Spine surgeons and researchers recently collaborated on a study published in Spine to examine whether plain radiographical surveillance after anterior lumbar interbody fusion had an impact on postoperative decision making.
The study examined 67 patients who underwent ALIF with or without short segment posterior fusion. The researchers analyzed the clinical notes and radiographical series for these patients and found there was no single instance of a change in treatment based on the radiographical findings alone.
There were 34 patients who had some change in their management based on clinical symptoms and/or examination. The study authors concluded that routine postoperative radiographical surveillance had minimal value for the asymptomatic patients after ALIF with or without posterior fusion, and limiting the postoperative film of these patients could reduce healthcare costs and radiation exposure.
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