Analysis of Missed Fractures in Polytrauma Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of missed fractures in severe multiple trauma patients and to analyze any differences in treatment plan, after whole body bone scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2012 to December 2013, 49 patients were confirmed to have multiple trauma with an injury severity score (ISS) of 16 or higher. Whole body bone scan was performed at an average of 15.7 days (7-25) after injury. Missed fractures were diagnosed according to physical examination and additional radiologic reports. Locations and patterns of missed fractures were analyzed. We evaluated any differences in treatment plan after the diagnosis of missed fractures. RESULTS: Missed fractures were diagnosed in 14 patients (16 cases) on the whole body bone scan. The most frequent location was the knee (three cases), followed by rib, clavicle, carpal bone, and foot. Seven cases were occult fractures, five cases were undisplaced fractures and four cases were displaced fractures. Conservative treatment was administered in 15 patients and surgery was necessary in one patient. CONCLUSION: Delayed or missed diagnosis of fractures occurred frequently in patients of multiple trauma with a high ISS. Whole body bone scan appears to be effective in finding missed fractures in the whole body. Definitive assessment should be supplemented after initial trauma care in order to reduce the rate of missed fractures.