The knee magnetic resonance order: can it be reduced by specialists?

Abstract

Materials and methods:We retrospectively reviewed 1,186 knee MRI reports from January 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015, using the computerized clinical history system. These were classified according to the origin of the request for the images (specialists in orthopedics and traumatology, residents of traumatology and other medical specialties). This information was explored for its characterization.Retrospective study. Level of evidence IV Results: We obtained 33% (389) normal report of knee, significantly lower (p <0.001) to 67% reporting injuries.The proportion of studies requested was mostly by specialists in orthopedics and traumatology (59%), followed by the proportion required by different medical specialties (27%) and by those prescribed by traumatology residents (13%). The percentages of normal reports of those studies requested were different (p <0.05) 29, 42 and 32%, respectively. Conclusion:In primary care by physicians and residents of traumatology, the request for knee MRI reports a high percentage of normal reports. Specialists in orthopedics and traumatology request this exam with greater demand and present greater findings of injuries.