Lower extremity MRI: are their requests always appropriate in France?

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Lower extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool.
• Current guidelines recommend MRI for specific indications after initial imaging like X-rays.
• The appropriateness of MRI requests impacts healthcare resource allocation and patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relevance of current lower extremity MRI requests in France.
• To specifically assess the utilization patterns and appropriateness of knee MRI examinations.

Main Methods:

• An observational study utilized data from the National Health Data System (SNDS) in France.
• Adults (18+) undergoing lower extremity MRI between July and December 2021 were included.
• Analysis involved pre- and post-MRI consultations, X-rays, and knee-related procedures.

Main Results:

• Over 779,000 lower extremity MRIs were performed, a 76% increase since 2012.
• General practitioners requested 70.5% of MRIs, often as the initial imaging modality.
• 52.1% of patients lacked prior lower extremity X-rays, and 80% had no knee procedures post-MRI.

Conclusions:

• Lower extremity MRI, including knee MRI, is frequently employed as a first-line imaging modality in France.
• This practice deviates from recommended diagnostic pathways.
• Disseminating MRI appropriateness guidelines is crucial for optimizing its use and enhancing patient care.