ArticleSkeletal radiology2026
Radiological follow-up in metacarpal fractures: necessity, costs, and environmental impact.
Article in Skeletal radiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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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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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesMetacarpal fractures are common injuries that are frequently managed with repeated radiological follow-up, although the clinical value of routine imaging is uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and clinical impact of follow-up imaging in patients with metacarpal fractures treated operatively or non-operatively, and to quantify the associated financial and environmental impact. MATERIALS AND
methodsThis retrospective study evaluated adult patients with metacarpal fractures treated non-operatively or operatively at a Dutch level 2 trauma center between 2017 and 2022. Radiology reports and medical records were reviewed to assess whether follow-up imaging led to treatment modification. Additionally, the corresponding financial and environmental impact was calculated.
resultsA total of 2342 patients were included (median age 32 years; 28% female). Among initially non-operatively treated patients (n = 1978), 1.1% (n = 22) required conversion to surgery. The overall cost associated with this 1% conversion amounted to €230,000, with an estimated environmental impact of 2711 kg CO₂-eq. Among operatively treated patients (n = 386), postoperative imaging rarely prompted re-operation (0.3%, n = 1). The total costs associated with 0.3% re-operation were €171,000 and an associated environmental impact of 1801 kg CO₂-eq. Together, the impact equals almost one trip around the world by car.
conclusionsRoutine radiological follow-up after the initial decision for operative or non-operative treatment in metacarpal fractures provided minimal clinical benefit. A symptom-driven approach may optimize care while reducing unnecessary financial and environmental burden. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
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