The assessment of total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

•. Technical aspects of total hip arthroplasty (THA), such as component position or the quality of the cement mantle, can be assessed post-operatively and may affect long-term outcome.•. The radiographic appearance of THA changes over time according to well-defined biomechanical and biological principles.•. There are fundamental differences between the design principles and subsequent behaviour of cemented and cementless components.•. Microscopic wear debris (particularly polyethylene debris) causes osteolysis and may lead to loosening, implant migration or fracture.•. Identification of important radiographic features may predict failure and allow timely and appropriate intervention.Soft tissue abnormalities related to THA can be assessed with ultrasound or MRI.Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is now a common surgical procedure. Radiologists are increasingly required to assess the prosthetic hip construct, either in the immediate post-operative period or later in the life of the patient, often years or decade...