[CT evaluation of total HIP prosthesis infection].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of CT imaging to detect infectious lesions in total hip prosthesis.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

CT was performed in 17 cases of suspected total hip prosthesis infection. Images were reviewed to evaluate for the presence of soft tissue abscess, hip joint effusion or fistula and peri-prosthetic lucency or erosion at bone window setting. The feasibility of CT imaging is assessed with regards to metallic artifacts.

RESULTS

Infection was confirmed in 10 hips. A soft tissue abscess was present in 8 of these cases, in association to a joint effusion, presumably septic, in 7 cases. A fistula was identified in 8 cases. A peri-prosthetic lucency was present in 10 cases, 7 of which with infection, and erosions were noted in 4 patients, 2 of which with infection. Metallic artifacts reduced image quality but did not prevent detection of soft tissue abscesses.

CONCLUSION

CT is useful for detection of soft tissue abscesses in patients with infected hip prosthesis. CT is useful for surgical planning or follow-up of patients treated conservatively.