Acute trauma: radiodiagnostic procedures just 'to be on the safe side' an illusion
Buskens, E.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 150(40): 2178-2179
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 17061426 Document Number: 604952
In acute traumas it is important to be aware that hidden injuries may influence the prognosis adversely if they are not discovered in time. In cases of serious trauma where there is a real risk of attendant injury, following an advanced trauma life support (ATLS) protocol will help ensure that those abnormalities which ought not to be missed, will not be missed. This, however, is not an excuse for unlimited radiodiagnostic investigations in every case of trauma. Only genuinely relevant investigations should be carried out, supported by proof of their appropriateness.