Table 6 Overview of low-value imaging in the spine, pelvis, and hip
From: Characterizing and quantifying low-value diagnostic imaging internationally: a scoping review
Type of imaging | Reason for examination | Outcome | Suggested practice by included study/studies | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
L-spine XR, CT, MRI | Low back pain | Low rate in change of management MRI: 41.3% relevant findings | Â | |
Post-op L or C-spine XR | Instrumented single-level degenerative spinal fusions | Does not change treatment of patient | Check with fluoroscopy during surgery | [132] |
Post-op L-spine XR | Lumbar fusion | 0–1% relevant findings | XR if positive physical examination only | |
Spine XR | Acute neck or back pain | 0.4% relevant findings | Â | [131] |
Pelvic XR | Sever trauma | No change in management | Â | [91] |
CT/MRI pelvis | Pelvic ring fracture | No change in management | Â | [135] |
Routine Pelvic XR | Pelvic fracture | No change in management in patients with painless straight leg raise | Among awake, alert patients without spinal or lower limb injury, painless straight leg raise can exclude pelvic fractures | [136] |
Trauma | 10% change in management | XR if positive physical examination only | [137] | |
Post-op Hip XR | Hip hemiarthroplasty | No change in management | XR if positive physical examination only | [138] |
Hip fracture | No change in management | XR if positive physical examination only | [139] | |
MRI Hip | Hip pain | After XR—low impact on treatment |  | [140] |