RESEARCH ARTICLE
Consultation of Orthopaedics Cases Using Multimedia Messaging Services
Vivek Eranki*, Justin Munt, Ming J Lim, Robert Atkinson
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2010Volume: 4
First Page: 164
Last Page: 168
Publisher ID: TOORTHJ-4-164
DOI: 10.2174/1874325001004010164
Article History:
Received Date: 11/1/2010Revision Received Date: 3/2/2010
Acceptance Date: 10/3/2010
Electronic publication date: 23/4/2010
Collection year: 2010

open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.
Abstract
Background:
Frequently, radiological data is transferred verbally between the Emergency Department (ED) and orthopaedic registrar. Given the different language skills and medical experience of health staff, there is often a limit to the adequacy of the verbal description that could lead to suboptimal patient care. This study proposes that concurrent review of MMS teleradiology with traditional verbal reporting results in a significant therapeutic benefit.
Methods:
Case notes of 40 patients who presented to ED were reviewed. Images were captured and sent to an Orthopaedic registrar along with a brief clinical synopsis. Information was collected on the diagnosis of the MMS radiograph, need for urgent admission and management plan outlined to ED.
Results:
Correct diagnosis was made in 27 of 40 cases. Using the latest technology available, MMS teleradiology had 79% sensitivity, 83% specificity and an accuracy of 80%. 50% of paediatric fractures and 60% of undisplaced fractures were diagnosed successfully.
Conclusion:
MMS teleradiology is not suitable by itself as a remote diagnostic tool. However, when combined with existing clinical practice, it is effective in screening patients, enhances confidence in decision making and communication between doctors.