Optimal utilization of MSK imaging during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused multi-dimensional global crisis in the recent times. There is an increasing necessity of understanding and developing a strategy for optimal utilization of healthcare resources in this time of crisis. Radiology department remains the backbone for diagnosis and for appropriate management of orthopaedic ailments. Amidst COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to change in imaging algorithm, for various clinical conditions taking care of the exposure risk to patients and healthcare workers and to handle the volume of diagnostic and intervention work. Radiology preparedness is to set the workflow protocols and policies applicable to radiology investigations for different clinical conditions, which will help to attain these objectives. Radiologists are in best position to decide the most appropriate imaging investigation and protocol making it vital to have a frequent Orthopaedic surgeon-Radiologist interaction, which is one of the most important steps in patient management pathway.