Imágenes diagnósticas para dolor lumbar bajo

Imágenes diagnósticas para dolor lumbar bajo: consejos para el cuidado de la salud de alto valor de la American College of Physicians Diagnostic imaging for low back pain: advice for high-value health care from the American College of Physicians. Roger Chou, MD; Amir Qaseem, MD, PhD, MHA; Douglas K. Owens, MD, MS; and Paul Shekelle, MD, PhD, for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians Ann Intern Med. 2011 Feb 1;154(3):181-9. Abstract Diagnostic imaging is indicated for patients with low back pain only if they have severe progressive neurologic deficits or signs or symptoms that suggest a serious or specific underlying condition. In other patients, evidence indicates that routine imaging is not associated with clinically meaningful benefits but can lead to harms. Addressing inefficiencies in diagnostic testing could minimize potential harms to patients and have a large effect on use of resources by reducing both direct and downstream costs. In this area, more testing does not equate to better care. Implementing a selective approach to low back imaging, as suggested by the American College of Physicians and American Pain Society guideline on low back pain, would provide better care to patients, improve outcomes, and reduce costs. http://www.annals.org/content/154/3/181.full.pdf+html

Atentamente Anestesiología y Medicina del Dolor www.anestesia-dolor.org