Usefulness of X-Rays in the Evaluation of Patients with Pains of the Upper Limb

Abstract

The conventional use of x-rays in radiodiagnosis is widely
obtainable in Nigeria. This study was intended, therefore to
determine the usefulness of x-rays to evaluate pains of the
upper-limb in aspects of its contribution to diagnosis, cost,
patient care and management and the views for detailed
information. Adopting judgemental sampling, a nonprobability
sampling, approach was used. A total of two
hundred and forty seven (247) radiographs were handpicked
using the request forms and radiologist reports on the
radiographs. The results obtained showed that the use of xrays
to evaluate pain of the upper limb contributed 47.70% to
therapeutic decision, cost, patient care and management.
Oblique view had a positive outcome of 51.50% as against
posterior anterior and lateral views which had 27.14% and
22.16% respectively. In comparison, computed tomography
(CT) scans of 72 patients showed that 68.06% of the cases
were diagnosed as pain resulting trauma, spondylosis,
ostemomyelitis and narrowing of disc spaces. The CT scan
result showed an improvement over conventional x-ray and an
added advantage to therapeutic decision making and patient
care/management. It was concluded that the use of other
imaging modalities in our hospitals should supplement the use
of conventional x-rays on pains of the upper limb to remove
doubt on therapeutic decisions in our health institutions.