The Accuracy of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography Arthrography in Evaluating Aseptic Loosening of Hip and Knee Prostheses

Aseptic loosening represents the most common complication associated with hip and knee arthroplasty and is a common indication for surgical revision in the post-arthroplasty population. The optimal imaging methodology in evaluating clinical suspected loosening is not well-defined. Our study retrospectively evaluated nuclear medicine arthrography with hybrid single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in 38 patients (21 hip, 17 knee) compared with reference standards of surgical evaluation, spontaneous resolution of symptoms without revision, or a minimum of 1 year clinical and radiographic follow-up. Our study demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 96.0%, PPV of 92.9%, NPV of 100%, and accuracy of 97.4% with this imaging technique suggesting utility of nuclear medicine arthrography with SPECT/CT in the clinical evaluation of suspected aseptic loosening.