[Demonstration of the loosening of hip endoprostheses by computerized tomography]

A pilotstudy was undertaken to evaluate the utilisation of modified computed tomography as an early diagnostic means to confirm the loosening of the total hip endoprosthesis. In nine of the twelve cases the CT investigation clearly indicated the loosening of the endoprosthesis. With respect to the remaining three patients, no conclusions could be drawn because of the presence of artifacts. It is of further interest to note pertaining to these three, that two had been supplied with an endoprosthesis of the hip on both sides and the third with an irregular surfaced shaft endoprosthesis. In conclusions one can say, despite the problems associated with the modified CT, that it is a suitable additional method for the early diagnosis of the loosening of total hip endoprosthesis.