DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad258.651 ISSN:

131 Clinical Value of Elective Post Operative Radiographs in Total Knee Arthroplasty

K V Ponsworno, R Keehan, R Ahmad
  • Surgery

Abstract

Background

Post operative radiographs following total knee arthroplasty are requested as part of routine follow up in some institutions. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical value of performing elective post operative radiographs.

Method

All patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty at a district general hospital from 2019 to 2020 were included. Data was collected retrospectively from medical records. Alterations to clinical management based on radiographic findings were reviewed.

Results

This study looked at 116 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and 28 (24%) were excluded due to having no clinic follow up. Of the 88 (76%) patients included, 31 (35%) had post operative elective radiograph, while 43 (49%) had none. There were no abnormalities detected from the elective radiographs and none of the patients returned to the theatre. The remaining 14 (16%) presented with new symptoms and had non-elective radiographs. 8 out of 14 patients did not have any intervention, while the remaining 6 returned to theatre.

Discussion

In our institution, a 2-view knee radiograph costs £28.75 and takes roughly 48 minutes. In the larger context, the cost associated with elective radiographs is significant. The value of not performing these radiographs saves time, cost, and prevents radiation exposure. However, performing post operative radiographs remains beneficial for patients who have clinical indication.

Conclusions

Elective post operative radiographs did not detect any abnormalities. Information from these radiographs have no clinical significance and did not change management. Therefore, this study recommends that there is no rationale requesting elective post operative knee radiographs.

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