Table 2 Differences in management between patients who received an X-ray and patients who did not receive an X-ray during the total observation period
|  | Patients without X-ray referral (n = 185) | Patients with X-ray referral (n = 318) | Absolute difference (%) (95%CI) †|
|---|---|---|---|
Total number of consultations, median (IQR) | 2 (1–3) | 3 (2–5) |  |
Wait-and-see/ watchful waiting, n (%) | 34 (18.4) | 78 (24.5) | 6.1% (-0.02–0.14) |
Advice, n (%) | 45 (24.3) | 102 (32.1) | 7.8% (-0.01–0.16) |
Medication prescription or advice, n (%) | 68 (36.6) | 175 (55.0) | 18.4% (0.09–0.28) |
Intra-articular injection, n (%) | 17 (9.2) | 40 (12.6) | 3.4% (-0.03–0.09) |
Aids and devices, n (%) | 10 (5.4) | 19 (6.0) | 0.6% (-0.04–0.05) |
Recommendation of/referral to other primary care practitioners, n (%) | 37 (20.0) | 147 (46.2) | 26.2% (0.08–0.25) |
Referral to secondary care, n (%) | 137 (74.1) | 174 (54.7) | -19.4% (-0.37 - -0.19) |