Learning objectives
To review commonly found orthopedic hardware
To review basic biomechanical theories that give rational support to surgical approaches and the use of that material
To review and illustrate commonly found pathologies and complications associated with the use of orthopedic hardware
Background
Orthopedic material is increasingly common due to advances in trauma treatment and to the successful joint replacement in an aging of the population.
Due to this,
the number of people carrying an articular prostheses is steadily increasing not only in hospital but also in ambulatory and primary care practices,
leading to this being a common finding in imaging studies.
Therefore,
it is essential for a radiologist to acquire further knowledge of their use in order to provide a meaningful report.
Radiologists provide critical support for...
Findings and procedure details
THE HARDWARE ITSELF
Bones – or joints – kept fixated for some time will eventually consolidate into either arthrodesis or fracture healing.
Hardware provides temporary support by stabilizing and diverging forces from the area.
Hardware is not adequate for long term stability - when consolidation or arthrodesis does not occur,
with time,
any material will eventually fail – like a paper clip being bent multiple times.
When consolidation does occur,
most hardware is no longer necessary,
and is left in place (unless it causes symptoms)....
Conclusion
The purpose of this review is to raise awareness to the finding of an orthopedic hardware on an imaging study.
The great part of the Radiologist in the patient care chain lies in describing the significant findings leading to diagnosis,
either pre-operativelly or post-operativelly.
Follow up and sequential imaging is an essential part of this.
Knowledge of the surgical procedure and details of the material used are most helpful in correctly achieving the diagnosis.
When those are not readillyavaible careful descritption of subtle radiolucencies,
misalignements,...
Personal information
F.
M.
G.
S.
Pereira da Silva - Radiology Resident
H.
Donato - Radiology Resident
Professor Paulo Donato - Radiology Specialist
Professor Filipe Caseiro-Alves - Head of the Department
Medical Imaging Department
Faculty of Medicine - University Hospital of Coimbra
Coimbra,
PORTUGAL
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