The Value of Serial Radiography in the Long Term Follow Up of Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Perspective

Introduction: Serial radiography remains a widely used tool in the long‑term follow‑up of patients after total knee arthroplasty, aiming to detect implant‑related complications, alignment changes, and periprosthetic bone alterations over time. However, the clinical value and cost‑effectiveness of routine radiographic surveillance, particularly in asymptomatic patients, remain controversial and warrant careful evidence‑based evaluation.Material and methods: A systematic review was conducted through comprehensive searches of major electronic databases using predefined keywords and Boolean operators, without temporal restrictions, to identify relevant studies on serial radiography after total knee arthroplasty.Results: Serial radiographic follow‑up after total knee arthroplasty frequently identifies structural abnormalities; however, most findings occur in asymptomatic patients and show limited correlation with clinical deterioration or revision. A clear radiographic–clinical discordance was observed, indicating that routine long‑term imaging provides minimal incremental value in stable patients and should be guided primarily by symptoms and functional status rather than radiographic changes alone.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that radiographic abnormalities after total knee arthroplasty are common but often clinically inconsequential, with a substantial disconnect between imaging findings and patient experience.

کلیدواژه ها:

Serial Radiography ، Total Knee Arthroplasty ، Follow Up