The economics of computed tomography: comparison with other health care costs

Long term effects of the introduction of noninvasive investigations in neuroradiology. Part 1: Overall trends

A 25 year retrospective survey of requests for imaging studies in a neurological hospital showed that the introduction of radionuclide scanning service had a relatively minor effect on the demand for other investigations. The introduction of computed tomography ten years later had a profound and continuing effect on not only the pattern and volume of requests for imaging, but also on inpatient discharges and outpatient attendances.

The wide distribution of CT scanners in Japan

Computerized tomography (CT) scanners have been widely distributed throughout Japan since 1975, with the total number reaching 2120 in December 1982. This figure is larger than that of all European countries. Furthermore, the number of CT scanners per million population, Japan exceeds the United States. An investigation to explain the reasons for this rapid increase of CT in Japan with comparisons between Japan and the United States is presented. Uniquely 'Japanese' characteristics may explain the diffusion of CT as follows: the government has no explicit policy to control the adoption of CT. CT has been widely distributed, not only to the large public hospitals, but also, to smaller private hospitals. CT is frequently adopted without assigning additional skilled personnel. Japanese manufacturers have produced low-price CT in addition to developing an active marketing campaign.

Efficacy of CT scanning in a group of 174 patients with orthopedic and musculoskeletal problems

One hundred and seventy-four patients with orthopedic and musculoskeletal problems received computed tomography (CT) scans between January 1979 and July 1980. There were 34 trauma patients, 35 patients with known or suspected primary tumors, 20 patients with metastases, 18 patients with suspected spinal stenosis, 25 patients with disc problems, five patients with infections, 13 children with congenital anomalies, and 24 patients with miscellaneous problems. The CT scans proved useful in all the pediatric cases, 97% of the trauma patients, and in the majority of patients with tumors. It appears that absolute indications for CT scanning in orthopedic patients include acute trauma to the spine, pelvis, hip, and shoulder girdles as well as in children with congenital spinal anomalies. Relative indications include determining the extent of the tumor and also aiding in the correct approach for biopsying a lesion.