The clinical implications of using a low threshold for computed tomography scans in older patients presenting with a proximal femur fracture.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Current guidelines recommend a low threshold for computerized tomography (CT) scanning in older patients presenting with low-energy trauma (LET). With the ageing of the population, this results in increased use of healthcare resources and costs. We aim to assess (1) the number of CT scans performed as part of the initial trauma screening, (2) their traumatic clinical implications, and (3) their non-traumatic clinical implications.

Methods

A retrospective study in patients ≥ 70 years presenting at a Dutch trauma centre with a proximal femur fracture following a LET between 2021 and 2022. We collected data concerning demographics, Clinical Frailty Scale, Injury Severity Score, number of CT scans and whether the results of these scans altered clinical management.

Res

SUBMITTER: van Westendorp S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11377457 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature