Value of 3D CT in defining skeletal complications of orthopedic hardware in the postoperative patient

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2009 Oct;193(4):1155-63. doi: 10.2214/AJR.09.2610.

Abstract

Objective: Conventional CT of the postoperative patient with metal hardware is frequently limited by beam-hardening artifacts. With the evolution of 3D CT, CT is an increasingly effective means of examining the postsurgical patient for the integrity of their hardware and the course of their healing.

Conclusion: Potential postsurgical complications such as nonunion, osteolysis, infection, and heterotopic ossification are all well assessed by 3D CT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthopedic Equipment / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome