IMAGING AFTER ARTHROPLASTY

Arthroplasty is now an important and frequently performed orthopedic p rocedure. This article focuses on the imaging of abnormalities frequen tly encountered in patients who have undergone arthroplasty. The empha sis is on plain film analysis, although arthrography, computed tomogra phy and nuclear medicine are also discussed. Among the problems illust rated are loosening of the prosthesis, component fatigue or failure, a nd infection. The authors recommend techniques to optimize imaging. Al though most of the entities illustrated involve hip arthroplasty, the principles are valid for arthroplasty at other sites.