Imaging of knee arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Knee replacement surgery, including unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is a prevalent orthopedic procedure.
• Postoperative complications can significantly impact patient outcomes and require accurate diagnostic evaluation.
• Radiological assessment is crucial for identifying abnormalities in patients experiencing knee arthroplasty pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the typical imaging findings of normal knee arthroplasty.
• To describe the characteristic appearances of common complications following knee replacement.
• To aid radiologists in diagnosing painful knee arthroplasty by understanding potential imaging abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of imaging modalities used in knee arthroplasty assessment.
• Analysis of radiological signs associated with normal knee arthroplasty.
• Compilation of imaging features for various complications, including infection, wear, loosening, and fractures.

Main Results:

• Normal knee arthroplasty demonstrates specific expected imaging characteristics.
• Complications such as polyethylene wear, aseptic loosening, infection, and fractures present with distinct radiological patterns.
• Imaging findings for particle-induced osteolysis and patellofemoral abnormalities are detailed.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with normal and abnormal imaging findings is essential for radiologists evaluating knee arthroplasty.
• Accurate interpretation of imaging can facilitate timely diagnosis and management of knee replacement complications.
• This review provides a comprehensive guide to the radiological assessment of painful knee arthroplasty.