Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Cone Beam Intraoperative Computed Tomography-based Image Guidance for Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion
Published on: August 6, 2019
Intraoperative fluoroscopy alone versus routine post-operative X-rays in identifying return to theatre after fracture
Sachin Nair1,2, Mithun Nambiar1,2, Alun Pope1
1Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Background:
Post-operative imaging aims to assess fracture reduction and fixation with better resolution than intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF). However, this routine practice may increase costs and delay the discharge of patients. The aim of this study is to assess the role of post-operative imaging in identifying patients that require a return to theatre following the use of IF.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single health network comprising of two hospitals over 1 year. All fracture fixations that required IF were included. Patients who had post-operative imaging were identified and complications requiring a return to theatre were obtained. Non-trauma patients and those who did not have IF were excluded.
Results:
A total of 1319 patients had IF. Of these patients, 1131 patients had post-operative radiographs within 7 days of their operation. In total, 12 patients (1.1%) returned to theatre as a result of a finding identified in their post-operative imaging. The calculated number of X-rays required to be taken to identify a complication was 94. The main reasons identified for these cases to require a return to theatre despite having had IF included: (i) insufficient quality/views of IF, (ii) loss of position/new injury occurring in post-operative period and (iii) poor reduction/fixation demonstrated intraoperatively that was missed/accepted.
Conclusion:
The use of post-operative radiographs can identify significant complications despite the use of IF in trauma patients. However, further consideration needs to be made regarding the benefits and costs of this practice in evaluating its clinical effectiveness.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...