Radiology, Vol 194, 73-75, Copyright © 1995 by Radiological Society of North America
Hip arthroplasty: the role of plain radiographs in outpatient management
S Tigges, JR Roberson and DE Cohen
Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322.
PURPOSE: To determine whether findings on plain radiographs alter clinical
care in outpatient management after hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND
METHODS: From June 1, 1993, through February 28, 1994, one arthroplasty
surgeon saw 148 outpatients (age range, 15-86 years) after hip arthroplasty
(163 prostheses). The surgeon made decisions about clinical management
before he reviewed the plain hip radiographs. After he reviewed the
radiographs, he recorded any changes in the management plan. RESULTS: In
only one case did the radiographic findings change patient treatment. The
prosthesis in this relatively asymptomatic patient had been in place for
over 9 years and appeared clinically to be functioning well, but
radiographs demonstrated aggressive granulomatosis. Therefore, the patient
underwent revision arthroplasty. In the remaining 147 patients,
radiographic findings had no impact on clinical management. CONCLUSION:
Radiographic evaluation may be most beneficial in patients with hip
prostheses that have been in place for many years to rule out asymptomatic
bone loss due to aggressive granulomatosis.
