Osteoarthritis in the knee joint affects millions of people. A great many of those are sent for MRI studies to diagnose the problem. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons thinks this represents a bit of diagnostic overkill on the part of many physicians.
A study revealed at the at the 75th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has found that patients seeking treatment for arthritic knees should be given a weight-bearing X-ray first. X-rays are considerably less expensive and a much better tool for diagnosing arthritis in the knee joint.
According to Wayne Goldstein, MD, lead author on the study, clinical professor of orthopaedics at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and chairman of the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, “MRIs are being used in excess. Many doctors no longer talk to or examine their patients. Instead, they are going right for the technology." For further information the link to the AAOS study is here
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