Jeffrey D Stone1, Lisa M Vaccaro2, R Colin Brabender3, Alfred V Hess3. 1. Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Tampa, FL. Electronic address: jsto@tampabay.rr.com. 2. Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education, Tampa, FL. 3. Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Tampa, FL.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of radiographs taken 2 weeks following plate fixation of distal radius fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients requiring operative fixation of distal radius fractures was performed with the objective of determining the utility of a 2-week postoperative radiograph in patient management. RESULTS: Three out of 268 (1%) patients had loss of fixation noted radiographically at the 2-week visit that resulted in a reoperation. There was no statistically significant difference in radial inclination, radial height, or volar tilt measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, or final follow-up. The average cost of a series of wrist radiographs was $85 with no additional radiology reading fees. CONCLUSIONS: Routine 2-week postoperative radiographs of operatively treated distal radius fractures rarely resulted in a change in patient management; however, they may have added unnecessary cost to the patient and health care system. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and decision analysis IV.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of radiographs taken 2 weeks following plate fixation of distal radius fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients requiring operative fixation of distal radius fractures was performed with the objective of determining the utility of a 2-week postoperative radiograph in patient management. RESULTS: Three out of 268 (1%) patients had loss of fixation noted radiographically at the 2-week visit that resulted in a reoperation. There was no statistically significant difference in radial inclination, radial height, or volar tilt measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, or final follow-up. The average cost of a series of wrist radiographs was $85 with no additional radiology reading fees. CONCLUSIONS: Routine 2-week postoperative radiographs of operatively treated distal radius fractures rarely resulted in a change in patient management; however, they may have added unnecessary cost to the patient and health care system. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and decision analysis IV.
Authors: Florian Oehme; Björn Christian Link; Herman Frima; Tim Schepers; Steven J Rhemrev; Reto Babst; Frank J P Beeres Journal: Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg Date: 2018-07-07 Impact factor: 3.693
Authors: N L Weil; M El Moumni; S M Rubinstein; P Krijnen; M F Termaat; I B Schipper Journal: Arch Orthop Trauma Surg Date: 2017-07-22 Impact factor: 3.067