What type of error is a new fracture between scans classified as?

• A. Avoidable error
• B. Unavoidable error
• C. Random error
• D. Systematic error

Answer: (B)

A new fracture occurring between scans is classified as an unavoidable error because it is an event that cannot be predicted or controlled within the clinical setting. Such fractures happen due to a variety of unpredictable factors including falls, accidents, or other health conditions that affect bone integrity. As the name suggests, unavoidable errors are those that occur despite best practices and protocols in place, highlighting the nature of bone health being influenced by numerous external variables that are beyond the operator's control.

In contrast, avoidable errors would stem from issues such as incorrect positioning during the scan, or equipment malfunctioning that could potentially be corrected. Random errors pertain to fluctuations in measurements that arise unpredictably from various sources, while systematic errors indicate a consistent and repeatable error often due to instrument malfunctions or biases. Thus, the categorization of a new fracture as an unavoidable error is appropriate due to its inherent unpredictability and lack of influence by scanning practices or equipment limitations.