Magnetic resonance imaging of joint arthroplasty.

Modification of MRI pulse sequence parameters has permitted imaging of arthroplasty and the surrounding soft tissue envelope, enabling detection of regional tendon attachments, including the hip abductors, the knee extensor mechanism, and the rotator cuff of the shoulder. The multiplanar capabilities and superior soft tissue contrast have established MRI as the most sensitive, noninvasive means to detect periacetabular osteolysis after hip arthroplasty. Detection of intrasynovial deposits that may precede bone loss and regions of neurovascular compression also is possible. An additional advantage is the lack of ionizing radiation, which is beneficial in serial examinations for the longitudinal assessment of particle disease.