Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Orthopaedic Proceedings Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from Orthopaedic Proceedings

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

Visit Orthopaedic Proceedings at:

Loading...

Loading...

Full Access

ARE IMMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE X-RAYS IN UNCOMPLICATED TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT NECESSARY OR ACCURATE? A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF ONE YEAR’S EXPERIENCE



Abstract

To establish whether postoperative x-rays were of sufficient quality compared to those at the first outpatients’ appointment, uncomplicated primary total knee replacements performed by one surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. Measurements were made from these X-rays. Rotation was also assessed.

Forty-eight knee replacements were reviewed. Postoperative films showed the tibial tray to be tilted an average of 5. 04 degrees and a femoral valgus angle of 1. 56 degrees. First outpatients’ X-rays showed the tibial tray to be tilted an average of 1. 16 degrees and the femoral valgus angle to be an average 5. 16 degrees. 15 of 25 postoperative films were found to be rotated compared to 1 of 25 in the outpatients’ group.

Immediate postoperative films are of variable and often poor quality. Films at the first outpatients’ appointment were of superior quality.

The abstracts were prepared by Mr Simon Donell. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedics, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, Level 4, Centre Block, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, United Kingdom