Imaging After Shoulder Arthroplasty Image degradation can occur because of beam hardening artifact and other hardware-related artifacts, especially with older CT scanners. The use of newer metal reduction CT software has decreased the artifact-related limitations, improving evaluation [50-52]. Furthermore, dual-energy CT, employing virtual noncalcium software, may provide useful information regarding the presence of marrow edema [53]. CT can also be used to evaluate the bone density around prostheses, which may be predictive of loosening [54]. Metal reduction protocols and modifications in patient positioning have greatly enhanced the ability of CT to evaluate for complications associated with shoulder arthroplasties. Nevertheless, there are scant studies assessing the benefit of CT in patients with postoperative complications. In a few reports, each including a small group of patients, CT compared with radiographs, has been found to better demonstrate imaging findings such as periprosthetic lucency, osteolysis, hardware malposition, and component migration, as well as the degree of osseous incorporation along the glenoid, deficiency of which has been associated with the risk of failure [10,47,55]. Evaluation of bone graft resorption remains limited on CT because of metal artifact [56]. Dual-energy CT virtual noncalcium techniques, although not yet specifically studied in the postoperative shoulder, may potentially provide useful information about marrow edema associated with the above abnormalities [53]. The addition of intra-articular or IV contrast does not typically improve evaluation [57]. Fluoride PET/CT Skull Base to Mid-Thigh There is no relevant literature to support the use of fluoride PET/CT after radiographs in a symptomatic patient with a primary shoulder arthroplasty and infection was excluded.
Imaging After Shoulder Arthroplasty PCAs. Imaging After Shoulder Arthroplasty Image degradation can occur because of beam hardening artifact and other hardware-related artifacts, especially with older CT scanners. The use of newer metal reduction CT software has decreased the artifact-related limitations, improving evaluation [50-52]. Furthermore, dual-energy CT, employing virtual noncalcium software, may provide useful information regarding the presence of marrow edema [53]. CT can also be used to evaluate the bone density around prostheses, which may be predictive of loosening [54]. Metal reduction protocols and modifications in patient positioning have greatly enhanced the ability of CT to evaluate for complications associated with shoulder arthroplasties. Nevertheless, there are scant studies assessing the benefit of CT in patients with postoperative complications. In a few reports, each including a small group of patients, CT compared with radiographs, has been found to better demonstrate imaging findings such as periprosthetic lucency, osteolysis, hardware malposition, and component migration, as well as the degree of osseous incorporation along the glenoid, deficiency of which has been associated with the risk of failure [10,47,55]. Evaluation of bone graft resorption remains limited on CT because of metal artifact [56]. Dual-energy CT virtual noncalcium techniques, although not yet specifically studied in the postoperative shoulder, may potentially provide useful information about marrow edema associated with the above abnormalities [53]. The addition of intra-articular or IV contrast does not typically improve evaluation [57]. Fluoride PET/CT Skull Base to Mid-Thigh There is no relevant literature to support the use of fluoride PET/CT after radiographs in a symptomatic patient with a primary shoulder arthroplasty and infection was excluded.