ArticleGeriatric orthopaedic surgery & rehabilitation2020
Is There a Role for CT Pan-Scans in the Initial Workup of Fragility Fracture Patients?
Article in Geriatric orthopaedic surgery & rehabilitation, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- The Utility of Pan-Scan Imaging in Older Patients After Ground-Level Falls: A Comparative Study.Cureus · 2025Article
- CT pan-scanning versus targeted imaging among older adults after ground level falls.Trauma surgery & acute care open · 2025Article
- Development of Imaging Criteria for Geriatric Blunt Trauma Patients.The Journal of surgical research · 2023Article
- Does a fall from a standing height warrant computed tomography in an elderly patient with polytrauma?World journal of emergency medicine · 2023Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionComputed tomography (CT) pan-scans have become increasingly commonplace as part of the initial diagnostic workup for patients sustaining traumatic injuries. They have proven effective in improving diagnostic accuracy in those with high-energy mechanisms of injury. However, the utility of pan-scans in the geriatric population sustaining low-energy traumatic injuries remains unproven.
methodsA retrospective review was conducted of patients who sustained a fragility fracture at a level-1 trauma center over a 15-month period. Radiologist interpretations of any CT pan-scans were reviewed for acute findings, and charts were reviewed for resulting changes in orthopedic and nonorthopedic management. Additionally, mechanism of injury, definitive management, time to surgery, length of stay, level of care at discharge, and demographic data were compared against similar patients who did not receive a pan-scan.
resultsOf the 109 patients who underwent a CT pan-scan, 1 (0.92%) had a change in orthopedic treatment. Twelve (11.01%) patients had changes to their nonorthopedic management. In addition, 14 other patients had one or more consultations obtained based on pan-scan results that did not result in any change in management.
conclusionThis study demonstrates whole-body CT imaging provides little benefit in geriatric patients who sustain fragility fractures and should be utilized judiciously and in a targeted fashion instead of as a routine part of trauma surgery or emergency department protocol in this patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Retrospective Study.
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