Periarticular soft-tissue abnormalities such as pseudotumors and hypersensitivity have received much attention as serious complications after total hip arthroplasty. Assumed to be related to metal-on-metal articulations, these abnormalities are difficult to assess on MRI and CT due to metal artifacts, said presenter Dr. Takashi Nishii of Osaka University Medical School.
To examine the capabilities of ultrasound in this application, the researchers performed ultrasound exams on 154 hips from 142 patients with arthroplasty. They found that ultrasound may be a suitable screening tool for soft-tissue reactions around total hip arthroplasties, Nishii said.
Various soft-tissue reactions may be observed on ultrasound around bearings other than metal-on-metal bearings, Nishii also noted.
