Computed tomography in the assessment and planning of complicated total hip replacement.

Computed tomography (CT) proved useful in the assessment of 14 cases of failed and complicated total hip arthroplasty. CT provided information in the axial plane about the extent of joint pathology and particularly acetabular involvement. The information obtained proved of aid to the orthopaedic surgeon in the operative planning, indicating the best approach and whether bone grafting to the acetabulum was required. In spite of computer artifact created by metallic implants in the scanning field we found that the required information about the bony components of the joint could be obtained.