Reassessing the Role of Routine Radiographs After Spinal Fusion Surgery
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 978
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Proportion of radiographs that led to further diagnostic tests or therapeutic interventions within 12 months post-surgery
研究概览
简要总结
Routine radiographs are commonly obtained after spinal fusion surgery to monitor postoperative evolution and detect complications. However, the actual contribution of these radiographs to clinical decision-making remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the frequency and clinical impact of routine postoperative radiographs in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery at University Hospitals Leuven.
详细描述
Routine radiographs are commonly obtained after spinal fusion surgery to assess implant position, fusion progress, and potential complications. Yet, their actual contribution to patient care remains uncertain, and routine use may expose patients to unnecessary radiation and increase healthcare costs.
In this retrospective cohort study, the investigators will evaluate the clinical utility of routine radiographs during the first postoperative year after spinal fusion surgery at University Hospitals Leuven (2011-2021).
The investigators will review each follow-up visit to record the clinical course, radiographic findings, and whether these influenced further diagnostic tests or therapeutic interventions.
The investigators will primarily assess how often radiographs lead to a change in management. Secondary analyses will determine the proportion of abnormal versus normal radiographs, the relationship between clinical course and imaging results, and whether demographic or surgical factors predict radiographic utility.
By analyzing nearly 1,000 patients and more than 2,800 visits, the investigators will provide one of the most comprehensive evaluations of routine postoperative radiographs to date, aiming to guide more efficient, evidence-based follow-up strategies.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Observational
- 观察模型
- Other
- 时间视角
- Retrospective
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 —（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery at UZ Leuven, including the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine for a degenerative condition
- •Adults of 18 years and older
- •Follow up at least 3 months after surgery
排除标准
- •Non-degenerative (kypho) scoliosis
- •Indications other than degenerative conditions and (adult) isthmic spondylolisthesis (e.g. tumor, septic arthritis, trauma,…)
- •Chronic neuromuscular disease
结局指标
主要结局
Proportion of radiographs that led to further diagnostic tests or therapeutic interventions within 12 months post-surgery
时间窗: Within 12 months after spinal fusion surgery
Percentage of follow-up visits with routine radiographs in which the radiograph resulted in further diagnostic testing (e.g., CT, MRI) or a therapeutic intervention (e.g., medication change, reoperation).
次要结局
- Proportion of abnormal versus normal radiographs(Within 12 months after spinal fusion surgery)
- Correlation between clinical course and management decisions(Within 12 months after spinal fusion surgery)
- Correlation of demographic factors with radiographic utility(Within 12 months after spinal fusion surgery)
- Correlation of surgical factors with radiographic utility(Within 12 months after spinal fusion surgery)