An audit on the use of a calibration marker for neck of femur fracture – X-rays: a useful but forgotten tool.

ABSTRACT NUMBER: NESS_2

 

AUTHOR
Miss Rebecca Martin

AFFILIATIONS
Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR CONTACT EMAIL
ku.ca.buq@73nitramr

MAIN ABSTRACT TEXT

Introduction
Neck of femur fractures are a common presentation and certain patients can be managed with a total hip replacement. To receive a total hip replacement the pelvic X-rays should be templated and a common way this is performed is by including a calibration marker on the X-ray. The aim of this study is to assess and improve upon the use of the calibration marker.

Method
Details of patients admitted with a neck of femur fracture from January 1st 2018 until December 31st 2018 were gathered and used to review each initial X-ray and determine if a calibration marker was included and if a chest X-ray was performed.

Results
376 patients were admitted with a neck of femur fracture over the one year period. 36% of patients did not have a calibration marker on their initial pelvic X-ray and 11% did not have a chest X ray. 215 patients had an intracapsular fracture and 39 went on to have a total hip replacement. 12 patients were lacking a calibration marker on their original X ray and required a repeat X ray.

Conclusion
In order to promote the use of the calibration marker we have produced a visual aid in the form of a poster placed in the radiographer booth and are re-auditing to show improvement in its use. All patients missing a chest X-ray received one at a later time.

This poster also reminds staff to perform a chest X-ray at the time of initial imaging.