Routine In-hospital Radiographs following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery: Neither Necessary nor Cost-Effective? 

Description

The presentation by Rory McCabe discusses the necessity and cost-effectiveness of routine in-hospital post-operative X-rays in neurosurgical patients, particularly focusing on anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) cases. Despite the lack of substantial evidence supporting post-operative X-rays, it remains a common practice among neurosurgeons. The study retrospectively analyzed 101 ACDF patients, examining the complications related to post-operative imaging and the average length of hospital stays for patients with and without X-rays. It reported a significant average length of stay difference, with X-ray patients staying approximately 66 hours compared to 21 hours for those not receiving post-operative X-rays. The study found that post-operative X-rays led to one notable complication involving loose metalwork, but overall other studies showed no significant changes in treatment due to such X-rays. McCabe concludes that post-operative X-rays add unnecessary costs and radiation exposure without substantial clinical benefit, recommending that they only be taken when clinically indicated.

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