Imaging for Non-Specific Low Back Pain According to 'Smarter Medicine' - a Survey from Three General Practices

Abstract

Retrospective analysis of 228 conventional X-ray images of the lumbar spine from three general practices. Overall, about 75 % of the X-rays performed within six weeks after onset of pain were consistent with "smarter medicine" recommendations. Unsatisfactory pain improvement despite analgesics and/or physiotherapy was the most common reason for non-indicated (36.6 %), red flags [trauma (33.3 %), malignancy (19.5 %), osteoporosis (14.9 %)] for indicated (64.4 %) examinations. Per ten years of age, the probability of a non-indicated radiograph decreased by 20 % (p = 0.003). Three out of four conventional X-ray images of the lumbar spine were performed according to the recommendations of "smarter medicine" in the three practices. The further promotion of 'smarter medicine' is crucial to avoid unnecessary diagnostic or therapeutic interventions and to save costs.