Developments in imaging methods used in hip arthroplasty: A diagnostic algorithm.

Background: Several imaging modalities can be used to diagnose complications of hip prosthesis placement. Despite progress in these imaging techniques, there are, as yet, no guidelines as to their respective indications.

Methods: We formed a panel of experts in fields related to prosthesis imaging (radiology, nuclear medicine, orthopedic surgery) and conducted a review of the literature to determine the value of each modality for diagnosing complications following hip replacement.

Results: Few recent studies have investigated the benefits related to the use of the latest technical developments, and studies comparing different methods are extremely rare.

Conclusions: We have developed a diagnostic tree based on the characteristics of each imaging technique and recommend its use. Computed topography was found to be the most versatile and cost-effective imaging solution and therefore a key tool for diagnosing the complications of hip replacement surgery.