The hip is a complex ball-and-socket joint comprising the acetabulum, proximal femur, and articular cartilage. In addition, the capsulo labral tissues and surrounding muscles and tendons stabilize the hip, dictate its range of motion, and enhance its function. Familiarity with the spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances of the hip is necessary to recognize normal variants and distinguish them from true pathologic conditions.
This article provides a brief overview of considerations in tailoring protocols of the bony pelvis and hip to optimize detection of both intra- and extra-articular hip pathology, followed by a review of common labral, osteocartilaginous, and soft tissue variants that can be mistaken for true pathology.
Imaging protocol
Dedicated MRI protocols for imaging the pelvis and hip vary among institutions, but there are key elements common to most. In patients with nonspecific hip pain, even unilateral symptoms, large field-of-view (FOV) images of the pelvis (30 cm or more) are commonly performed, spanning the region from the iliac crests to the level of the lesser trochanters. This prevents other pelvis pathology that can mimic hip pain from being overlooked. Coronal T1-weighted images without fat suppression are best for revealing detailed anatomy and evaluating bone marrow and musculature. Large FOV fluid-sensitive sequences, either T2-weighted with fat suppression or short tau inversion recovery (STIR), are obtained in the coronal and axial planes and are used to evaluate for fractures, fluid collections, and injuries involving tendon or muscle. Larger slice thicknesses (5-7 mm) with small interslice gaps can be permitted for these large FOV images. For pelvic imaging, depending on patient body size, either a torso phased array coil or a larger body coil can be used. Depending on the referring clinician, dedicated imaging of the symptomatic hip may be performed only based on the clinical examination and clinical question.
Dedicated imaging of the symptomatic hip should be performed using a surface coil, such as a cardiac phased array coil, with the smallest possible FOV (15-20 cm) extending from the top of the anterior inferior iliac spine to the bottom of the lesser trochanter. Small-FOV images with fluid-sensitive sequences (proton density [PD] or T2-weighted with fat suppression) provide the best evaluation of the acetabular labrum and articular cartilage on non-arthrographic examinations. Small slice thickness (2-3.5 mm) with minimal or no interslice gap is important for these acquisitions. Plane selection in hip imaging is challenging, as the hip joint is a highly curved structure with closely opposed cortical surfaces and relatively thin articular cartilage, making it particularly susceptible to partial volume averaging.1 Traditional (axial, sagittal, and coronal) planes are used, as are off-axis planes (oblique axial and oblique sagittal). Routine radial imaging to assess labral and femoral head morphology can be performed to visualize multiple segments of the labrum and articular cartilage in cross section.2 For MR arthrography, multiplanar small-FOV images with T1- and T2-weighting, both with fat suppression, help to delineate fluid- or contrast-filled clefts in the labrum or cartilage and paralabral cysts. Indirect MR arthrography, which entails imaging after administering intravenous gadolinium followed by exercising the extremity of interest, has been reported accurate in labral tear detection and is utilized in some centers.3,4 MR arthrography can be helpful to the surgeon, as anesthetic is administered as part of the injectate; this can provide additional information on pain relief and has been found to be 90% accurate in those with intra-articular pathology in at least one study.5
Conventional MRI and MR arthrography are both excellent detectors of extra-articular pathology of the hip, whereas the latter has been shown superior in detecting intra-articular pathology, particularly labral tears. Meta-analysis data suggest pooled sensitivity and specificity of 66% and 79%, respectively, for conventional MRI in detecting labral tears, compared to 87%–97% and 64% for MR arthrography.6,7 MR arthrography is also superior for evaluating the articular cartilage, with sensitivities ranges of 71-92% compared to 58–83% for conventional MRI.8-10 Examinations performed at 3.0T provide higher resolution and greater signal-to-noise compared to those performed at 1.5T, with some data suggesting conventional MRI at 3.0T has similar to slightly higher detection for labral tears than MR arthrography performed at 1.5T.11 Protocols using 3D acquisitions may potentially reduce scan time without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy. One study of MR arthrography of the hip at 3.0T demonstrated that sensitivity and specificity for labral pathology did not differ significantly between conventional multiplanar 2D acquisitions and a single isotropic 3D sequence reconstructed into multiple planes.12
Labral pitfalls
Normal labrum
The labrum is a fibrocartilaginous structure attached to the peripheral acetabulum. It facilitates appropriate acetabular formation during skeletal maturation, stabilizes the femoral head by deepening the acetabulum, and seals synovial fluid within the hip joint. The normal labrum is most frequently triangular in morphology but demonstrates an increasingly rounded and irregular shape in asymptomatic hips with increasing age.13 The labrum reportedly is absent in 3% of patients.14 There is also a wide range of normal labral signal characteristics, including intermediate signal intensity on T1-, proton density-, and T2-weighted images and, less commonly, high signal intensity on T2-weighted images.
Diagnostic criteria for labral tears includes the presence of labral distortion, high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging, or gadolinium contrast extending into the labral substance or acetabular-labral junction. An adjacent paralabral cyst is a useful secondary sign of a labral tear and should increase diagnostic confidence or raise suspicion for a labral tear.15 The most common location of labral tears is anterosuperior.16-18
Sublabral sulcus
Normal labral variants that manifest as high T2-weighted signal in or adjacent to the labrum can be mistaken for a labral tear. One common variant, the sublabral sulcus, is seen in up to 25% of patients.19 MR imaging characteristics include a linear shape with smooth edges, location at the chondrolabral junction (undermining the labrum rather than extending into it), not full-thickness, and absence of signal changes elsewhere in the labrum (Figure 1). The sublabral sulcus can occur anywhere in the labrum, but it most commonly appears posteroinferiorly (48%) or anterosuperiorly (44%), followed by posterosuperiorly (4%) and anteroinferiorly (4%).19 Several studies have questioned whether sublabral sulci actually represent partial or partially healed labral tears, including one published by Magerkurth et al, who found no sublabral sulci with either MR arthrography or arthroscopy in a small series of patients younger than 17 years old.20 In distinguishing between a labral tear and a sulcus, a labral tear should be suspected if the abnormality is located within the anterosuperior aspect of the labrum, accompanied by appropriate clinical history, and intra-articular anesthetic brings pain relief.
Perilabral sulcus
A perilabral sulcus or recess is a normal potential space interposed between the labrum and overlying joint capsule. These are most conspicuous in the superior joint space, where the joint capsule inserts several millimeters superior to the labrum (Figure 2), but they can also be seen along the anterior and posterior joint capsule. Perilabral sulci are easy to detect if the joint is distended with a joint effusion or contrast, as is the case in MR arthrography. However, if the joint is not distended, a small volume of trapped fluid in the perilabral recess may mimic a paralabral cyst.21 If the perilabral sulcus is large, it may mimic capsular stripping.
Osteocartilaginous pitfalls
Os acetabuli
An os acetabuli is a small accessory ossification center located adjacent to the acetabular rim present in 2-3% of the population.22 On radiography, they appear as a well-corticated ossicle adjacent to the acetabulum, most common anterosuperiorly. On MRI, these ossicles follow marrow signal intensity and are separated from the acetabulum by a thin cartilage rim (Figure 3). At least one sequence without fat suppression is necessary to discern the typical appearance of marrow within the ossicle and to ensure the ossicle is not confused with a labral tear. When located in the acetabular fossa (os acetabuli centrale), they may mimic an intra-articular body.23 Os acetabuli can also be acquired as sequelae of incompletely healed fractures or ossification of the acetabular labrum. These structures are typically asymptomatic; if large enough, however, they may contribute to symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement.
Supraacetabular fossa
The supraacetabular fossa (SAF) is a defect in the subchondral bone at the 12 o’clock position of the acetabular roof, with an incidence in the population of approximately 10%. On average, the SAF is located 8 mm lateral to the acetabular notch in the coronal plane. Though the overlying articular cartilage is intact, its location at the weight-bearing portion of the acetabulum poses a risk for this variant to be incorrectly described as an osteochondral or chondral defect of the acetabular cartilage. It can be differentiated from a pathologic lesion of the acetabulum by its smooth margins, absence of subjacent bone marrow edema, and absence of adjacent cartilage irregularity or signal heterogeneity (Figure 4). The average size of a SAF is 5.2 x 4.5 mm in width and 3 mm in depth.24 SAF can be either partially or completely filled with cartilage. A SAF filled with cartilage may be arthroscopically occult but may fill with synovial fluid or contrast on MR arthrography.24,25
Stellate crease
Another variant of the acetabular roof is the stellate crease, which is typically an arthroscopic finding only. While the SAF is a focal defect of bone, the stellate crease is a focal defect of articular cartilage. It is located more medially within the acetabular roof than the SAF, immediately adjacent to the acetabular notch (Figure 5). It is a thin, star-shaped focal bare area devoid of articular cartilage and can be mistaken for a pathologic defect at MRI and arthroscopy. Its characteristic shape, location, clean margins, and lack of associated bone marrow abnormality help distinguish the stellate crease from a true cartilage abnormality.21,24,26,27 In addition, acquired cartilage defects should not be limited to just this location.
