Single photon imaging, including SPECT/CT, in patients with prostheses

Abstract

Osteoarthritis has a multifactorial genesis and represents the most frequently occurring degenerative joint disease of adult patients worldwide. The demographic change in western industrial nations has led to a rising number of patients undergoing joint arthroplasty [1-3]. As a result of younger patients receiving treatment and higher life expectancy, the incidence of revision surgery is growing. For example, the number of hip replacements in the USA increased from 220,000 to 234,000 in only 1 year (2003-2004), and the number of knee replacements from 418,000 to 478,000; this trend is ongoing [4]. The impact of these increasing patient numbers places an immense financial strain on the health system. For precise planning of therapy, and also taking into account financial costs, a comprehensive accurate diagnostic procedure is needed to optimize the therapy and treatment of these patients.