Intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures: how often are post-operative radiographs needed?

A series of 53 closed tibial fractures were treated with interlocking intra medullary nailing. Excluding the routine postoperative radiographs at the t ime of surgery, a median number of seven radiographs were taken per patient (range 2-13). In total, 343 radiographs were taken after the postoperative film. Of these 343 radiographs, only nine (3%) radiographs led to a decisi on for clinical intervention. No radiograph in the first 10 weeks after sur gery changed management. A reduction in the use of post-operative radiograp hy after tibial nailing is recommended.