USEFULNESS OF X-RAYS IN THE EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH PAINS OF THE UPPER LIMB

Background: Conventional X-ray imaging is widely available in Nigeria and is commonly used for evaluating musculoskeletal complaints, including upper-limb pain. Purpose: To determine the usefulness of X-rays in assessing upper-limb pain, in terms of contribution to diagnosis, cost, patient care, management, and the value of different radiographic views. Materials and Methods: A judgmental, non-probability sampling approach was used. A total of 247 radiographs were selected based on request forms and radiologist reports. Results were analyzed in terms of contribution to diagnosis, therapeutic decisions, and patient care, with comparison to 72 computed tomography (CT) scans of similar cases. Results: Conventional X-rays contributed 47.70% to therapeutic decision-making and patient management. Among radiographic views, the oblique view had the highest positive outcome (51.50%), followed by posterior-anterior (27.14%) and lateral views (22.16%). CT scans improved diagnostic yield, showing 68.06% of cases accurately diagnosed as pain from trauma, spondylosis, osteomyelitis, or disc space narrowing, enhancing therapeutic decisions and patient care. Conclusion: While conventional X-rays remain useful, CT and other imaging modalities should supplement X-ray examinations for upper-limb pain to improve diagnostic accuracy and support effective patient management.