X-ray imaging of the common complications of total hip replacement / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the X ray imaging of the common complications after total hip replacement (THR), in order to improve the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the complications of THR. Methods Forty six cases were revised because of the complications of THR. The value of X ray in the diagnosis of complications was assessed by observing the radiography and comparing with surgical results. Results In these cases, after revision, 34 cases had aseptic loosening of femoral component, 13 cases had aseptic loosening of acetabular component, presenting on radiographs as the lucent zone alone the component, which was ≥2 mm in width and had the same contour as the component. 4 cases had septic loosening of femoral and (or) acetabular component, presenting on radiographs as the lucent zone alone the component, and bone destruction and sinus were also observed. The lucent zone was also ≥3 mm, but had the different contour of the component. Both kinds of loosening may accompany with migration of the component or not. 6 cases had dislocation of femoral head, presenting on radiographs as the head lying out of acetabulum in 2 cases, central migrating of the head in 2 cases, and asymmetrical position of the head in acetabulum in 2 cases. Conclusion The lucent zone and component migration had the important diagnostic value of loosening, the contour of lucent zone and sinus could help to make the differential diagnosis of aseptic and septic loosening. Asymmetrical position of the head in acetabulum and the head lying out of acetabulum were the signs of dislocation.