Problem To Solve
Radiographs are rarely useful in the absence of trauma. Plain shoulder radiographs are routinely obtained by an orthopedic surgeon during new outpatient visits, even in the absence of trauma. This wasteful practice continues despite the fact that most common diagnoses are soft tissue in nature and can be made through a physical examination. Counterproductive in many cases, they unduly lengthen a patient’s visit, expose a patient to unnecessary radiation, and add to the escalating cost of healthcare.