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Bone scanning in the multiply injured patient
P A Frawley1, J A Mills, F Murton
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Hobart Hospital, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Radionuclide bone scanning helps identify new skeletal injuries in patients with multiple traumas. While often confirming injuries in already affected areas like limbs or the chest, it infrequently altered patient management.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Multiple injuries present complex diagnostic challenges.
- Identifying all skeletal injuries is crucial for effective patient management.
- Occult fractures can lead to delayed diagnosis and complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of radionuclide bone scanning in diagnosing occult skeletal injuries in patients with multiple traumas.
- To evaluate the impact of bone scanning on the clinical management of trauma patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 14 patients with multiple injuries.
- Radionuclide bone scanning was performed to detect skeletal injuries.
- Patient management decisions were reviewed post-scan.
Main Results:
- All 14 patients were diagnosed with new skeletal injuries.
- The majority of new injuries were located in limbs with pre-existing diagnoses or in the chest.
- Bone scans infrequently led to changes in patient management.
Conclusions:
- Radionuclide bone scanning is effective in identifying occult skeletal injuries in multiple trauma patients.
- Findings often corroborate existing injury diagnoses, particularly in limbs and the chest.
- The impact on immediate patient management may be limited but aids in comprehensive diagnosis.