Elbow Arthroplasty - Follow-Up Imaging
Painful or failed elbow arthroplasties are evaluated with serial conventional radiographs. Most of these cases will show radiographic abnormalities. Exceptions include:
- Acutely infected arthroplasties where the diagnosis has been made very early by clinical exam, before radiographic abnormalities have developed.
- Adjacent soft tissue abnormalities that may require advanced imaging for optimal evaluation.
Painful or failed arthroplasties may be due to a variety of problems. These include:
- Instability
- Polyethylene problems
- Osteolysis
- Loosening
- Infection
- Fractures
- Heterotopic ossification
