Plain radiography more frequent imaging modality over CT for maxillofacial trauma

Clinicians may commonly use a less favorable type of imaging when performing the initial examination of patients with maxillofacial trauma.

In a retrospective study published in JAMA Network Open, investigators used administrative claims data from the Merative MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database to analyze the use of plain radiography versus guideline-concordant computed tomography among a group of more than 280,000 adult patients presenting with maxillofacial trauma between 2013 and 2022. They stressed that plain radiography often provides limited diagnostic value in these types of injuries.

The investigators discovered that more than one-quarter of the patients involved in the study received plain radiography during initial imaging; however, the use of plain radiography declined from nearly 33% to 18% by the end of the study period.

The investigators emphasized the need for strategies to improve adherence to recommended imaging types in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy, minimize costs and provide higher quality patient care.

Read more: JAMA Network Open

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.