Hip Replacement Surgery

Imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, evaluate extent of the condition and rule out other associated conditions. It helps to formulate and plan both non operative and operative management

Plain radiographs (x-rays) are first line of investigations. Majority of osteoarthritis, hip impingement and other conditions can be confirmed with x-rays. MRI shows soft tissues such as labrum, ligaments, muscles and tendons around the hip joint better. Sometimes it is done to assess the osteoarthritis. CT scan is occasionally necessary to assess bone morphology of native hip or after joint replacements. CT 3D reconstruction images are useful to assess and plan treatment for hip impingement.CT or MRI are also being used to plan hip replacements with computer navigation.

Very occasionally other imaging like bone scan are necessary to investigate the hip problem. Blood investigations are essential in assessing inflammatory, infection and metabolic conditions.