Recurrent Pain After Foot Arthrodesis: Diagnostic Value of Bone SPECT/CT

Foot arthrodesis reduces discomfort and increases stability and is mainly used to treat osteoarthritis, postinflammatory arthritic joint damage, trauma, Charcot foot, and other abnormalities. However, 20% of patients will have recurring pain 1 year after foot or ankle arthrodesis. Common causes include infection, nonunion, hardware failure, and neighboring joint osteoarthritis. SPECT/CT can assess joint fusion following arthrodesis and highlight problems by delivering metabolic and morphologic data unimpeded by metal hardware. This chapter illustrates the diagnostic value of bone SPECT/CT in patients with recurrent pain after foot arthrodesis.