Initial Imaging for Adults With Maxillofacial Trauma in a National Claims Database.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Plain radiography offers limited diagnostic value in maxillofacial trauma and is considered low-value care. Yet, when imaging is indicated, plain radiography remains commonly used despite guidelines favoring computed tomography (CT).

Objective

To examine national trends in, factors associated with, and consequences of low-value plain radiography use in the initial imaging of adults with maxillofacial trauma.

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective cohort study used a population-based sample of administrative claims data from the Merative MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022. Participants were adults aged 18 years or older with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision

SUBMITTER: Wong GC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12914484 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature