Cost-effectiveness of MRI in managing suspected scaphoid fractures.
In a cost-effectiveness study, we compared a treatment algorithm using repeated radiological examination with an algorithm using subacute MRI in patients with clinical signs of scaphoid fracture but normal initial radiography. Twenty-seven patients were included in both groups, and MRI reduced the immobilisation time from 20 days (range, 6-54) to 4 days (range, 1-19) and sick leave from 27 days (1-92) to 11 days (0-28). Use of MRI increased hospital costs by 151 euro (P<0.05), but reduced non-hospital costs by 2869 euro (P<0.05), making MRI cost-effective in the treatment of suspected scaphoid fractures.
Hansen
T B
TB
Department of Orthopaedics, Section of Hand Surgery, Unit Regional Hospital Holstebro, Holstebro, Denmark. tbhansen@dadlnet.dk
Petersen
R B
RB
Barckman
J
J
Uhre
P
P
Larsen
K
K
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004526:Efficiency; D004651:Employment / Q000191:economics; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D021361:Scaphoid Bone / Q000293:injuries*; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000191:economics; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult