Reporting standards for occipitomental views in a department of oral and maxillofacial surgery and proposal of minimum data set

Objectives: According to the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (FGDP), a clinical evaluation of any radiographic exposure is mandatory; otherwise, no exposure should be carried out. The occipitomental (OM) views for the assessment of mid-facial fractures—i.e., OM 0° and 30°—are common practice. We reviewed occipitomental radiographs to assess the current practice for clinical evaluation by the referrers. The purpose of this study was to design a template of a minimum data set for the interpretation of OM views and to promote a consistent approach in the clinical evaluation of OM views, thereby improving compliance with radiographic guidelines and quality assurance. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to assess the standards of clinical evaluation of OM views by the referrer in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Gloucester Royal Hospital. Based on the initial assessment, we designed a template for the minimum data set. The study sample was then reassessed using the minimum data set template to ensure a consistent approach in the clinical evaluation of OM views. Results: The results highlighted an over-prescription of OM views in 60% of the study sample, as no fractures were identified. This study suggests that a consistent approach in the clinical evaluation of OM views could result in better diagnostic outcomes by reducing the risk of underreporting. Conclusion: The template that we have designed and tested on our study sample is an endeavour to improve local practice in the OMFS department. We hope this provides an opportunity to acknowledge the significance of a consistent approach in the clinical evaluation of radiographic findings and to initiate discussion for new ideas and interventions. Moving forward, we aim to reassess our current practice and compliance with local protocols, and to identify areas requiring further improvement.

Citation

Rehaman & Knepil (2024). Reporting standards for occipitomental views in a department of oral and maxillofacial surgery and proposal of minimum data set. Face Ahead Abstract Book. Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction. 2024; 17(1):4-84. https://doi.org/10.1177/19433875241232784

DOI

10.1177/19433875241232784

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14709/1198

Usage rights

CC-BY 4.0.

License

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/