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There has been increased advanced imaging of extremities and the benefit of these have not been investigated. The major aim of this project is to investigate clinical practices and outcomes of imaging limb injuries.
In Australia, 3.7 million X-rays of distal extremities were taken in 2021, accounting for 34% of all X-rays performed (Services Australia, 2022). Both proximal and distal extremities accounted for 54% of all X-rays performed (Services Australia, 2022). Common reasons for these extremity X-rays include investigating fractures, dislocations, and foreign bodies (Fry, 2001). However, there were more than 500,000 X-rays for adjacent extremities (Services Australia, 2022). Simultaneously, 300,000 CT scans were performed on extremities in 2021, a 36% increase in just three years from 2018 (Services Australia, 2022). The diagnostic value of these X-rays and increased advanced imaging of extremities have not been investigated, yet they contribute to the increase in the use of hospital resources, cost of services, and increased radiation dose.
Diagnostic imaging is a mainstay in emergency and hospital departments and continues to provide clinicians with vital diagnostic information. Understanding the clinical practices around imaging and the diagnostic value of these imaging investigations may reduce the overuse of ionising radiation and cost and provide evidence for justifying and optimising imaging in hospital emergency departments. The major aim of this project is to investigate clinical practices and outcomes of imaging limb injuries. Specifically, the aims of the project are to:
1. Establish the practices around emergency physicians’ X-ray request for repeat imaging.
2. Investigate the diagnostic outcomes and value of repeated or advanced imaging after initial X-ray investigations.
3. Compare the patient’s clinical history to the imaging report findings of both the initial and advanced imaging requested and assess the proportion of advanced imaging that led to new clinically significant findings.
This project is appropriate for a PhD candidate.
If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Dr Dania Abu Awwad on dania.abuawwad@sydney.edu.au or Dr Ernest Ekpo on ernest.ekpo@sydney.edu.au
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3315