray procedures can be made more effective.
• Optimizing indications and reducing routine X-rays, especially of the skull, can improve efficacy and reduce costs.
• A 16% reduction in X-rays and a 17.2% cost saving are achievable through strategic adjustments.