Impact of introducing extremity cone-beam CT in an emergency radiology department: A population-based study

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal cone-beam CT (CBCT) recently appeared on the market, with image quality comparable to that of high-resolution CT. It was previously implemented mainly in craniofacial surgery and in orthopedic limb surgery for weight-bearing imaging, but without large-scale assessment in emergency settings. We therefore conducted a retrospective comparative study in an emergency radiology department: 1) to assess whether introduction of CBCT dedicated to extremity traumatology reduced radiation dose delivered to the patient undergoing cross-sectional imaging, 2) to assess whether it increased turnover, and 3) to study the feasibility and practical consequences. Study hypothesis Introducing CBCT dedicated to traumatology in an emergency radiology department reduces radiation dose related to cross-sectional imaging in extremity trauma.

Patients and methods: Two periods were distinguished: in May-November 2016, the only cross-sectional imaging available in our emergency radiology department was multi-detector CT (MDCT); in May-November 2017, both MDCT and CBCT were available. Thus, the population in period 1 (n=165) had undergone only MDCT extremity imaging, while patients in period 2 underwent either CBCT (n=139) or MDCT (n=85). Study parameters notably included dose-length product (DLP) and length of patient stay in the radiology department (turnover).

Results: Mean DLP was significantly reduced with the introduction of CBCT: 210.3±133.6 mGy.cm (range, 20-595) in period 1, versus 138.4±92.7 mGy.cm (range, 32-623) in period 2 (p<0.0001). Taking both periods together, mean DLP was 50.7% lower with CBCT (n=139) than MDCT (n=249): respectively, 101.6±14.9 mGy.cm (range, 50.6-126.9) versus 206.5±131.8 mGy.cm (range, 20-623) (p<0.0001). Turnover accelerated with the introduction of CBCT, with mean stay of 84.9minutes in period 1 versus 72.1minutes in period 2 (p=0.011). In period 2, turnover was 23.6% faster with CBCT than MDCT: respectively, 64.9minutes versus 85.0minutes (p=0.0004).

Discussion: Introducing CBCT dedicated to the extremities in an emergency radiology department was feasible. It reduced overall radiation dose and accelerated turnover.

Level of evidence: III; comparative case-control study.

Keywords: Bone fractures; Cone-beam Computed Tomography; Emergency department; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Radiology.