The importance of surgeon judgment in obtaining early magnetic resonance imaging to prevent delays in care for acute subacromial injury: a retrospective comparative cohort study

Conclusions: Nearly 60% of patients undergoing initial MRI based on orthopaedic surgeon judgment had a full-thickness rotator cuff tear, significantly more than patients treated conservatively upon initial evaluation. Patients who first undergo conservative treatment for suspected acute subacromial injury experience a significant delay both in MRI and surgical intervention. Surgeon judgment is an important factor in the decision to obtain MRI in acute subacromial injury to prevent delays in care. Level of Evidence: Level III.
Source: Current Orthopaedic Practice - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Source Type: research