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Review
. 2025 Mar 26;14(7):2258.
doi: 10.3390/jcm14072258.

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography, a New Metal Artifact Reduction Technique for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Is There a Light in the Darkness?

Andrea Coppola  1   2 , Luigi Tessitore  1   3 , Chiara Macina  1   3 , Filippo Piacentino  1   3 , Federico Fontana  1   3 , Andrea Pautasso  4   5 , Velio Ascenti  6 , Roberto Minici  7 , Domenico Laganà  7 , Tommasa Catania  8 , Giorgio Ascenti  8 , Massimo Venturini  1   3 , Fabio D'Angelo  4   5
Affiliations
Review

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography, a New Metal Artifact Reduction Technique for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Is There a Light in the Darkness?

Andrea Coppola et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To evaluate dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in comparison with conventional CT for periprosthetic bone and surrounding soft tissues in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts for eligibility, discussing any disagreements with a third author for final decisions. The articles were categorized into two main groups: those focusing on periprosthetic bone and those on blood vessels or pelvic organs. Results: A total of 37 articles were selected to be included in this systematic review. Conclusions: Our systematic review reveals significant variability in the use of DECT for periprosthetic bone and soft tissue imaging, due to differences in equipment, protocols, and clinical settings. While many studies indicate that virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI), especially when combined with metal artifact reduction (MAR), improves image quality, there is no consensus on optimal energy levels. Future research should focus on large-scale, multicenter studies with standardized protocols to compare reconstruction techniques, energy levels, and combined MAR-VMI use.

Keywords: THA; VMI; dual energy; hip arthroplasty; metal artifact; spectral CT.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of the article selection process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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