Abstract

During the last few years, labelled leukocyte scintigraphy has become a decisive tool in the diagnosis of bone infections. However, this test may sometimes be deceptive as far as hip prostheses are concerned. The authors have carried out a retrospective study of 62 labelled leucocyte scintigraphies performed for suspected infection of a hip prosthesis. The comparison of the results with the different clinical, biological and radiological factors and the follow up of the patients allows determination of the sensitivity and specificity of this test which are 41% and 100% respectively. The results reported in the literature and the indications for this examination are discussed.