Newer Radiographic Methods for Detection and Treatment Planning for Patients with Pelvic Osteolysis

New radiographic imaging techniques are replacing plain radiographs as the best method to diagnose, evaluate, and treat patients with osteolysis. Digital computed tomography (CT) scans combined with image analysis software can produce three-dimensional reconstructions of the pelvis that enable a surgeon to visualize the location and size of osteolytic lesions. Quantitative analysis of digital CT images can precisely characterize how osteolysis progresses over time. These techniques enable the early diagnosis of osteolysis, have improved our ability to preoperatively plan surgery, and have given us new methods to measure the success of different intervention strategies.