Scintigraphic assessment of the acetabulum after arthroplasty with reference to cup geometry

A unique scintigraphic appearance has been noted in uncomplicated hip prost heses which have the acetabular component inserted after under-reaming or w here a cone-shaped cup is inserted. We hypothesized that the pattern of inc reased uptake around the superior and inferior third of the cup with relati vely reduced uptake in the medial third is due to preferential loading of t he rim of the cup. A prospective study of ten patients with uncomplicated h ip prostheses supports the hypothesis. ((C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilk ins).