Avoiding miscommunication in acute musculoskeletal trauma cases: use of standardized reporting and classification schemes.

Classification schemes can be a key element of a structured radiology report, providing succinct guidance for clinical decision making. Classification systems delineate the location and morphological characteristics of fractures (diagnosis), may provide a graded measure of severity (prognosis), and ideally guide treatment options. Reports structured in this fashion optimize communication between the physician interpreting the examination and the physician directing the patient's treatment.

Cervical ribs: identification on MRI and clinical relevance.

To determine the prevalence of cervical ribs on cervical spine MRI and clinical relevance, we reviewed 2500 studies for cervical ribs and compression of neurovascular structures and compared to CT, when available. Brachial plexus or subclavian artery contact by cervical rib was identified on MRI and/or CT in 12 cases with diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome in one. Cervical ribs were identified on 1.

Reporting of critical findings in neuroradiology.

Objective: The objective of our study was to assess compliance among academic neuroradiologists in reporting institutionally derived critical findings.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed 3054 neuroradiology CT and MRI reports generated in 1 month. Reports were categorized by whether or not they contained a critical finding based on a previously established list.