Interpretation of fracture follow-up roentgenograms: is a second opinion routinely necessary?

To determine whether a second interpretation of follow-up roentgenograms is necessary in fracture management, we analyzed 300 fracture follow-up visits to two orthopaedists with regard to the efficacy of obtaining a radiologist's interpretation of the follow-up films. Fracture management decisions were made at the time of the visit without the benefit of the radiologist's interpretation of the films. Both the clinic note and the radiologist's official report of the x-ray films were independently compared by two "blinded" physician observers. Major discrepancies were defined as those warranting an alteration of treatment plan. Only one major discrepancy was found, judged by both observers to be an incorrect interpretation by the radiologist. No major discrepancies were found in the treating physician's interpretation. The maximal prevalence of discrepancy was less than 1%. We conclude that the need for a second interpretation of routine fracture follow-up x-rays is questionable from the standpoint of quality of care.