Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health

Orthopaedics
EVALUATion of A PersPEX PosiTioninG DEVICE on POST OPERATIVE imaGING
followinG TOTAL Knee rePLACemenT (TKR)
McLeod-Mills L, Hammond N, Dunn S and Hau RC
Background
Post-operative imaging is important in the evaluation of the success of a total knee replacement (TKR). The Orthopaedic
surgeon uses post-operative imaging to assess sizing and sagittal and coronal alignments of the prosthesis. Poor
radiographic technique can hinder this evaluation and in some cases patients require additional imaging prior to discharge
which has resource and cost implications.
This is a combined Radiology and Orthopaedic quality assurance project.
Aim
The aim of this project is to evaluate the effect of a new positioning device on the quality of immediate post-operative
imaging of patients who have undergone a TKR.
Methodology
In January 2012 the Radiology department introduced a new positioning device. The device allows radiographers to
obtain required images without repositioning the patient between views and provides improved patient comfort. Improved
positioning and patient comfort in combination with a simple marking technique allows radiographers to make small changes
to correct rotation or tilt.
Two senior radiographers reviewed the immediate post-operative examinations performed on patients who underwent TKR
at The Northern Hospital between July 2011 and June 2012. The images were categorised as good, acceptable and requires
re-imaging.
Results
A total of 69 examinations prior to the introduction of the new device and 46 examinations following the introduction were
reviewed. Prior to the introduction of the device 74% (51) anterior-posterior (AP) images and 88% (60) lateral images were
rated as good-acceptable. These results increased to 87% (40) for AP images and 96% (44) for lateral images following the
introduction of the new device.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new positioning device has resulted in an overall improvement in the quality of the post-operative
imaging following TKR.
56 Research Week Abstract Book Northern Health 2013