Tc-99m stannous colloid-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy in the evaluation of the painful arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of scintigraphy using leukocytes labeled with Tc-99m stannous colloid in the assessment of painful arthroplasties. The results of three-phase bone scintigraphy and imaging with Tc-99m-labeled leukocytes in 40 patients with painful joint prostheses, requiring the exclusion of infection are reported. Results were compared with microbiologic culture and/or long-term clinical review. Bone scintigraphy had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 64%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 73% in detecting prosthetic infection. Tc-99m-labeled leukocytes yielded a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 100%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 93%. Leukocyte scintigraphy improves the specificity of bone scintigraphy in the assessment of the painful prosthetic joint. A positive study is highly suggestive of infection and warrants appropriate treatment.