Diagnostic imaging,
such as MRI scans, should not be the sole method of assessing patients prior to hip replacementoperations.
A new study by a team of scientists working at Steadman-Philippon Research
Institute used the scans on a sample of healthy volunteers and found that 73
per cent had some sort of hip abnormality.
The researchers believe that these results prove it is vital to make further
clinical assessments before recommending any surgery or medication.
Lead author of the report Bradley Register said: "The hope with a study
like this is improved treatment and decision-making for physicians who are
dealing with hip disorders."
The work assessed 45 patients and found that the risk of complications was
significantly higher in people over the age of 35.
According to the International Osteoprosis Foundation, the risk of fracture
also increases if a ten per cent loss of bone mass occurs in the joint.
© Adfero Ltd
Private MRI and CT scanning news: 14 February 2012
