title: Is there a need for early post-operative x-rays in primary total knee replacements? Experience of a centre in the UK.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Early post-operative x-rays are often taken in total knee replacements (TKRs). Patient mobilisation may be delayed until these x-rays are obtained and this may prolong discharge. The aim of this study was to assess the value of such early x-rays and whether they influenced  the early post-operative management of these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 624 consecutive TKRs performed at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital over a 34-month period were evaluated. Plain anteroposterior and lateral x-rays were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two patients were found to have significant  abnormalities: an undisplaced periprosthetic tibial fracture and a partial inferior pole patellar avulsion. Neither of these required further treatment or influenced mobility. No other complications were noted that changed routine post-operative management.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results question  the need for immediate x-rays in primary TKRs.
authors.affiliation: Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ayyaswamy
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ayyawamy
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Charalambous
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D010329:Patella / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures