Assessing Fracture Detection: A Comparison of Minimal-Resource and Standard-Resource Plain Radiographic Interpretations

<b>Background:</b> The accuracy of fracture diagnosis through radiographic imaging largely depends on image quality and the interpreter’s experience. In resource-limited settings (minimal-resource settings), imaging quality is often lower than in standard-resource facilities, potentially...

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Main Authors: Iskandar Zakaria, Teuku Muhammad Yus, Safrizal Rahman, Azhari Gani, Muhammad Ariq Ersan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Diagnostics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/7/876
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author Iskandar Zakaria
Teuku Muhammad Yus
Safrizal Rahman
Azhari Gani
Muhammad Ariq Ersan
author_facet Iskandar Zakaria
Teuku Muhammad Yus
Safrizal Rahman
Azhari Gani
Muhammad Ariq Ersan
author_sort Iskandar Zakaria
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background:</b> The accuracy of fracture diagnosis through radiographic imaging largely depends on image quality and the interpreter’s experience. In resource-limited settings (minimal-resource settings), imaging quality is often lower than in standard-resource facilities, potentially affecting diagnostic accuracy. <b>Objective:</b> This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of plain radiograph interpretations between minimal-resource and standard-resource methods and assess the influence of interpreter experience on diagnostic precision. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study is based on secondary data from patients’ medical records at the Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital (RSUDZA) Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Comparisons between minimal-resource and standard-resource interpretations were made and validated using a reference standard (gold standard). Statistical analyses included diagnostic testing, Chi-square tests, and ROC curve analysis to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. <b>Results:</b> The findings indicate that standard-resource radiographs have significantly higher accuracy than minimal-resource radiographs (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Radiologists demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy compared to general practitioners and radiology residents. <b>Conclusions:</b> The standard-resource method is superior in detecting fractures compared to the minimal-resource method. Enhancing imaging quality and providing additional training for medical personnel are essential to improve diagnostic accuracy in resource-limited settings.
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spelling doaj-art-c2c385d20b034a5aa4d45cb0b58eb97d2025-08-20T03:08:46ZengMDPI AGDiagnostics2075-44182025-03-0115787610.3390/diagnostics15070876Assessing Fracture Detection: A Comparison of Minimal-Resource and Standard-Resource Plain Radiographic InterpretationsIskandar Zakaria0Teuku Muhammad Yus1Safrizal Rahman2Azhari Gani3Muhammad Ariq Ersan4Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, IndonesiaDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, IndonesiaDepartment of Orthopedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, IndonesiaDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, IndonesiaBachelor of Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia<b>Background:</b> The accuracy of fracture diagnosis through radiographic imaging largely depends on image quality and the interpreter’s experience. In resource-limited settings (minimal-resource settings), imaging quality is often lower than in standard-resource facilities, potentially affecting diagnostic accuracy. <b>Objective:</b> This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of plain radiograph interpretations between minimal-resource and standard-resource methods and assess the influence of interpreter experience on diagnostic precision. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study is based on secondary data from patients’ medical records at the Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital (RSUDZA) Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Comparisons between minimal-resource and standard-resource interpretations were made and validated using a reference standard (gold standard). Statistical analyses included diagnostic testing, Chi-square tests, and ROC curve analysis to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. <b>Results:</b> The findings indicate that standard-resource radiographs have significantly higher accuracy than minimal-resource radiographs (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Radiologists demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy compared to general practitioners and radiology residents. <b>Conclusions:</b> The standard-resource method is superior in detecting fractures compared to the minimal-resource method. Enhancing imaging quality and providing additional training for medical personnel are essential to improve diagnostic accuracy in resource-limited settings.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/7/876fractureradiographyminimal-resource settingsstandard-resource settingsdiagnostic accuracydiagnostic testing
spellingShingle Iskandar Zakaria
Teuku Muhammad Yus
Safrizal Rahman
Azhari Gani
Muhammad Ariq Ersan
Assessing Fracture Detection: A Comparison of Minimal-Resource and Standard-Resource Plain Radiographic Interpretations
Diagnostics
fracture
radiography
minimal-resource settings
standard-resource settings
diagnostic accuracy
diagnostic testing
title Assessing Fracture Detection: A Comparison of Minimal-Resource and Standard-Resource Plain Radiographic Interpretations
title_full Assessing Fracture Detection: A Comparison of Minimal-Resource and Standard-Resource Plain Radiographic Interpretations
title_fullStr Assessing Fracture Detection: A Comparison of Minimal-Resource and Standard-Resource Plain Radiographic Interpretations
title_full_unstemmed Assessing Fracture Detection: A Comparison of Minimal-Resource and Standard-Resource Plain Radiographic Interpretations
title_short Assessing Fracture Detection: A Comparison of Minimal-Resource and Standard-Resource Plain Radiographic Interpretations
title_sort assessing fracture detection a comparison of minimal resource and standard resource plain radiographic interpretations
topic fracture
radiography
minimal-resource settings
standard-resource settings
diagnostic accuracy
diagnostic testing
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/7/876
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