Missed fractures are a global challenge in trauma care. And we all know Radiology is facing supply shortages and rising demand around the world. If you’re in the trenches, I’m sure you feel the increasing pressures every day.
Missed fractures: A common challenge in trauma care
Missed fractures on plain-film X-rays are the most common diagnostic error in the emergency department (NHS, 2023). Maybe not surprisingly, the most frequently missed injuries in trauma units are extremity fractures (Bahramian et al., 2023).
Although it would be easy to point the finger at inexperienced readers, the quality of the radiograph, or subtle fractures, but the reality is that no matter the anatomical site, the majority of missed fractures are obvious (Pinto et al., 2018).
That’s just one reason we’re proud that NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recognized RBfracture™ by Radiobotics as one of four approved AI solutions to aid fracture detection on X-rays in urgent care settings across the NHS.
(Read their assessment: Artificial intelligence technologies to help detect fractures on X-rays in urgent care: early value assessment)
How can AI help?
RBfracture demonstrated exceptional performance in NICE’s assessment, improving diagnostic sensitivity and reducing the likelihood of missed fractures. When healthcare professionals used RBfracture, sensitivity increased from 74% to 83% (Bachmann et al., 2024), showcasing the potential of AI to support clinical decision-making without reducing specificity.
And we just introduced thoracic and lumbar spine fracture detection to RBfracture, extending its capabilities for trauma support.
So if you’re thinking about referring a patient for more advanced imaging, think RBfracture. Join us at booth AI-36 at ERC to grab a cup of coffee, learn more, and try your own cases on our free trial. See you then!
References
Bahramian M et al. Extremity fractures as the most common missed injuries: a prospective cohort in intensive care unit admitted multiple trauma patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(3):20-04
Pinto A et al. Traumatic fractures in adults: missed diagnosis on plain radiographs in the emergency department. Acta Biomed 2018;89(1-S):111-23
Bachmann R et al. Improving traumatic fracture detection on radiographs with artificial intelligence support: a multi-reader study. BJR Open 2024;6(1):tzae011
This article was originally published in RAD Magazine, the the voice of medical imaging and clinical oncology. You can read the original article here.
