Reading Radiographs after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Indefinite follow-up following total hip arthroplasty is mandatory, and follow-up of these patients without radiographs is incomplete. In the follow-up radiographs, the surgeon may find clues on why the patient needed a total hip arthroplasty, can note details about the fixation and design features of the prosthesis, and can assess whether the total hip arthroplasty procedure was properly done. The surgeon can also discern the present status of the total hip arthroplasty — if the components are well fixed or loose; if the radiographs show any wear and osteolysis — and decide how to proceed with the follow-up, i.e., whether the patient can be safely asked to come back a year later for the next follow-up, or needs close radiographic monitoring or even early surgical intervention.