CT of the hip prosthesis: appearance of components, fixation, and complications.
Multidetector computed tomography (CT) is an excellent way to supplement the radiographic evaluation of problematic hip prostheses. Multidetector CT is well suited for assessing periprosthetic bone, determining precise acetabular cup position, and evaluating periprosthetic fluid collections or ossified masses. Metal implants pose a number of challenges in the performance and interpretation of CT examinations. However, metal artifacts can be minimized by decreasing the detector collimation and pitch, increasing the kilovolt peak and milliampere-seconds, and using appropriate reconstruction algorithms and section thickness. Image interpretation requires a basic understanding of hip reconstruction and hip implants, as well as use of a systematic method of analysis that incorporates prior radiographic findings and CT findings. Radiologists must be familiar with the normal and abnormal CT appearances of hip prostheses and be able to recognize common complications on CT scans.
Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences and Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, University Hospital, UH 0663, 550 N University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5253, USA. tdroth@iupui.edu
Trenton D
TD
Roth
Nathan A
NA
Maertz
J Andrew
JA
Parr
Kenneth A
KA
Buckwalter
Robert H
RH
Choplin
D016477:Artifacts; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D008670:Metals; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D008670:Metals