Title : Second cycle of distal radius fracture audit
Abstract:
Aim: To ensure compliance with the guidelines
Methodology: PACS used to identify patients who have had Radiographs of distal radius fractures in July 2023.Fractures classified into either stable or unstable based on the initial x ray appearances in ED out of cast
Interventions: Guidance(algorithm poster ) for repeating X rays for distal radius fractures was put in fracture clinic
Results: A total of 56 right distal radius fractures were followed up in fracture clinic in July 2023 we found that 24 patients had stable distal radius fractures. 32 of these patients found to have unstable fractures. 33% of patients with stable fractures (8 out of 24) had at least 1 repeat x rays, none of these 8 patients had further displacement on the 1st repeat radiograph nor on the 2nd repeat radiograph (7) or the third repeat radiograph (1) post injury. patients with unstable wrist fractures had significant comorbidities ( heart disease , stroke , severe frailty) and had at least one repeat Xray, with no surgical intervention resulting
Conslusion: 15 instances of radiographs which could have been avoided in the 2nd cycle compared to 30 radiographs in the first cycle. 67% compliance with BOAST point 12 for stable fractures in the 2nd cycle compared to 53% compliance in the first cycle.
