MRI of Meniscal Lesions: Soft-Copy (PACS) and Hard-Copy Evaluation Versus Reviewer Experience

Abstract

Differences in the diagnostic performance of suspected meniscal tears depend on reviewer experience rather than on the type of documentation.

Comparison of PACS and Hard-copy 51-inch Radiographs for Measuring Leg Length and Deformity

“…They concluded that standing full-length radiographs are as equally reliable as a scanogram for measuring LLD. Other studies report no differences in the reliability, accuracy, and diagnostic performance of digital imaging versus hard-copy radiographs [1,2,4,6,7,9,13] . By comparing all the extremity lengths and angular variations, and on valuating the difference in data, the digitally acquired images in PACS permit a smooth transition in clinical reliability.…”

“…Sanfridsson [11] warned that protocols must be established to appropriately measure distances and angles on these digital images. An investigation of the use of softcopy digital imaging concluded PACS had minimal influence in diagnostic errors [7], and as long as high-quality monitors are used at the workstations, interpretation of PACS-derived radiographs is substantially similar to that for hard-copy radiographic analysis [3,7]. Digital measurement on PACS allows enhancements of images, for example, brightness, contrast, and magnification can be adjusted to better see important landmarks that are used for measurement.…”

“…Several studies have compared the reliability, accuracy, and diagnostic performance of digital imaging versus hard-copy radiographs for fracture interpretation [1], interpretation of sonograms [2], hand radiographs [4], chest, brain, and abdominal CT scans [6,13], MRI for meniscal tears [7], chest radiographs [13], and comparison of standing full-length radiographs versus scanograms for patients with LLD [9]. These studies found no differences for either system.…”

Can Paper Replace Laser Film to Communicate the Results of Wrist Radiographs in Trauma Cases? A Reproducibility Study of the Reading of Wrist Trauma Case Radiographs on a PACS Workstation, Laser Film, and Paper

“…The widespread installation of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) has changed working methods, and today, the reading of radiological images on screen is largely accepted [1][2][3]. However, in France, PACS at different institutions are not yet connected, and physicians rarely work in the health facility concerned.…”

Cloud-based Preoperative Planning for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Study of Accuracy, Efficiency, and Compliance

“…On-screen evaluation of digital imaging does not affect the accuracy of interpretation. [6][7][8] However, when printed digital radiographs are combined with acetate overlay templating, correct component size is predicted accurately only 69% of the time. 9 Studies investigating the accuracy of digital templating have produced varied results.…”