Should I scan or should I scope?

Acton, D; Craig, D · Knee · 2000

expert_opinion · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

This paper proposes a clinical points-based method that can be used by less experienced orthopaedic surgeons who are faced with the dilemma 'Should I scan or should I scope?' By considering the history, the age of the patient and the clinical findings one can expect diagnostic performance equivalent to magnetic resonance imaging. The cost of MRI services must be considered when selecting patients for this investigation. We have suggested a threshold for requesting an MRI scan depending on the relative costs.