2013 COA Annual Meeting: The benefits of a simplified post-operative radiograph protocol for fracture: a pilot RCT

39 post-fixation fracture patients were randomized to determine the cost effectiveness and safety of foregoing postoperative x-ray screening up to 6 weeks following surgery. This protocol was compared to a group who received screening immediately postoperative and at 2 weeks after surgery. The results demonstrated that the average cost of radiographs per patient was significantly lower in those who were only assessed at 6 weeks, and the 2-week clinic visit was shorter for these patients as well. There was no significant difference in radiographic events between groups, and those experienced by the study group were detected upon clinical exam.