Imaging of hip arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Imaging
• Radiology
• Prosthetic Joint Evaluation

Background:

• Painful prosthetic hip is a common clinical challenge.
• Radiography is the initial imaging modality.
• Various advanced imaging techniques supplement radiography.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review imaging modalities for prosthetic hip evaluation.
• To describe normal appearances of different hip arthroplasty types.
• To illustrate imaging findings of common prosthetic hip complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiographic, arthrographic, scintigraphic, sonographic, CT, and MR imaging.
• Description of normal hip arthroplasty (hemiarthroplasty, total arthroplasty, resurfacing).
• Identification of imaging features of complications.

Main Results:

• Normal hip arthroplasty has characteristic imaging appearances.
• Aseptic loosening, osteolysis, dislocation, infection, and fracture present distinct imaging findings.
• Soft tissue abnormalities and hardware failure are also evaluated.

Conclusions:

• Multiple imaging techniques are essential for comprehensive prosthetic hip assessment.
• Accurate interpretation of imaging findings aids in diagnosing complications.
• This review provides a guide for evaluating painful prosthetic hip implants.