iPhone-based teleradiology for the diagnosis of acute cervico-dorsal spine trauma.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of iPhone-based teleradiology as a potential solution for the diagnosis of acute cervico-dorsal spine trauma.


METHODS
We have developed a solution that allows visualization of images on the iPhone. Our system allows rapid, remote, secure, visualization of medical images without storing patient data on the iPhone. This retrospective study is comprised of cervico-dorsal computed tomogram (CT) scan examination of 75 consecutive patients having clinically suspected cervico-dorsal spine fracture. Two radiologists reviewed CT scan images on the iPhone. Computed tomogram spine scans were analyzed for vertebral body fracture and posterior elements fractures, any associated subluxation-dislocation and cord lesion. The total time taken from the launch of viewing application on the iPhone until interpretation was recorded. The results were compared with that of a diagnostic workstation monitor. Inter-rater agreement was assessed.


RESULTS
The sensitivity and accuracy of detecting vertebral body fractures was 80% and 97% by both readers using the iPhone system with a perfect inter-rater agreement (kappa:1). The sensitivity and accuracy of detecting posterior elements fracture was 75% and 98% for Reader 1 and 50% and 97% for Reader 2 using the iPhone. There was good inter-rater agreement (kappa: 0.66) between both readers. No statistically significant difference was noted between time on the workstation and the iPhone system.


CONCLUSIONS
iPhone-based teleradiology system is accurate in the diagnosis of acute cervicodorsal spinal trauma. It allows rapid, remote, secure, visualization of medical images without storing patient data on the iPhone.
Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Jayesh
J
Modi
Pranshu
P
Sharma
Alex
A
Earl
Mark
M
Simpson
J Ross
JR
Mitchell
Mayank
M
Goyal
D000328:Adult; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods