The use of magnetic resonance imaging in acute knee injuries can be reduced by non-physician expert clinics

Randomized Clinical Feasibility Trial: Comparing a Restrictive and Protective Range-of-Motion Brace for the Nonsurgical Management of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the Knee

OBJECTIVES

(1) Assess medial collateral ligament (MCL) laxity differences in nonoperatively treated acute MCL and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-MCL injuries with 2 range of motion (ROM) knee brace settings. (2) Describe knee ROM, brace satisfaction, overall knee score, adherence, pain, quality of life, and knee function. (3) Assess feasibility of larger trial.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, single-blinded feasibility clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-four adults with acute moderate-to-severe isolated MCL or combined ACL-MCL injuries at the University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre.

INTERVENTION

Random assignment to the protected (0-90 degrees) or restricted (30-90 degrees) brace group. Four weeks of constant brace wearing, followed by daytime wear until 6 weeks. Rehabilitation exercises prescribed from 2 weeks onward. Follow-up for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical outcomes included side-to-side difference (SSD) MCL laxity (mm) at 30 degrees knee flexion and 0 degree, ROM, patient-reported pain, overall knee ratings, brace satisfaction, daily adherence, international knee documentation committee subjective, and ACL-quality of life (QOL) collected throughout 12 weeks (baseline, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks). The outcome assessor was masked to treatment group allocation.

RESULTS

At 12 weeks, 73% had <1 mm SSD valgus laxity at 30 degrees knee flexion, with 82% in the restricted group and 67% in the protected group. All patients reported improved pain; none suffered a loss of knee ROM by 12 weeks. The 30 to 90 degrees brace group trended toward better adherence, satisfaction, function, overall knee scores, and QOL. A larger RCT would be feasible but challenging because of sample size needs and slow recruitment.

CONCLUSIONS

Favorable outcomes for bracing moderate-to-severe MCL injuries at 30 to 90 degrees for 6 weeks were observed in this feasibility trial.

Positive Effect of a Financial Incentive on Radiologist Compliance With Quality Metric Placement in Knee Radiography Reports

PURPOSE

Ongoing quality improvement (QI) processes in the authors' department include the insertion of a Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) osteoarthritis grading template in knee radiography reports to decrease unnecessary MRI. However, uniform adoption of this grading system is lacking. Department-wide financial incentives were instituted to improve compliance with QI metrics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a financial incentive on KL grading system use and to compare compliance rates of musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologists with those of general radiologists who were not financially incentivized to use KL grading.

METHODS

Percentages of all knee radiography reports containing KL grading with standardized follow-up recommendations were determined by querying the departmental radiology database before and after the introduction of the new quality-based financial incentive. Preincentive compliance rates for MSK and general radiologists were compared with an adoption period and two separate 6-month postincentive periods.

RESULTS

In total, 52,673 reports were retrospectively analyzed for KL grading use (41,670 reports interpreted by MSK radiologists and 11,003 interpreted by general radiologists). Increase in compliance was greatest among MSK radiologists' reports during the incentivized adoption period (from 36.1% to 53.2%). This improvement was sustained among MSK radiologists and averaged 62.7% during the most recently studied postimplementation period. A lesser degree of improvement in compliance was observed in nonincentivized general radiologists' reports (from 19.3% to 27.5%); during the postimplementation follow-up period, their compliance decreased to 26.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of a financial incentive resulted in significantly increased adoption of QI practices with sustained improvement among incentivized MSK radiologists compared with nonincentivized general radiologists.

Development of a Soft Tissue Knee Clinical Decision-Making Tool for Patients Presenting to Primary Point-of-Care Providers in Alberta, Canada

Several barriers exist in Alberta, Canada to providing accurate and accessible diagnoses for patients presenting with acute knee injuries and chronic knee problems. In efforts to improve quality of care for these patients, an evidence-informed clinical decision-making tool was developed. Forty-five expert panelists were purposively chosen to represent stakeholder groups, various expertise, and each of Alberta Health Services' 5 geographical health regions. A systematic rapid review and modified Delphi approach were executed with the intention of developing standardized clinical decision-making processes for acute knee injuries, atraumatic/overuse conditions, knee arthritis, and degenerative meniscus. Standardized criteria for screening, history-taking, physical examination, diagnostic imaging, timelines, and treatment were developed. This tool standardizes and optimizes assessment and diagnosis of acute knee injuries and chronic knee problems in Alberta. This project was a highly collaborative, province-wide effort led by Alberta Health Services' Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network (BJH SCN) and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI).

Exploring the impact of diagnostic imaging decision support embedded in an electronic referral solution on the appropriate ordering of magnetic resonance imaging for patients with knee pain: a retrospective chart review

RATIONAL AND OBJECTIVE

Requests for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams have notably increased in Canada. However, many of these exams may not always be indicated. The Joint Department of Medical Imaging and the eReferral Program have worked collaboratively to embed an integrated clinical decision support (DS) tool within the eReferral process for diagnostic imaging requests. This retrospective chart review aimed to assess the necessity of MRI exams for knee pain patients at the point of referral in relation to the referral method (no DS tools within fax- vs. DS tools within eReferral).

METHODS

Seven hundred and seventeen medical charts of routine MRI referral requests to an Ontario Hospital for patients with knee complaints were reviewed during the study period. The necessity of the MRI exams was evaluated using the supporting algorithm and knee pathway appropriateness guidelines. MRI exams were considered necessary if requested for symptoms or signs that align with best-practice standards, complemented with sound clinical assessment or history of a radiography scan before ordering an MRI.

RESULTS

In general, MRI requests made through eReferral were 13.289 times more likely to be necessary orders than those made through fax. The likelihood of referring patients for a necessary MRI exam was higher for eReferral than fax for the year 2018/2019 (53.0% vs. 26.8%, P < 0.001) and for the year 2019/2020 (58.5% vs. 16.3%, P < 0.001). In addition, the rate of ordering X-ray as the proper initial imaging scan for patients presenting with knee pain has steadily increased by 10% over the year for users of the eReferral platform compared to a decrease of 7% for those using fax.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the positive impact of integrating DS tools at the point of referral in supporting the ordering of necessary MRI scans, suggesting that service re-design and implementation of automated assistive technology services would impact patient care.

Consensus for a primary care clinical decision-making tool for assessing, diagnosing, and managing shoulder pain in Alberta, Canada

Background

Shoulder pain is a highly prevalent condition and a significant cause of morbidity and functional disability. Current data suggests that many patients presenting with shoulder pain at the primary care level are not receiving high quality care. Primary care decision-making is complex and has the potential to influence the quality of care provided and patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a clinical decision-making tool that standardizes care and minimizes uncertainty in assessment, diagnosis, and management.

Methods

First a rapid review was conducted to identify existing tools and evidence that could support a comprehensive clinical decision-making tool for shoulder pain. Secondly, provincial consensus was established for the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients presenting to primary care with shoulder pain in Alberta, Canada using a three-step modified Delphi approach. This project was a highly collaborative effort between Alberta Health Services’ Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network (BJH SCN) and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI).

Results

A clinical decision-making tool for shoulder pain was developed and reached consensus by a province-wide expert panel representing various health disciplines and geographical regions. This tool consists of a clinical examination algorithm for assessing, diagnosis, and managing shoulder pain; recommendations for history-taking and identification of red flags or additional concerns; recommendations for physical examination and neurological screening; recommendations for the differential diagnosis; and care pathways for managing patients presenting with rotator cuff disease, biceps pathology, superior labral tear, adhesive capsulitis, osteoarthritis, and instability.

Conclusions

This clinical decision-making tool will help to standardize care, provide guidance on the diagnosis and management of shoulder pain, and assist in clinical decision-making for primary care providers in both public and private sectors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01544-3.

