Evaluation of computed tomography in patients with LİMB traumaadmitted to the emergency department

Introduction: Limb trauma patients admitted to the emergency department are one of the reasons for frequent admission to the emergency department. The presence or absence of a fracture in patients causes changes in its management. The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of CT on diagnosis, treatment and hospitalization changes in patients who have been withdrawn. Material and Method: 1306 patients with limb trauma and CT imaging who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Akdeniz University Hospital between 1.01.2019 and 30.12.2020 were compared with CT with conventional radiography. The radiographic images were evaluated by emergency medicine physicians who were at least 4 years old. CT images were evaluated by radiology physicians. CT was considered the gold standard imaging method. MEDCALC and SPSS programs were used for the findings. Result: When all patients were evaluated, it was seen that conventional radiography had 78% sensitivity and 98% specificity in the diagnosis of fractures; 84% sensitivity and 100% specificity in determining the need for surgery; 81% sensitivity and 100% specificity in determining the need for hospitalization. Conventional radiography in patients with limb trauma who have been admitted to the emergency department cannot show sufficient sensitivity on the diagnosis, surgical treatment and indication for hospitalization of patients. Conclusion: Although it is not routine, we recommend CT imaging in case of suspicion of extension of the fracture to the joint region, suspicion of concomitant fracture, suspicion of fracture in patients with trauma involving the joint regions. Key Words: Limb, Fracture, Computed Tomography, X-ray, Emergency Department