Management of scaphoid fractures with CT scanning and virtual fracture clinic pathway reduces need for face-to-face clinic appointments

Introduction Early diagnosis is key to managing scaphoid fractures effectively. Computed tomography (CT) imaging can be effective if plain radiographs are negative. With increasing pressure on face-to-face clinics, consultant-led virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) are becoming increasingly popular. This study evaluates the management of patients with suspected scaphoid fractures using a standardised treatment protocol involving CT imaging and VFC evaluation. Methods The study was conducted at a busy district general hospital. The pathway began in February 2018. Patients presenting to the emergency department with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture but an indeterminate radiograph had a CT scan, which was then reviewed in the VFC. Patients with a confirmed fracture were seen in a face-to-face clinic; patients without a confirmed fracture were discharged. Patient pathway outcome measures were analysed pre- and post-pathway, and a cost analysis was performed. Results A total of 164 pre-pathway patients (93%) were given a face-to-face fracture clinic appointment; 76 were discharged after their first visit. Nine patients seen in clinic had a CT scan and were discharged with no fracture. If these patients had been referred to the VFC, had CT scans and been directly discharged, it would have saved 1,629 pound. A total of 41 patients from the post-pathway group (37%) had a CT scan and were discharged from the VFC. Avoiding face-to-face clinic appointments saved 7,421 pound. Extrapolating, the annual savings would be 29,687 pound. Conclusions This study shows that a VFC/CT pathway to manage patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture is cost-effective. It limits face-to-face appointments by increasing use of CT to exclude fractures.