The Added Value of Ultrasound in Detecting Hip Arthroplasty Related Complications

Abstract Background: Complications of total hip arthroplasty are common and it is essential for the radiologist to be aware of them in the assessment of any imaging modality after total hip replacements. Complications are many and can occur at various time intervals following the initial surgery. Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to report the added value of ultrasound in evaluating prosthesis related complica-tions after hip arthroplasty and to compare the findings with X-ray, computed tomography (CT), clinical examination, laboratory and operative findings. Material and Methods: This prospective study was carried out on ninety two patients (33 males & 59 females). All patients were complaining of hip pain after hip arthroplasty. All patients were subjected to relevant history taking, local examination, laboratory studies, plain X-ray, multidetector computed tomography, +/- operation. 35 patients underwent revision surgery. The results were compared to high resolution ultrasound with color Doppler findings. Results: 92 patients with hip arthroplasty implants were subjected to history taking, local examination, laboratory studies, plain X-ray, multi-detector computed tomography, +/- operation and the results were compared to high resolution ultrasound with color Doppler. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of ultrasound were calculated for detecting each complication. Our study showed that ultrasound is a very useful imaging tool in detecting soft tissue complications and in guiding for needle aspiration. On the other hand, it has limited role in detecting bony complications as loosening, fractures and dislocations. Conclusion: We concluded that ultrasound has a valuable added role in evaluating hip arthroplasty soft tissue compli-cations.