The possibilities of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnostics of complications after metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Objective: to find adverse periprosthetic local tissue reactions after metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty with ASR XL heads. Material and methods: 119 patients with 134 ASR XL head - Corail prostheses were treated in 2007-2009. The results were studied in 94 cases (105 prostheses) - 84%. Average follow-up time consisted 62 ± 3 months. MRI was performed in 12 patients (13 hips) who had clinical nonsatisfaction. Obtained data were compared with 21 MRI (24 hips) of controlled group with good and perfect clinical results. Results. We found variations of normal periprosthetic tissue condition. Adverse reactions were identified in 10 cases. To improve the quality of pictures we developed special MRI adjustments and regimes of work. Conclusion: MRI diagnostics is indicated for the patients with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty in order to identify adverse local tissue reactions. The improvement of picture quality needs special adjustment of MRI equipment.