Photographic wound documentation of open fractures: an update for the digital generation.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the availability of working cameras in UK emergency departments and to discuss the merits of digital imaging over Polaroid.


METHODS
This study was conducted by means of a telephone questionnaire to 50 UK emergency departments.


RESULTS
It was found that 80% were able to produce either a working Polaroid or digital camera, and that 63% of emergency departments had a digital camera available.


CONCLUSIONS
We report a pronounced increase in the ability of emergency departments to photograph open fractures, due in part to the availability of digital cameras. We recommend the appropriate use of these tools in the management of open fractures.
Morgan
B W
BW
Macclesfield District General Hospital, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK. barnesmorgan@doctors.org.uk
Read
J R
JR
Solan
M C
MC
D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000473:pathology*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D010781:Photography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom