Color subtraction arthrography in the diagnosis of component loosening in hip arthroplasty

While component loosening in arthroplasty of the hip joint may not always be associated with pain, the painful total hip arthroplasty frequently can be shown to be associated with loosening of one or both components. The application of color subtraction techniques to routine arthrography of the hip has greatly increased the authors' accuracy in identifying component loosening in the painful total hip. The technique and its method of application are described in this preliminary report. Several examples of its use are presented. The authors have found this technique to be a useful adjunct to routine arthrography of the hip in selected instances. It has improved overall diagnostic accuracy and is more rapid and less costly than standard photographic subtraction techniques.