Andreas Schiessel1, Karl Zweymüller. 1. Orthopädisches Krankenhaus Wien, Wielemansgasse 28, 1180 Vienna, Austria. schiessel@aon.at
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Plain antero-posterior and lateral radiographs of the femur often show radiolucent lines, which may reflect the canal of a nutrient artery. In patients who have undergone total hip replacement these radiolucent lines must be differentiated from fractures caused by bursting of the shaft during the procedure. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: In a retrospective radiological study 129 extremities of 95 patients with cementless primary hip prostheses were examined for radiolucent lines. Pre- and postoperative antero-posterior and lateral radiographs were analyzed. RESULTS: In 34 of 129 extremities (26.4%) radiolucent lines compatible with a nutrient artery canal were detected, 14 of which (10.9% overall) were seen on lateral radiographs. In 11 of 129 extremities (8.5%) a nutrient artery canal was detected only on the antero-posterior views, while in 9 of 129 extremities (7.0%) it was well defined in both projections. One patient (0.8%) presented with a fracture postoperatively, which was radiologically distinct from a nutrient artery canal. The distance between the tip of the greater trochanter and the proximal end of the nutrient artery canal was 170+/-25 mm; the canal length was 27+/-9 mm. CONCLUSION: Nutrient artery canals are often seen radiologically on pre- and postoperative radiographs down to the mid-shaft level and should be routinely recorded.
OBJECTIVE: Plain antero-posterior and lateral radiographs of the femur often show radiolucent lines, which may reflect the canal of a nutrient artery. In patients who have undergone total hip replacement these radiolucent lines must be differentiated from fractures caused by bursting of the shaft during the procedure. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: In a retrospective radiological study 129 extremities of 95 patients with cementless primary hip prostheses were examined for radiolucent lines. Pre- and postoperative antero-posterior and lateral radiographs were analyzed. RESULTS: In 34 of 129 extremities (26.4%) radiolucent lines compatible with a nutrient artery canal were detected, 14 of which (10.9% overall) were seen on lateral radiographs. In 11 of 129 extremities (8.5%) a nutrient artery canal was detected only on the antero-posterior views, while in 9 of 129 extremities (7.0%) it was well defined in both projections. One patient (0.8%) presented with a fracture postoperatively, which was radiologically distinct from a nutrient artery canal. The distance between the tip of the greater trochanter and the proximal end of the nutrient artery canal was 170+/-25 mm; the canal length was 27+/-9 mm. CONCLUSION: Nutrient artery canals are often seen radiologically on pre- and postoperative radiographs down to the mid-shaft level and should be routinely recorded.