Published on 23/03/2010
Standard X-rays are often inconclusive in the detection of hip and pelvic fractures, according to a new report.
Research published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more effective at evaluating the source of hip and pelvic pain than radiographs.
Lead author of the study Charles Spritzer said that accurate diagnosis of fractures is important in terms of health care utilisation as well as patient cost and convenience.
He commented: "Use of MRI in patients with a strong clinical suspicion of traumatic injury but unimpressive X-rays has a substantial advantage in the detection of pelvic and hip fractures, helping to steer patients to appropriate medical and surgical therapy."
In 2007, a national audit was launched to improve the care of patients with hip fractures. The initiative aimed to reduce the low and variable rates of investigation and treatment of
osteoporosis in elderly people who are admitted to hospital.
© ActiveQuote Health Ltd. 2010
Categories: Medical,
NHS and Hospitals
Related Health Insurance News Articles
01/12/2011Lymphatic cancer drug MabThera approved for use on NHSThe National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved a drug for use on the NHS for people with a common type of lymphoma. Rituximab, marketed as MabThera by Roche, is already approved...
06/12/2011NHS patient data to be shared with private drug companiesMedical details of NHS patients could soon be shared with private healthcare firms so that Britain can become a world leader in life sciences. David Cameron has unveiled controversial plans to allow...
11/01/2012Welsh government will replace private PIP implants on NHS The Welsh government has said that it will pay to replace PIP implants for women who had them done privately. Last week the UK government reaffirmed its view that the implants did not require routine removal....
02/02/2012Prostate cancer drug Abiraterone turned down by NICE, but available for patients with private medical coverAbiraterone, a drug that extends the life of prostate cancer sufferers, has been provisionally rejected for use on the NHS. However, it will still be available to patients with private medical insurance . ...
08/02/2012Hospital superbug C. difficle source is unclear, say scientistsScientists cannot explain how 75 per cent of people catch the superbug C. difficile, after a study showed that only a quarter of infections in one hospital system were traced to contact with a suffering...