The effect of interventions on appropriate use of lumbar spine radiograph and CT examinations in young adults and children: a three-year follow-up

Background According to international guidelines, radiological examinations of the lumbar spine are of limited value and do not improve clinical outcome unless there are clinical red flags present suggesting serious pathology. Nevertheless, the utilization of lumbar spine imaging remains high. Purpose To follow up the effects of active referral guideline implementation and education on the number and appropriateness of lumbar spine radiographs and computed tomography (CT) examinations in young patients and to evaluate whether the appropriate radiographs have more significant findings. Material and Methods Referral guidelines for spine examinations and info pocket cards on radiation protection were distributed to referring practitioners. Educational lectures were provided annually. The number of lumbar spine radiographs and CT examinations on patients aged