CT of the hip prosthesis: appearance of components, fixation, and complications

• Published in: Radiographics Vol. 32; no. 4; p. 1089
• Main Authors: Roth, Trenton D, Maertz, Nathan A, Parr, J Andrew, Buckwalter, Kenneth A, Choplin, Robert H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2012
• Subjects: Hip Joint - diagnostic imaging; Hip Joint - surgery; Hip Prosthesis - adverse effects; Humans; Joint Instability - diagnostic imaging; Joint Instability - etiology; Metals; Prosthesis-Related Infections - diagnostic imaging; Prosthesis-Related Infections - etiology; Radiographic Image Enhancement - methods; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 1527-1323
• DOI: 10.1148/rg.324115183

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.