Inadequate And Improper Labeling Of Plain Radiographic Films Of The Orofacial Region: Our Experience

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate how the labeling of
radiographic films of the orofacial region met with the minimum requirements in
clinical evaluation and patients' management.
Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of 504 orofacial
radiographic films seen at oral and maxillofacial surgery units of three specialist
hospitals in eastern Nigeria between 2001 and 2006 analyzing the proper
identification of Names of the patients, Dates the radiographic films were taken,
Sides in terms of right or left, Ages and Sexes of the patients on the films.
Results: Out of the 504 films analyzed, only 7 (1.4%) were adequately labeled
with reference to the five parameters stated above. There were 172 (34.1%)
posterior anterior view, 154 (30.6%) oblique lateral view, 106 (21%)
occipitomental view and 72 (14.3%) were submentovertical view.
Conclusion: There is poor and incomplete labeling of plain radiographic images
of the orofacial region in our environment making patients' identification and
proper diagnosis difficult. This paper therefore, calls on the radiographers to label
the plain radiographic films properly to assist clinicians in patients' identification
and make proper clinical evaluation less cumbersome.

Keywords: labeling, films, improper, Enugu

Ebonyi Medical Journal Vol. 7 (1&2) 2008: pp. 27-30