Abstract
Over the last 2 decades, the definition of pathomechanical concepts that link osseous
deformities to chondrolabral damage and expose young and active patients to the risk
of early osteoarthritis has led to a tremendous increase in the number of joint-preserving
surgeries performed. The rise in arthroscopic procedures has led to an increasing
demand for comprehensive preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment
of the hip joint. This includes conventional MRI for the assessment of extra-articular
and periarticular pathologies such as greater trochanteric pain, deep gluteal pain
syndrome, and sports injuries. Magnetic resonance arthrography with or without traction
is reserved for the accurate evaluation of deformities associated with impingement
and hip instability and for detecting the resulting intra-articular lesions. This
article summarizes the current standard imaging techniques that the radiologist should
know. It also explores the potential of computer-assisted analysis of three-dimensional
MRI for virtual impingement simulation and volumetric analysis of cartilage composition
and geometry.
Keywords
MRI - hip - arthrography - traction - pelvis
