Introduction
This article was written by Rodgers, Bradley and Michael. They were trying to investigate whether there was a need for several medical checks in terms of X-rays during the examination of accident victims. They had suggested that only one test was enough in order to avoid the hustles involved and to avoid over-exposure of radiation to the patients (Rogers, Bradley, & Michael, 1995).
Summary
The authors of this article believed that the number of radiographic examinations was unnecessarily many. They argued that they should be reduced to clinical needs. Whenever the doctors in the Accident and Emergency got patients from accidents, they were always involved in performing numerous X-ray examinations. These were deemed unnecessary since fractures could be detected using a single procedure as proposed by the authors. This is what is referred to as occipitomental radiography.
The authors conducted their research at Birmingham Accident Hospital. They also reviewed radiographs that were collected earlier. Of all the patients involved in the experiment, 60 of their radiographs were reviewed. The results suggested that out of all the assessors involved in diagnosing the presence or absence of fractures, the maxillofacial middle-grade practitioners were among the most correct. Others include the radiographers and the consultant trauma radiologists.
It was suggested that the radiographers could be used to assist casualty officers in the diagnosis. However, the study suggested that due to the high numbers of false-positive diagnoses, it would need the intervention of another professional. The clinician had to confirm the assessment provided initially. Therefore, the study suggested that by using only one occipitomental view and a few other views, the fractures could be detected correctly.
Strong and weak points
The strong point of the article is the authors are able to argue their position strongly using relevant research findings. One weakness identified is that the authors did not determine the optimum projection that would show C7/T1 in adults with the same condition.
Conclusion
This article clearly provides a solution to the risk of exposure of radiation to the patients using one procedure in the determination of the presence or absence of fractures. This also helps reduce the cost of diagnosis due to the use of numerous X-ray examinations.
References
Rogers, S., Bradley, S., & Michael, S. (1995). The diagnostic yield of only one occipito-mental radiograph in case of suspected midfacial trauma – or is one enough? British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 33, 90-92.