Imaging of the hip and knee for primary and revision arthroplasty

The myriad diagnostic imaging modalities currently available are important tools for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal disorders, including patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. The digitization of radiographs with picture archiving and communication systems has improved the storage of and access to medical images. Plain radiographs are the first-line diagnostic test in orthopaedics. A methodic approach to the evaluation of hip and knee radiographs is usually sufficient to determine a diagnosis and establish a treatment plan. Preoperative planning using digital templating of calibrated radiographs aids the accuracy and efficiency of total hip and total knee arthroplasty. Recent advances in other imaging techniques such as low-dose radiation systems, nuclear medicine, ultrasonography, CT, and MRI have a complementary role in the evaluation of different clinical scenarios before and after arthroplasty of the hip and knee.