This venerable author points out the risk of using technology rather than basic clinical skills when evaluating and managing patients.
A couple of sentences were eye catching.
"Examinations such as MRI and CT may cost 4 to 5 times more than ordinary radiographs. In many cases, however, much less expensive radiographs—preceded by a detailed careful history and physical examination—may suffice for making the diagnosis and treatment".
"We also must remember that not all diagnostic tests are harmless. Take, for instance, a CT scan. The amount of radiation exposure to one’s body from a CT scan is 50 to 100 times more millisieverts than that of an ordinary chest radiograph. The effects of this radiation stay in the body permanently and are additive. Cumulative radiation to surgeons from radiographs over 15 to 20 years increases the risk of cancer by 3 to 5 times "
"We also must remember that not all diagnostic tests are harmless. Take, for instance, a CT scan. The amount of radiation exposure to one’s body from a CT scan is 50 to 100 times more millisieverts than that of an ordinary chest radiograph. The effects of this radiation stay in the body permanently and are additive. Cumulative radiation to surgeons from radiographs over 15 to 20 years increases the risk of cancer by 3 to 5 times "
These thoughts surely apply to the evaluation of the arthritic shoulder. See our approach to the cost effective imaging of shoulder arthritis in this link.
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To see our new series of youtube videos on important shoulder surgeries and how they are done, click here.
To see our new series of youtube videos on important shoulder surgeries and how they are done, click here.
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