Best imaging study to evaluate the integrity, position, and functionality of a prosthetic hip replacement, metal ball on plastic cup; how often p. op?

See answer: Plain radiography and clinical correlation are the best starting point. Depending on the software available, either ct or MRI with metal artifact reduction software may be beneficial. Spect-ct has shown benefit in fusing both anatomic and physiologic data – ask your radiologists and orthopedists about their experience with these modalities and the capability at your institution.

Xrays: Getting routine x-rays annually after hip replacement is standard. If you are having pain, then bone scans or specialized mri's may be necessary.