title: Intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures: how often are post-operative radiographs needed?
abstract: A series of 53 closed tibial fractures were treated with interlocking intramedullary nailing. Excluding the routine postoperative radiographs at the time of surgery, a median number of seven radiographs were taken per patient (range 2-13). In total, 343 radiographs were taken after the postoperative film. Of these 343 radiographs, only nine (3%) radiographs led to a decision for clinical intervention. No radiograph in the first 10 weeks after surgery changed management. A reduction in the use of post-operative radiography after tibial nailing is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Trauma Unit, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, U.K.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sutherland
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Keating
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*