This study aimed to evaluate the impact of two versus five postoperative X-ray protocols on patient perception following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), specifically assessing functional outcomes, quality of life, patient satisfaction and complication detection. In this prospective randomized study, 206 patients who underwent TKA were assigned to one of two postoperative radiograph protocols. Group 1 (n = 102) received five X-rays at predefined intervals (immediately postoperative, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year), while Group 2 (n = 104) received only two X-rays (immediately postoperative and at 1 year). Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and Short Form-12 (SF-12). Satisfaction and complications were recorded over a 1-year follow-up period. At the 1-year follow-up, KSS-Function scores were comparable between groups (76.07 vs. 74.32, p-value = 0.234), while KSS-Knee scores were slightly higher in Group 2 (85.44 vs. 89.3, p-value = 0.003). Regarding quality of life, SF-12 physical scores were similar (44.01 vs. 43.64, p-value = 0.628), whereas SF-12 mental scores were higher in Group 2 (56.72 vs. 58.57, p-value = 0.048). Mean satisfaction scores were comparable between groups (7.49 vs. 7.99, p = 0.08). No significant differences in complication rates were observed between groups (5 vs. 2, p-value = 0.458). Increasing the number of postoperative X-rays after TKA did not improve patient satisfaction or perception of recovery. Patients who received only two X-rays reported similar or slightly better functional outcomes, mental well-being, and satisfaction levels compared to those who received five. Additionally, no benefit was observed in complication detection. These findings suggest that a more limited radiographic follow-up may be sufficient, reducing costs and radiation exposure without compromising patient confidence or clinical outcomes.
Coelho et al. (Fri,) studied this question.