|
The
Components on X-Ray
X-Rays
are performed immediately after the surgery to confirm correct
placement of the components.
Follow-up
x-rays are performed on a regular basis after the surgery. These are
performed for two principle
reasons.
The
first is to confirm fixation of the components has been established
and maintained.
The
second is to check if any wear of the components has occurred.
|
On
this view (AP view) we can see the components looking from
front to back.
|
 This
lateral view, looks at the knee from the side. |
 The
patella or "knee cap" can be seen on these
"sky-line" views of the knee. The patella is
resurfaced with a component which may be metal and plastic
or plastic only. In the photos above, a plastic component
has been cemented into position. The patella itself and the
cement can be seen on x-rays. The plastic is not visible. A
shadow of the component can be seen.
|
 The
x-ray above demonstrates sound fixation. The bone is in
direct contact with the bone with no "gap" in the
interface suggesting loosening. A small gap may still be
consistent with good fixation.
|
 To
check for any evidence of wear of the components we look at
the space between the two metal components. A faint shadow
representing the plastic insert between the two metal
components can be seen, representing the thickness of the
plastic. Over many years this may reduce suggesting the plastic
inset is thinning and wearing out.
|
|
