Postoperative Computed Tomography for Articular Fractures: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Peri-articular fractures require precise management.
• Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current patterns of postoperative CT use in peri-articular fractures.
• To identify patient groups benefiting from postoperative CT.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of MEDLINE and Cochrane databases.
• Search for English-language human studies from the past 20 years.
• Included studies focused on internally fixed peri-articular fractures, excluding facial and spinal fractures.

Main Results:

• Routine postoperative CT use is concentrated in developed countries, primarily for lower limb fractures.
• Only 5 studies reported CT leading to management changes.
• Management changes occurred in only 8 of 361 patients (2.2%) based on CT findings.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence for improved clinical outcomes with postoperative CT in peri-articular fractures is minimal.
• The utility of routine postoperative CT in these fractures is questionable.
• Further research is necessary to pinpoint specific patient populations that benefit from postoperative CT imaging.