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REPORTING RADIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS OF SKELETAL TRAUMA The Role of Radiology in Trauma It should always be remembered that the radiograph is NOT the most important examination in the evaluation of trauma, nor should it substitute a good clinical and physical examination.
Impression / Diagnosis / Opinion The specific problem posed by the clinicians should be answered by the diagnostic impression gained from the objective patterns presented in the radiograph			THE REPORT 1) Impression / diagnosis / opinion of radiological appearances 2) Comment on the appearances which includes: a) Introductory remarks b) Description in general c) Anatomical positional change to include: Length Displacement Angulation Rotation of bone fragments 3) Additional statements such as suggesting a fracture could be pathological in nature 4) Further radiologic imaging recommendations
Introductory Remarks It may be appropriate to specify the projections obtained. But usually the norm is an AP and Lateral. It may be prudent to comment on any specific alternative / specialised projections obtained. Points to Include: Discuss immobilisation devices e.g. casts and splints. Talk of presence of clothing and effects in terms of soft tissue compression or production of image artefacts. Discuss use of non-standard techniques, especially if it results in a poor examination. The patients clinical condition may also be another factor. It should be remembered that the clinical question can be answered much more fully and easily if the clinical history is full and the appropriate question is asked from the clinical discussion on the card. Are you ready to write a report ?? If the answer is yes, try this. Check out this useful site, for some more advice.			Description in General When describing a fracture the following considerations need to be made: Is the fracture: 1. Open or closed 2. Complete or : Greenstick Torus or Buckle Bowing 3. Simple or comminuted 4. The fracture line's direction relative to the long axis of the bone i.e. Transverse Spiral Oblique Longitudinal The diaphysis of the bonecan be described in thirds and is divided into; Proximal Middle Distal E.G. "There is a transverse, simple fracture of the proximal third of the diaphysis of the right humerus" Or: "There is an ablique fracture of the left femoral diaphysis at the junction of the middle and distal thirds". Metaphysis (metaphyseal) - to indicate the widened part of the bone as it approaches a joint and is continuous with the diaphysis.