Table 2 Information and requests on GP request forms (n = 136)
From: A cross sectional study of requests for knee radiographs from primary care
Examine right knee | 47 (35%) |
Examine left knee | 56 (41%) |
Examine both knees | 31 (23%) |
Not stated | 2 (1%) |
Specific diagnosis of OA | 19 (14%) |
Possible diagnosis of OA | 31 (23%) |
Query other form of arthritis | 2 (1%) |
Mention of other diagnosis | 8 (6%) |
Clinical signs described | 28 (21%) |
   Crepitus | 11 (8%) |
   Joint tenderness | 8 (6%) |
   Quadriceps muscle wasting | 0 (0%) |
   Joint enlargement | 1 (<1%) |
   Movement limitation | 3 (2%) |
   Temperature or heat | 3 (2%) |
   Effusion | 11 (8%) |
Clinical symptoms described | 120 (88%) |
   Pain | 119 (88%) |
   Joint stiffness | 11 (8%) |
   Walking distance | 0 (0%) |
   Knee locking | 9 (7%) |
   Soft tissue swelling | 21 (15%) |
   Knee instability | 4 (3%) |
   Clicking | 0 (0%) |
   Duration of symptoms | 20 (15%) |
   Severity of symptoms | 1 (<1%) |
   Incapacity state determinable | 0 (0%) |
   Site of symptoms | 14 (10%) |
Request to grade severity | 3 (2%) |
Request to identify loose bodies | 5 (4%) |
Previous x ray mentioned | 2 (1%) |
Previous orthopaedic consultation or operation mentioned | 8 (6%) |
Treatment mentioned | 3 (2%) |
   Medication | 1 (<1%) |
   Physiotherapy | 1 (<1%) |
   Steroid injection | 1 (<1%) |
Referral to orthopaedics or TKR suggested | 1 (<1%) |
Trauma mentioned | Â |
   Yes, trauma | 12 (9%) |
   Yes, no trauma | 6 (4%) |
Social history given | 2 (1%) |
x ray view specified | 6 (4%) |