title: Radiographic cost reduction strategy in total joint arthroplasty. A prospective analysis.
abstract: A consecutive series of 222 patients who underwent cemented total knee arthroplasty (124) and uncemented total hip arthroplasty (98) were evaluated prospectively. The purpose of this study was to determine if routine radiologic interpretation of postoperative total hip and total knee radiographs is cost effective. Also, the study was designed to determine if routine predischarge radiographs, in conjunction with recovery room radiographs, are worthwhile. There were no changes in postoperative patient management based on orthopaedic or radiologic review of either radiograph. No additional information was gained from review of the radiologic evaluations. Therefore, obtaining one series of routine inpatient postoperative total joint radiographs and eliminating postoperative radiologic consultation will significantly reduce costs without compromising patient care.
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA USA.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Ververeli
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Masonis
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Booth
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Hozack
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Rothman
mesh_terms: D017046:Cost Savings / Q000379:methods; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000191:economics*; D017722:Hospital Charges; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000191:economics*; D015143:Philadelphia; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000191:economics*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography / Q000191:economics; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000191:economics*