Synovial herniation pit
A synovial herniation pit, also known as “Pitt’s pit,” is commonly encountered on radiography as a well-circumscribed round or oval lucency with a surrounding narrow zone of sclerosis located in the subchondral or subcortical anterosuperior femoral neck. On MRI, it demonstrates central T2-weighted hyperintensity with a corresponding low signal intensity rim (Figure 6). These lesions are occasionally associated with marrow edema. Synovial herniation pits are typically less than 1 cm but have been reported to enlarge over time.28 Pathologically, these lesions are composed of fibrocartilaginous tissue and were originally hypothesized to represent sequelae of extra-articular structures such as the iliopsoas tendon or iliofemoral ligament exerting pressure on the underlying synovium, resulting in herniation of synovium into the underlying bone through a cortical defect.29 More recently, synovial herniation pits are postulated to represent sequelae of repeated contact between the femoral head-neck junction and acetabulum, supported by at least one study showing a higher incidence in patients with femoroacetabular impingement compared to the normal population (33% versus 5%, respectively).30 Given the risk of progression to primary osteoarthritis in patients with femoroacetabular impingement, identification of a synovial herniation pit warrants close attention to femoroacetabular morphology.31
Soft tissue pitfalls
Iliopsoas bursa
The iliopsoas bursa is located lateral to the femoral artery and vein and deep to the myotendinous portion of the iliopsoas muscle. It is the largest bursa in the body, measuring up to 3 × 6 cm.32 It is present in most individuals and directly communicates with the hip joint in approximately 15% of cases.32 When distended with fluid or debris, it assumes a characteristic appearance of one or two ovoid or teardrop shaped collections on either side of the iliopsoas tendon (Figure 7). The bursa travels along with the iliopsoas tendon toward the tendon attachment on the lesser trochanter. The bursa can also extend cephalad into the iliac fossa, where it can become quite large. Though iliopsoas bursitis can be a cause of hip pain, it is important to consider communication between the hip joint and iliopsoas bursa, as a distended or debris-filled bursa may reflect intra-articular pathology rather than bursitis.33,34 It is also important not to mistake the bursa for a paralabral cyst, cystic mass, or pelvic lymphadenopathy. It is the authors’ experience that paralabral cysts invariably lie lateral to the iliopsoas tendon, whereas bursitis usually starts medial to the tendon or envelops it from both sides.
Obturator externus bursa
The obturator externus bursa is a potential space located between the obturator externus tendon and the ischiofemoral capsular ligaments at the posterior aspect of the hip joint capsule. It communicates with the hip joint in all cases, and is considered by some to represent an articular recess rather than a true bursa.35,36 On MRI, the obturator externus bursa can be a site where intra-articular bodies and joint fluid collect. MR arthrography can distend the capsule and fill the bursa with contrast (Figure 8); it should not be mistaken for a rent or partial tear of the joint capsule.
