Enhanced computed tomographic techniques for the evaluation of total hip arthroplasty

Computed tomography (CT) has revolutionized the evaluation of musculoskeletal pathology. Until recently, however, CT of the postoperative orthopaedic patient has been severely limited by its inability to provide useful information in the vicinity of acetabular and femoral implants. Typically the hardware produces extensive artifacts that can markedly degrade the whole image. Methods are now available to reduce the metal artifact. Following hip arthroplasty, these methods have been used to plan for revision arthroplasty and to evaluate the contralateral side for avascular necrosis.