Faster diagnostics by digital X-ray imaging in the emergency room: a prospective study in multiple trauma patients

The object of this study was to provide evidence for a time-reduced diagnostic space in multiple trauma patients by use of a digital X-ray system in the emergency suite. The same algorithm was used in the first attention of 66 severely injured patients. For 21 patients from October 2000 to March 2001 (group 1) conventional X-rays (thorax, pelvis, spine and extremities) were performed in the analogue way, for 45 patients from April to December 2001 (group 2) the new digital system (Philips Optimum and Philips PCR AC 500) was used. The two groups were similar concerning age, sex and injury severity. The time-space from the patient's delivery in the emergency suite to the handing over in the operation theatre or intensive care unit was significantly lower in group 2 (87 +/- 33 min, p < 0.001) than in group 1 (121 +/- 49 min). Digital imaging with conventional X-rays in the first attention of multiple trauma patients reduces the diagnostic time by more than half an hour, when applying the same diagnostic algorithm.