Reading radiographs after total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Follow-up radiographs for patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty procedures may indicate the reason why the patient needed a total knee arthroplasty, show up details about the fixation and design features of the prosthesis, and help assess whether the procedure was property done. The present status can also be discerned, for example, whether the components are well fixed or loose and whether there is any wear or osteolysis. Radiographic findings can also help the surgeon decide on how to proceed with the follow-up, i.e. whether the patient can be safely asked to come back a year later for the nest follow-up, or needs close radiographic monitoring or even early surgical intervention.