[Examination and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases in general practice investigated by medical audit].

The general practitioner has a central role in the investigation and treatment musculoskeletal diseases, because he often is the first to see the patient. Correct initial care can save days lost through sickness and prevent chronic courses. In May 1995, 173 general practitioners registered every patient contact with complaints from the musculoskeletal system. The registration continued for three weeks following an audit model used in Denmark among general practitioners (in total 6869 contacts). After the registration four follow-up meetings took place. The two main results were 1) frequent conventional X-rays of osteoarthritis, and 2) prescription of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs to every fourth contact with musculoskeletal complaints. The follow-up meetings revealed some non-professional motives for sending the patient to X-ray examination and for prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The results will form the basis for clinical guidelines for handling some of the musculoskeletal diseases.