[CT evaluation of total HIP prosthesis infection].
PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of CT imaging to detect infectious lesions in total hip prosthesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CT was performed in 17 cases of suspected total hip prosthesis infection. Images were reviewed to evaluate for the presence of soft tissue abscess, hip joint effusion or fistula and peri-prosthetic lucency or erosion at bone window setting. The feasibility of CT imaging is assessed with regards to metallic artifacts. RESULTS: Infection was confirmed in 10 hips. A soft tissue abscess was present in 8 of these cases, in association to a joint effusion, presumably septic, in 7 cases. A fistula was identified in 8 cases. A peri-prosthetic lucency was present in 10 cases, 7 of which with infection, and erosions were noted in 4 patients, 2 of which with infection. Metallic artifacts reduced image quality but did not prevent detection of soft tissue abscesses. CONCLUSION: CT is useful for detection of soft tissue abscesses in patients with infected hip prosthesis. CT is useful for surgical planning or follow-up of patients treated conservatively.