Abstract
Purpose: To audit the quality of the still images and documentation of arthroscopic surgery of the knee and to provide guidelines to optimize photographic records.
Methods and Results: The study was conducted in 4 parts
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Questionnaire of surgeons views on photographic records: This showed that less than 50% of surgeons felt they could interpret their own photographs and only 25% felt other surgeons records were useful. 80% felt that single image photographs gave clearer information than 4 small images per sheet.
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Retrospective audit of 70 arthroscopic records. This showed that the diagnosis was demonstrated in only 60% of records when taken. Small images had been recorded in 75% of cases.
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Production of guidelines for improving photographic records.
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Re-audit of 50 subsequent records. This showed a significant improvement such that the diagnosis was clearly demonstrated in 84% of records.
Conclusion: Poor picture labelling, inadequate pictures and documentation were found in the majority of the cases. New formulated guidelines led to an improvement in the accuracy and usefulness of recorded images.
This may lead to a reduction in the need for repeat arthroscopy when patients are referred for second opinions to specialist knee surgeons, thereby reducing costs and morbidity.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Roger Smith. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the British Association for Surgery of the Knee, c/o BOA, Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN.
