The diagnosis of loosening in total hip prostheses. Clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic investigation.

Based on the authors' clinical experience and a review of the literature, the methods used for the diagnosis of loosening in hip arthroprostheses are considered. Clinical and radiographic monitoring are essential but the authors believe that in suspected loosening it is particularly important to perform bone scintigraphy using Tc 99 M.D.P., Ga 67, and Indium 111. Arthrography is advised only in selected cases. The criteria of evaluation in the various tests are reported and a procedure for diagnosis is proposed.