TY - M-10255
AU - Basel, Suman
AU - Bhandari, Pramod
AU - Bajracharya, Gaurav
AU - Shrestha, Shriraj
TI - Improving adequacy of orthopaedics lumbosacral Spine X-rays and minimizing re-exposure rates: A study in a tertiary hospital
T2 - Scientific Research Journal of Medical and Health Science

PY - 2025
VL - 3
IS - 1
SN - 2584-1521

AB - BackgroundLumbosacral spine (LS) X-rays are essential diagnostic tools in orthopaedic and spinal practice, aiding in the evaluation of conditions such as trauma, degenerative diseases, infections, and deformities. However, inadequate imaging can lead to diagnostic uncertainty, repeat radiographs, increased radiation exposure, delayed clinical decision-making, and unnecessary healthcare costs. This audit aimed to assess the adequacy of LS spine X-rays ordered by the Orthopaedics Department in a tertiary hospital, identify factors contributing to poor-quality imaging, and implement interventions to reduce re-exposure rates.AimThis study aimed to improve adequacy rates of Orthopaedic lumbosacral spine X-rays and decrease re-exposure rates.MethodsThis was a three-phase observational audit conducted over 1 year at a tertiary hospital, evaluating all lumbosacral spine X-rays ordered by the Orthopaedics Department. Each phase lasted three months, followed by stakeholder meetings to review findings and implement interventions. Image adequacy was assessed using predefined radiographic criteria based on international guidelines. Interventions included radiographer training, standardized imaging protocols, and a quality control checklist. The primary outcome was the proportion of adequate X-rays, while the secondary outcome was the re-exposure rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (percentage change) to assess improvements across phases.ResultsThe adequacy of image improved significantly from 82.5% at the first phase to 95.1% in the final phase, and re-exposure rates dropped from 3.125% to 0%.Keywords: Lumbosacral spine, Radiograph adequacy, Clinical audit, Re-exposure, Quality improvement

KW - Lumbosacral spine
KW - Radiograph adequacy
KW - Quality improvement
KW - Clinical audit
KW - Re-exposure
DO -