Unnecessary ordering of magnetic resonance imaging of the knee: A retrospective chart review of referrals to orthopedic surgeons

There is a noticeable increase in the unnecessary ordering of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the knee in older patients. This quality improvement study assessed the frequency of unnecessary pre-consultation knee MRIs and investigated the effect on the outcome of the patients' consultation with the orthopedic surgeon. 650 medical charts of patients aged 55 years or older referred to an orthopedic clinic with knee complaints were reviewed. Patients arriving with a pre-consultation MRI were identified, and the usefulness of the MRI was evaluated using the appropriateness criteria developed to support this study. Of the 650 patient charts reviewed, 225 patients presented with a pre-consultation MRI, 76% of which were not useful for the orthopedic surgeon. The ordered knee MRI scans were considered not useful because they were requested for confirmed meniscal tear for patients ≥55 years, suspected degenerative disorder and ligament/tendon injury, or for patients with severe osteoarthritis without locking or extension. These MRI scans were done despite the absence of signs of effusion, tenderness, soft tissue swelling, decreased range of motion, or difficulty of weight-bearing, a lack of persistent knee joint pain at the time of assessment, or with no x-ray before ordering MRI. Half of the patients with a pre-consult MRI did not present with plain radiographs of their knee, however, 35% of those still required an x-ray to be ordered at the time of the surgical consult. A logistic regression analysis on post-consult disposition found that patients with pre-consult MRI were less likely to be considered for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (OR 0.424, CI 0.258-0.698, p = 0.001). Patients assessed by an advanced practice physiotherapist prior to referral for surgical consult were 4.47 more likely to have TKA (CI 2.844-7.039, p< 0.000). Most of the pre-consult knee MRIs were deemed as unnecessary for the orthopedic surgeon's clinical decision-making. This study highlights the potential benefits of following a comprehensive model of care within the referral process to reduce the unnecessary high orders of pre-consult MRI scans.

Towards improving the identification of anterior cruciate ligament tears in primary point-of-care settings

Background

Only a small proportion of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are diagnosed on initial healthcare consultation. Current clinical guidelines do not acknowledge that primary point-of-care practitioners rely more heavily on a clinical history than special clinical tests for diagnosis of an ACL tear. This research will assess the accuracy of combinations of patient-reported variables alone, and in combination with clinician-generated variables to identify an ACL tear as a preliminary step to designing a primary point-of-care clinical decision support tool.

Methods

Electronic medical records (EMRs) of individuals aged 15–45 years, with ICD-9 codes corresponding to a knee condition, and confirmed (ACL⁺) or denied (ACL⁻) first-time ACL tear seen at a University-based Clinic between 2014 and 2016 were eligible for inclusion. Demographics, relevant diagnostic indicators and ACL status based on orthopaedic surgeon assessment and/or MRI reports were manually extracted. Descriptive statistics calculated for all variables by ACL status. Univariate between group comparisons, clinician surveys (n = 17), availability of data and univariable logistic regression (95%CI) were used to select variables for inclusion into multivariable logistic regression models that assessed the odds (95%CI) of an ACL-tear based on patient-reported variables alone (consistent with primary point-of-care practice), or in combination with clinician-generated variables. Model performance was assessed by accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (95%CI).

Results

Of 1512 potentially relevant EMRs, 725 were included. Participant median age was 26 years (range 15–45), 48% were female and 60% had an ACL tear. A combination of patient-reported (age, sport-related injury, immediate swelling, family history of ACL tear) and clinician-generated (Lachman test result) variables were superior for ACL tear diagnosis [accuracy; 0.95 (90,98), sensitivity; 0.97 (0.88,0.98), specificity; 0.95 (0.82,0.99)] compared to the patient-reported variables alone [accuracy; 84% (77,89), sensitivity; 0.60 (0.44,0.74), specificity; 0.95 (0.89,0.98)].

Conclusions

A high proportion of individuals without an ACL tear can be accurately identified by considering patient-reported age, injury setting, immediate swelling and family history of ACL tear. These findings directly inform the development of a clinical decision support tool to facilitate timely and accurate ACL tear diagnosis in primary care settings.