Plicae and pectinofoveal fold
Several normal synovial reflections in the hip can be mistaken for intra-articular pathology. The ligamentous plica is located within the acetabular fossa at the acetabular attachment of the ligamentum teres. The neck plica parallels the femoral neck, most commonly along the anterior joint capsule. The labral plica is found at the inferomedial margin of the acetabular labrum. The ligamentous and labral plicae are particularly problematic, since they can mimic tears of the ligamentum teres and acetabular labrum, respectively. Plicae are thin, linear, and smooth, in contrast to the irregular and undulating appearance of a torn ligamentum teres or the triangular or trapezoidal shape of a torn section of labrum. Plicae are considered to be embryonic remnants and are seldom symptomatic unless they become entrapped by or between adjacent structures. The labral plica, due to its proximity to the labrum and transverse ligament, is considered to have the highest potential to produce symptoms.21,27 In contrast, the pectinofoveal fold has no symptomatic potential. The pectinofoveal fold is a linear thickening of the medial hip joint capsule which contains branches of the retinacular arteries and the medial circumflex femoral artery. It extends inferiorly from the more superomedial joint capsule to its inferior attachment, either on the inferomedial femoral neck or on the joint capsule itself (Figure 9). It can be smooth or irregular, and is present in more than 95% of patients at MR arthrography.37
Peritrochanteric edema
Lateral hip pain is a common indication for hip imaging. Along with clinical history and physical examination, MRI can contribute to the diagnosis of “greater trochanteric pain syndrome,” which is a cause of lateral hip pain posited to be due to a variety of causes, including peritrochanteric bursitis, external snapping hip, and tears or tendinopathy of the gluteal tendons. Though frank tendon tears and imaging findings of bursitis have been shown to correlate with symptoms of lateral hip pain, the finding of peritrochanteric edema alone, identified as increased T2-weighted signal but not a true fluid collection paralleling the greater trochanter on axial or coronal MR images (Figure 10), does not correlate with hip pain.38,39 Its frequency increases with patient age and is frequently bilateral. Although gluteal tendinopathy occurs more commonly in women, there is no gender predilection associated with peritrochanteric edema.39 Peritrochanteric edema is extremely common in patients undergoing hip imaging, and may represent the mildest end of a spectrum of lateral hip pathology at its asymptomatic stage. When it occurs in isolation, particularly bilaterally and in an older patient, it can be relegated to the findings section of a report and should not be used to suggest findings of greater trochanteric pain syndrome.40
Summary
Several labral, osteocartilaginous, and soft tissue normal variants exist around the hip joint that may mimic, and must be distinguished from, true pathologic conditions. Awareness of these conditions can prevent unnecessary evaluation or intervention. Additionally, although these entities are typically asymptomatic, some normal variants may herald an underlying process such as abnormal biomechanics, which may predispose the hip to disease. MR arthrography can increase specificity and diagnostic confidence in uncertain cases.
References
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- Petchprapa CN, Dunham KS, Lattanzi R, et al. Demystifying radial imaging of the hip. Radiographics. 2013;33(3):E97-E112.
- Zlatkin MB, Pevsner D, Sanders TG, et al. Acetabular labral tears and cartilage lesions of the hip: indirect MR arthrographic correlation with arthroscopy--a preliminary study. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2010;194(3):709-714.
- Petchprapa CN, Rybak LD, Dunham KS, et al. Labral and cartilage abnormalities in young patients with hip pain: accuracy of 3-Tesla indirect MR arthrography. Skeletal Radiol. 2015;44(1):97-105.
- Byrd JW, Jones KS. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical assessment, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance arthrography, and intra-articular injection in hip arthroscopy patients. Am J Sports Med. 2004;32(7):1668-1674.
- Smith TO, Hilton G, Toms AP, et al. The diagnostic accuracy of acetabular labral tears using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arthrography: a meta-analysis. Eur Radiol. 2011;21(4):863-874.
- Ziegert AJ, Blankenbaker DG, De Smet AA, et al. Comparison of standard hip MR arthrographic imaging planes and sequences for detection of arthroscopically proven labral tear. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2009;192(5):1397-1400.
- Schmid MR, Notzli HP, Zanetti M, et al. Cartilage lesions in the hip: diagnostic effectiveness of MR arthrography. Radiology. 2003;226(2):382-386.
- Mintz DN, Hooper T, Connell D, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of the hip: detection of labral and chondral abnormalities using noncontrast imaging. Arthroscopy. 2005;21(4):385-393.
- Sutter R, Zubler V, Hoffmann A, et al. Hip MRI: how useful is intraarticular contrast material for evaluating surgically proven lesions of the labrum and articular cartilage? AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2014;202(1):160-169.
- Sundberg TP, Toomayan GA, Major NM. Evaluation of the acetabular labrum at 3.0-T MR imaging compared with 1.5-T MR arthrography: preliminary experience. Radiology. 2006;238(2):706-711.
- Park SY, Park JS, Jin W, et al. Diagnosis of acetabular labral tears: comparison of three-dimensional intermediate-weighted fast spin-echo MR arthrography with two-dimensional MR arthrography at 3.0 T. Acta Radiol. 2013;54(1):75-82.
