Open AccessThe 1000 lumbar spine radiograph study
Author(s) -
Glorianne Pullicino,
Jessica Pavia,
Paul Sciortino,
Ahmed Chilmeran,
Philip Sciortino,
Richard Pullicino
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2309-1622
DOI - 10.14419/ijm.v5i1.7322
Subject(s) - medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , lumbar spine , lumbosacral joint , radiography , radiology , low back pain , lumbar , back pain , retrospective cohort study , physical therapy , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology
Magnetic resonance imaging is being increasingly used to optimize the diagnostic process for low back pain and to manage the risk of missing life-threatening pathology. The aim of the study was to examine the care pathway of low back pain with respect to the utilisation of CT and MRI service utilisation. A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed. A random sample of 1000 primary care patients presenting with low back pain who underwent lumbar spine radiography within a specified period was explored. 20% (n=198) of patients who underwent lumbosacral spine X-ray were referred for MRI investigation. Subsequently, 15 (7.6%) patients underwent joint infiltration whilst 6 (3%) patients underwent neurosurgical intervention during 2 years of follow-up. Such findings provide information for policy makers about the utility of MRI and CT scans.