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Imaging of total knee arthroplasty
Kevin R Math1, Syed Furqan Zaidi, Catherine Petchprapa
1Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10010, USA.
Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology
|March 4, 2006
Summary
Diagnosing painful total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is challenging due to varied causes and subtle imaging findings. This review covers normal TKA imaging, complications, and diagnostic strategies using radiography, nuclear imaging, and CT.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Painful total knee arthroplasty (TKA) presents a significant diagnostic challenge.
- Etiologies are diverse, clinical presentations vary, and imaging abnormalities can be subtle or nonspecific.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review imaging findings of normal and complicated TKAs.
- To discuss the utility of various imaging modalities for diagnosing painful TKAs.
- To suggest imaging strategies and algorithms for evaluating TKA complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging findings in normal TKA.
- Illustration of imaging features of common TKA complications (loosening, infection, instability, osteolysis, heterotopic ossification, extensor mechanism disruption, fracture).
- Discussion of conventional radiography, nuclear imaging, and computed tomography (CT) in TKA evaluation.
Main Results:
- Normal TKA imaging characteristics are presented.
- Imaging findings associated with specific TKA complications are detailed.
- The role of CT in diagnosing TKA complications is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of painful TKA requires understanding normal imaging and recognizing subtle signs of complications.
- A systematic approach utilizing conventional and advanced imaging modalities is crucial.
- Imaging strategies and algorithms can aid clinicians and radiologists in TKA evaluation.
