Knee X-ray Requests by GPs for Older Patients
Author Information
Author(s): John Bedson, Kelvin P. Jordan, Peter R. Croft
Primary Institution: Primary Care Musculoskeletal Research Centre, Keele University
Hypothesis
What information do GPs provide when ordering knee radiographs for older patients, and how does it relate to the diagnosis of osteoarthritis?
Conclusion
Radiologists commonly report features of osteoarthritis in older patients referred for knee X-rays, especially when GPs suspect the condition.
Supporting Evidence
- 88% of GP requests included clinical symptoms, primarily pain.
- 22% of radiologists' reports confirmed osteoarthritis.
- 63% of reports mentioned features of radiographic osteoarthritis.
Takeaway
When doctors send older patients for knee X-rays, they often think the patient might have arthritis, and the X-ray results usually show signs of it.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study analyzing GP requests for knee X-rays and corresponding radiologists' reports over an 11-week period.
Potential Biases
Variation in reporting styles among radiologists could influence the findings.
Limitations
The study reflects activity in one outpatient X-ray department and may not represent all referrals and reporting in the UK.
Participant Demographics
136 subjects, mean age 60.1 years, 54% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.17
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.76, 5.00
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website