Presentations 2020: OMFS

443 - A 2-cycle audit on post-operative radiographic imaging after surgical management of facial fractures- a retrospective study

RA Patel N Arikat R Mahoney AJ Cronin
Presented by: Raiees Patel
Cardiff Dental Hospital

Introduction: Post-operative radiographs are routinely taken following surgical management of patients with oral and maxillofacial fractures. As each exposure to radiation carries its own risk, this audit was carried out to determine whether there is valid justification for these post-operative radiographs. Primary aim: (i)To assess the number of patients that had post-operative radiographs following surgical repair of facial fractures. (ii) To determine the proportion of post-operative radiographs which have been adequately justified. Secondary aim: (iii) To find out how many post-operative images contributed to further management. Standards: 1st cycle-100% of post-operative x-rays only to be taken if necessary. 2nd cycle-100% of post-operative images requested should be deemed useful with reasonable justification (following 1st cycle presentation). Methods: Data was collected using the maxillofacial database and dental notes between August 2018-February 2019 for the first cycle, and July 2019-August 2019 for the second cycle. The inclusion criteria for both cycles were any patients who required surgical management of facial fractures. Results: Cycle 1- 50 patients underwent surgical treatment, 42 (84%) had post-operative radiographs and 7% of these were argued to be essential. In 3 cases with complications, imaging was useful in further management. Cycle 2- 19 patients underwent surgical treatment, 17 (89%) had post-operative radiographs and 82% of these were justified appropriately. In 2 cases with complications, imaging was useful in further management. Conclusion: The results of the audit drew up much discussion regarding post-operative imaging, but a consensus deemed that all images requested should have clear justifications. After educating staff following findings from cycle 1, results showed improvement in regard to justification of radiographs in Cycle 2.
Consent Statement: There are no details on individual patients reported within the abstract.

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