[Possibility of sonographic early diagnosis of heterotopic ossifications after total hip-replacement].
OBJECTIVE
The sonographic early diagnosis of heterotopic ossifications after total hip replacement.


METHODS
53 patients were sonographically and radiologically examined after a total hip-replacement. RESULTS. In the sonographic exam,positive findings were shown in 49.1% (n=26) one week, 66% (n=35) three weeks,73.6% (n=39) six weeks and 77.3% (n=41) twelve weeks after surgery. 88.5% of patients showing positive results in the sonographic exam carried out one week after surgery, later on showed positive x-ray findings (p<0.001). Of the three-week positive x-ray findings (n=19), 78.9% had condensations in the sonographic exam (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Sonographic imaging after hip-replacement seems to be a sensitive and specific method which allows an early diagnosis of ossifications one week after surgery in 2/3 of patients. In this context a therapy concept which helps avoiding the development ossifications would be welcome.
Popken
F
F
Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Universität Köln, Cologne. fpopken@aol.com
König
D P
DP
Tantow
M
M
Rütt
J
J
Kausch
T
T
Peters
K M
KM
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography