Digital subtraction arthrography.

The technology of digital subtraction image processing was applied as a substitute for conventional arthrographic subtraction techniques in the evaluation of 29 joints in 27 patients. There were 15 total hip replacements, one total knee replacement, eight wrists, three shoulders, and two ankles. Information regarding prosthetic component loosening and ligamentous disruption of carpal bone articulations could be determined with a high degree of accuracy when compared with information gained using conventional radiographic methods. Our results indicate that this method may be a suitable substitute for other arthrographic techniques.