Bone scanning in the evaluation of total hip replacement.

The value of 99mTc-MDP bone scan in the early diagnosis of cementless total hip loosening is assessed by means of a review of 26 patients who underwent total hip replacement for arthritis or femoral neck fracture. Bone scan was performed, selecting regions of interest in the proximal diaphyses of both femurs and calculating the ratio of radionuclide uptake. This ratio returned to normal 6-12 months after operation. Bone scan can therefore serve as a point of reference for the prognosis of the implant.