World J Orthop. 2025 Aug 18;16(8):109620. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v16.i8.109620. eCollection 2025 Aug 18.
ABSTRACT
Routine postoperative radiographs after surgical fixation of pediatric distal-radius fractures have long been part of standard care. Yet growing evidence shows that these images rarely change management in stable cases, adding unnecessary cost, radiation exposure, and clinical burden. A recent study highlights this issue and questions whether routine imaging truly benefits patient outcomes. As orthopedic care shifts toward more patient-centered and value-driven models, there is increasing support for the judicious use of radiographs, reserving imaging for cases where clinical examination or patient symptoms suggest a potential problem. This shift would reflect a broader movement within orthopedic practice: Aligning tradition with necessity, and optimizing care based on evidence rather than habit.
PMID:40838223 | PMC:PMC12362666 | DOI:10.5312/wjo.v16.i8.109620
