ArticleBMJ open2024
Low-value MRI of the knee in Norway: a register-based study to identify the proportion of potentially low-value MRIs and estimate the related costs.
Article in BMJ open, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
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Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed, 5 citations in OpenAlex.
- Variations in general practitioners' referrals to low-value MRI examinations in Norway: A nationwide register-based study.The European journal of general practice · 2026Article
- Comprehensive deep learning-assisted multi-condition analysis of knee MRI studies improves resident radiologist performance.European radiology · 2026Article
- Associations of clinical measures and structural knee magnetic resonance imaging findings with knee symptoms in a birth cohort of 33-year-old adults.Osteoarthritis and cartilage open · 2026Article
- Temporal and geographical variations in musculoskeletal imaging: a register-based study in Norway with focus on potential low-value imaging.Research in health services & regions · 2025Article
- An MRI-Based Method for the Morphologic Assessment of the Anterior Tibial Tuberosity.Journal of clinical medicine · 2024Article
- Assessing the Value of Imaging Data in Machine Learning Models to Predict Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients.Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 3 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesThe objective of this study is to investigate the proportion of potentially low-value knee MRI in Norway and to provide an estimate of the related costs.
designRegister study based on conditional data extraction and analysis of data from Control and Reimbursement of Healthcare Claims registry in Norway.
settingMRI in public specialist healthcare with universal health coverage (Norway).
participants48 212 MRIs for 41 456 unique patients and 45 946 reimbursement claims. OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of MRIs of the knee that (1) did not have a relevant tentative diagnosis prior to the knee MRI, (2) did not have a relevant alternative image of the knee before the MRI or (3) did not have a relevant code from the specialist care within 6 months after the MRI, and those that had combinations of 1, 2 and 3. Estimated costs for those that had combinations of 1, 2 and 3.
resultsVery few patients (6.4%) had a relevant diagnosis code or prior imaging examination when having the MRI and only 14.6% got a knee-related diagnosis code from the specialist care within 6 months after the MRI. 21.8% of the patients had knee X-ray, CT or ultrasound within 6 months before the MRI. Between 58% and 85% of patients having knee MRIs in Norway have no relevant examinations or diagnoses six months prior to or after the MRI examination. These examinations are unlikely to benefit patients and they correspond to between 24 108 and 35 416 MRIs at a cost of €6.7-€9.8 million per year.
conclusionA substantial proportion of MRIs of the knee in Norway have no relevant examinations or diagnoses before or after the MRI and are potentially of low value. Reducing low-value MRIs could free resources for high-value imaging, reduce waiting times, improve the quality of care and increase patient safety and professional integrity.
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