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Radiographs had no impact on reoperation rates following TKA
Immediate postoperative radiographs in patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty did not contribute in any significant way to the number of patients who underwent revision within 60 days, according to findings in a recently published study.
Researchers utilized billing registry data at a single institution to evaluate 6,603 patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between 2000 and 2011 to determine the impact of immediate postoperative radiographs. Reoperation rates at 60 days postoperatively as well as radiograph quality and cost were assessed.
Overall, 136 patients had their TKA revised within 60 days postoperatively, 76 of whom had immediate postoperative radiographs taken. Only 43% of immediate postoperative radiographs were deemed adequate for evaluative purposes, and no patient underwent reoperation due to findings from these radiographs, according to the researchers. The estimated costs for a set of immediate postoperative radiographs was $423.29.
The need for revision was most commonly due to arthrofibrosis, infection, and wound-healing complications and hematoma, reported in 54, 17 and 5 patients, respectively.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.