Utility and Associated Charge of Anteroposterior Radiographs in Rotational Ankle Fractures During Postoperative Follow-Up: The Results of an Orthopaedic Trauma Association Survey

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the perceived utility and associated charges of the anteroposterior (AP) radiograph during rotational ankle fracture postoperative follow-up.

Design: Survey study with charge analysis using published data at 50 orthopaedic hospitals in the United States.

Setting: Not Applicable.

Participants: Orthopaedic Trauma Association Members with an active email address who were invited and interested in answering a survey.

Results: Ninety-four percent of respondents stated that they did routinely obtain an AP radiograph during rotational ankle fracture follow-up. However, 57% thought that the AP view should be eliminated from standard follow-up and only 51% found this view useful after initial treatment.

Charge analysis: The mean difference between a 2-view and 3-view ankle radiograph series was $102.00. Using this value and the assumption that each patient with a rotational ankle fracture gets 3 follow-up radiographs, there is the potential for a charge reduction of $306 per patient. Assuming over 134,000 rotational ankle fractures, a charge reduction of 41 million US dollars (USD) per year is possible if the AP image is routinely removed. Actual savings are likely to be less based on agreed on payer rates. Although less easy to quantify, there is also a potential reduction of radiation exposure, radiologists' interpretation time, and data storage.

Conclusions: Routine AP radiographs should potentially be eliminated from routine postoperative ankle x-ray protocols based on this survey of experienced orthopaedic surgeons. If this specific radiograph is ordered on a case-by-case basis, then significant savings may occur.