Team-based musculoskeletal assessment and healthcare quality indicators: A systematic review

The primary objective of this review was to describe health quality indicator (HQI) outcomes of team-based musculoskeletal (MSK) assessments aimed at directing patient care. Secondary objectives included determining the most commonly assessed HQIs, extent of team collaboration, and the healthcare practitioners that most commonly comprise MSK-assessment teams. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched to August 2017. Studies selected met a priori inclusion criteria and investigated an HQI outcome of a primary or intermediate care MSK team-based assessment aimed at directing treatment. Two independent raters assessed study quality [Downs and Black (DB) criteria] and level of evidence (Oxford Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine model). Ten studies were included. The majority were low-quality [median DB score 14/32 (range 6-18)] pre-experimental studies (level 4 evidence). Heterogeneity in methodology and HQIs precluded meta-analyses. Hospital length-of-stay (LOS; 3/10 studies) and pain level (3/10) were the most common HQIs investigated. Teams (9/10) were most commonly comprised of a physiotherapist and another healthcare practitioner. Most teams (8/10) demonstrated low-levels of collaboration. There is limited low-level evidence to suggest that team-based MSK assessments are associated with improved clinical outcomes (i.e., pain, quality-of-life) and shorter LOS.

A Day in the Life of MRI: The Variety and Appropriateness of Exams Being Performed in Canada

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the volumes and types of magnetic resonance imaging exams being performed across Canada, common indications for the exams, and exam appropriateness using multiple evaluation tools.

Methods

Thirteen academic medical institutions across Canada participated. Data were obtained relating to a single common day, October 1, 2014. Patient demographics, type by anatomic region and indication for imaging were analysed. Each exam was assessed for appropriateness via the Canadian Association of Radiologists Referral Guidelines and the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria. The Alberta and Saskatchewan spine screening forms and the Alberta knee screening form were also used where applicable. The proportion of exams that were unscorable, appropriate, and inappropriate was determined. Exam-level results were compared between the 2 main evaluation tools.

Results

Data were obtained for 1087 relevant exams. There were 591 women and 460 men. 36 requisitions did not indicate the patient's sex. Brain exams were the most common, comprising 32.5% of the sample. Cancer was the most common indication. Overall, 87.0%–87.4% of the MR exams performed were appropriate; 6.6%–12.6% were inappropriate, based on the 2 main evaluation tools. Results differed by anatomic region; spine exams had the highest proportion, with nearly one-third of exams deemed inappropriate.

Conclusion

Variations by anatomic region indicate that focused exam request evaluation or screening methods could substantially reduce inappropriate imaging.

Using the modified Delphi method to establish clinical consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with rotator cuff pathology

Background

Patients presenting to the healthcare system with rotator cuff pathology do not always receive high quality care. High quality care occurs when a patient receives care that is accessible, appropriate, acceptable, effective, efficient, and safe. The aim of this study was twofold: 1) to develop a clinical pathway algorithm that sets forth a stepwise process for making decisions about the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff pathology presenting to primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare settings; and 2) to establish clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff pathology to inform decision-making processes within the algorithm.

Methods

A three-step modified Delphi method was used to establish consensus. Fourteen experts representing athletic therapy, physiotherapy, sport medicine, and orthopaedic surgery were invited to participate as the expert panel. In round 1, 123 best practice statements were distributed to the panel. Panel members were asked to mark “agree” or “disagree” beside each statement, and provide comments. The same voting method was again used for round 2. Round 3 consisted of a final face-to-face meeting.

Results

In round 1, statements were grouped and reduced to 44 statements that met consensus. In round 2, five statements reached consensus. In round 3, ten statements reached consensus. Consensus was reached for 59 statements representing five domains: screening, diagnosis, physical examination, investigations, and treatment. The final face-to-face meeting was also used to develop clinical pathway algorithms (i.e., clinical care pathways) for three types of rotator cuff pathology: acute, chronic, and acute-on-chronic.

Conclusion

This consensus guideline will help to standardize care, provide guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff pathology, and assist in clinical decision-making for all healthcare professionals.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12874-016-0165-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.