McGowan SM, et al. - Since computed tomography (CT) does not help in determining chronicity of compression fracture and contributes to higher exposure costs and radiation, researchers sought to analyze unnecessary imagery obtained during work, as well as investigate excess exposure to radiation from unneeded imaging studies. Investigators found that there were 104 cases in which patients only underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scanning following radiographs. There were 28 cases where patients had only radiographs with a comparison study. There were a total of 76 cases in which patients were subjected to extraneous CT scans and 13 cases in which patients were subjected to both MRI and bone scans, resulting in an average of 979.4 mGy cm of additional radiation exposure. In order to determine acuity, they recommend an algorithm that favors radiographs with comparison study or acquire either MRI or bone scan. If available, CT scanning becomes unnecessary, resulting in increased costs and exposure to radiation.