Radionuclide Scans
MRI
CAT Scan
Bone Densitometry
Radionuclide Scans
If there is a concern about infection, you may be scheduled for an Radioisotope Scan. This requires removing some of your own blood and labeling it with an isotopic material which is then re-injected. You will return one day later and the area of the joint will be scanned. This procedure is sometimes used in combination with other more routine types of scanning agents so as to evaluate patients with infection or sepsis.
All of the isotopic agents are relatively innocuous. The amount of radiation is generally not much more than a single x-ray exposure. Complications have been minimal. Computerized scanning is sometimes combined with injection of these agents to better define the changes in a three-dimensional way.
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MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a special study that uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images of the inside of the body. This technique may be useful in evaluating the soft tissues around the hip or detecting the early stages of osteonecrosis. It cannot be used if you already have a hip replacement.
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CAT Scan
CAT scan (computerized axial tomography) is a specialized x-ray scan that can provide additional information about the anatomy of the pelvis or thigh bones and the amount of bone stock available. It is frequently necessary in such conditions as congenital dysplasia, Legg-Perthes disease, or osteonecrosis, or if a custom-type prosthesis may be needed.
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Bone Densitometry
Your bone changes in quality and quantity with increasing age (osteoporosis) and also in response to an implant. Bone densitometry is a new technique which can more accurately quantitate these changes.
Total Hip Replacement
Orthes, spol. s r.o., Palackého 481, 756 61 Rožnov p./R., tel.: +420 651 757940-4, Fax: +420 651 620923, e-mail: orthes@orthes.cz
Copyright
ORTHES, spol. s.r.o. 2001