Reassessing the Role of Routine Radiographs After Spinal Fusion Surgery (RRASP)

Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

Status: Completed

Conditions: Spinal Fusion; Radiography

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07200557

S68783

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 978 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

978 participants in 1 patient group

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

Description:

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.