Survey of Utilization of Weightbearing Computed Tomography Within AOFAS Membership

Abstract

Background

Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) has been increasingly employed to evaluate and treat patients with varied pathologies such as progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), posttraumatic deformity, hallux valgus, ankle arthritis, Charcot arthropathy, lisfranc, and syndesmosis injuries. However, little is known regarding its overall availability to foot and ankle providers and how it is being used in clinical practice. The goal of this study is to assess the utilization of WBCT among AOFAS members, identify the indications for use in clinical practice and potential barriers for implementation.

Methods

A survey was emailed to AOFAS members inquiring about the use WBCT in clinical practice. Practice and demographic information were also collected. A total of 220 responses were collected over a 2-month period. Respondents were queried with respect to the availability of WBCT in practice, indications for use, frequency of use, ownership of the scanner, and barriers to implementation.

Results

58% of respondents did not have access to WBCT. Most respondents were in practice 10 years or more (69%). Single-specialty private practice was the most common practice type (39%). Of those with access to WBCT, 5 or fewer scans were ordered per week (57% of respondents). Evaluation of hindfoot/ankle deformity was the most common indication (69% of respondents) with it being used as a preoperative evaluation tool approximately 25% of the time (57% of respondents). Radiology department owned WBCT in most institutions (34%). 75% of respondents with WBCT use it postoperatively less than 25% of the time. Of those without WBCT, 94% stated they would like to have it with cost being the most significant barrier to implementation.

Conclusion

Most respondents surveyed did not have access to WBCT, with cost being the greatest barrier. However, 94% of those without it would like to have access to it. For those with access, it is used 5 or fewer times per week with evaluation of hindfoot/ankle deformity being the most common indication.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV (Observational Study)