TC-99M STANNOUS COLLOID-LABELED LEUKOCYTE SCINTIGRAPHY IN THE EVALUATION OF THE PAINFUL ARTHROPLASTY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of scintigraphy usin g leukocytes labeled with Tc-99m stannous colloid in the assessment of painful arthroplasties, The results of three-phase bone scintigraphy and imaging with Tc-99m-labeled leukocytes in 40 patients with painful joint prostheses, requiring the exclusion of infection are reported. Results were compared with microbiologic culture and/or long-term clin ical review. Bone scintigraphy had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificit y of 64%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 73% in detecting prosthetic inf ection. Tc-99m-labeled leukocytes yielded a sensitivity of 70%, a spec ificity of 100%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 93%. Leukocyte scintigra phy improves the specificity of bone scintigraphy in the assessment of the painful prosthetic joint. A positive study is highly suggestive o f infection and warrants appropriate treatment.