Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.28(2) > 1113971

Han, Seo, and Lee: Asymptomatic Uncemented Total Hip Repalacement (Changes in the Femur): Natural History Determined Using Tc-99m MDP bone scan (II)

Abstract

This study was intended to determine the findings of radionuclide scans in asymptomatic uncemented total hip replacement. The examined patients were taken the uncemented total hip replacement with HGP in Severance Hospital since Oct. 1988 to Jan. 1990. They had no significant evidence of loosening and infection, clinically and radiologically. Initially, we reviewed 45 (57 hips) patients and we have got some results preliminary. The uptake on the bone scan was highest at two to three months after surgery and was decreased gradually in the most of the patients about 10 months after surgery. We have examined the uptake on the patients hip as 5 zones of the femur which we have newely designed. Until 12 months after surgery, 8 patients had shown abnormal increased activity especially in the zone of tip of the stem and in the zone of greater and lessor trochanteric areas (this results were reported preliminarily on the Journal of Korean Orthopedic Association, 26-1: 55-63; 1991.). At this time, 28 months to 41 months after surgery(average 35 months), we have rechecked the patients hips with radionuclide scan in the 11 patients. Most of the patients showed decreased uptake as normal uptake. Among the 8 patients who showed abnormally increased uptake in the previous bone scan, three patient were followed up with the scan at that time. They were decreased in the uptake compared to the previous bone scan also, but the uptakes on the tip of the stem was still higher than on the sides of the stem. It suggested micromotion of the tip of the stem or reactive bone formation due to persistent stimuli. Finally, if there is partial hot uptake on 10 months after surgery without symptom, we must carefully observe the hip with plain X-ray and with regular follow-up of the boen scan however, the hot uptake dose not mean the failure of the implant. If there was partial hot uptake with symptoms of loosening or infection on that period or if there was hot uptake on the whole area of the stem, it could suggest that the failure of the uncemented total hip replacement. But there was not hot uptake on bone scan, we could believe that the implant was not failed.

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