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The imaging appearances of metallosis

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Abstract

Metallosis is an uncommon condition in which there is infiltration of periprosthetic soft tissues and bone by metallic debris resulting from wear of joint arthroplasties. It is often associated with significant osteolysis; therefore the identification of metallosis is an indication for revision arthroplasty. The radiographic, CT and MRI features of metallosis in a 63-year-old man who presented 16 years post-arthroplasty are described in this case report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    E. J. Heffernan, F. O. Alkubaidan & P. L. Munk

  2. Department of Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    T. O. Nielsen

  3. Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Jimmy Patisson Pavilion South, 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1M9, Canada

    E. J. Heffernan

Authors
  1. E. J. Heffernan
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  2. F. O. Alkubaidan
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  3. T. O. Nielsen
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  4. P. L. Munk
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Correspondence to E. J. Heffernan.

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Heffernan, E.J., Alkubaidan, F.O., Nielsen, T.O. et al. The imaging appearances of metallosis. Skeletal Radiol 37, 59–62 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-007-0362-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-007-0362-y

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