Radiography of the lumbar spine does not improve clinical outcomes

Reassurance of the patient and doctor is a common reason for doctors requesting radiography in patients with low back pain. On p 400 Kendrick et al report the findings of a randomised controlled trial of radiography in 421 patients in primary care who had had low back pain for at least six weeks. There was no evidence of any beneficial clinical outcomes, although those receiving radiography were more satisfied with their care. The authors conclude that guidelines should be consistent in not recommending radiography in such patients and doctors should not refer patients to radiography solely for reassurance.

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Relevant Article

Radiography of the lumbar spine in primary care patients with low back pain: randomised controlled trial

Denise Kendrick, Katherine Fielding, Elaine Bentley, Robert Kerslake, Paul Miller, and Mike Pringle
BMJ 2001 322: 400-405. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]