Reassessing the Role of Routine Radiographs After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Total Enrollment

978 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-05-01

Study Completion Date

2025-08-31

Brief Summary

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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.

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Detailed Description

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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.

Conditions

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Radiography Spinal Fusion

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

OTHER

Study Time Perspective

RETROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

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Patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery (2011-2021) at University Hospitals Leuven

Retrospective cohort of adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent spinal fusion surgery for degenerative spinal conditions at University Hospitals Leuven between 2011 and 2021. Patients were followed for at least 12 months after surgery, with data collected from postoperative follow-up visits, including clinical course, radiographic findings, and subsequent management decisions.

No interventions assigned to this group

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* 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

Exclusion Criteria

* Non-degenerative (kypho) scoliosis
* Indications other than degenerative conditions and (adult) isthmic spondylolisthesis (e.g. tumor, septic arthritis, trauma,…)
* Chronic neuromuscular disease

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No