- Lecouvet FE, Vande Berg BC, Malghem J, et al. MR imaging of the acetabular labrum: variations in 200 asymptomatic hips. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1996;167(4):1025-1028.
- Aydingoz U, Ozturk MH. MR imaging of the acetabular labrum: a comparative study of both hips in 180 asymptomatic volunteers. Eur Radiol. 2001;11(4):567-574.
- Blankenbaker DG, Tuite MJ. Acetabular labrum. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2013 ;21(1):21-33.
- McCarthy JC, Noble PC, Schuck MR, et al. The Otto E. Aufranc Award: The role of labral lesions to development of early degenerative hip disease. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2001(393):25-37.
- Fitzgerald RH, Jr. Acetabular labrum tears. Diagnosis and treatment. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1995(311):60-68.
- Lage LA, Patel JV, Villar RN. The acetabular labral tear: an arthroscopic classification. Arthroscopy. 1996;12(3):269-272.
- Saddik D, Troupis J, Tirman P, et al. Prevalence and location of acetabular sublabral sulci at hip arthroscopy with retrospective MRI review. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2006;187(5):W507-511.
- Magerkurth O, Jacobson JA, Morag Y. Prevalence of the acetabular sublabral sulcus at MR arthrography in patients under 17 years of age: does it exist? Skeletal Radiol. 2015;44(7):953-961.
- DuBois DF, Omar IM. MR imaging of the hip: normal anatomic variants and imaging pitfalls. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2010;18(4):663-674.
- Arho O. Raajojen ylilukuiset hut röntgenkuvissa. [Accessory bones of extremities in roentgen picture.]. Duodecim. 1940(56):399-410.
- Hergan K, Oser W, Moriggl B. Acetabular ossicles: normal variant or disease entity? Eur Radiol. 2000;10(4):624-628.
- Dietrich TJ, Suter A, Pfirrmann CW, et al. Supraacetabular fossa (pseudodefect of acetabular cartilage): frequency at MR arthrography and comparison of findings at MR arthrography and arthroscopy. Radiology. 2012;263(2):484-491.
- Byrd JW. [Hip arthroscopy. Portal technique and arthroscopic anatomy]. Orthopade. 2006;35(1):41-42, 44-50, 52-43.
- Keene GS, Villar RN. Arthroscopic anatomy of the hip: an in vivo study. Arthroscopy. 1994;10(4):392-399.
- Nguyen MS, Kheyfits V, Giordano BD, et al. Hip anatomic variants that may mimic pathologic entities on MRI: nonlabral variants. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2013;201(3):W401-408.
- Crabbe JP, Martel W, Matthews LS. Rapid growth of femoral herniation pit. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1992;159(5):1038-1040.
- Pitt MJ, Graham AR, Shipman JH, et al. Herniation pit of the femoral neck. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1982;138(6):1115-1121.
- Leunig M, Beck M, Kalhor M, et al. Fibrocystic changes at anterosuperior femoral neck: prevalence in hips with femoroacetabular impingement. Radiology. 2005;236(1):237-246.
- Tannast M, Siebenrock KA, Anderson SE. Femoroacetabular impingement: radiographic diagnosis--what the radiologist should know. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007;188(6):1540-1552.
- Varma DG, Richli WR, Charnsangavej C, et al. MR appearance of the distended iliopsoas bursa. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1991;156(5):1025-1028.
- Blankenbaker DG, De Smet AA, Keene JS. Sonography of the iliopsoas tendon and injection of the iliopsoas bursa for diagnosis and management of the painful snapping hip. Skeletal Radiol. 2006;35(8):565-571.
- Blankenbaker DG, Tuite MJ. Iliopsoas musculotendinous unit. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2008;12(1):13-27.
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- Blankenbaker DG, Ullrick SR, Davis KW, et al. Correlation of MRI findings with clinical findings of trochanteric pain syndrome. Skeletal Radiol. 2008;37(10):903-909.
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FAQs
What is the difference between an MRI and a MR arthrogram hip? ›
MRI provides a detailed look at most body structures including soft tissues. An Arthrogram uses fluoroscopy and an MRI to specifically diagnoses injuries in the joint structures that an MRI alone would likely miss.
What does a normal hip labrum look like on MRI? ›The normal labrum is most frequently triangular in morphology but demonstrates an increasingly rounded and irregular shape in asymptomatic hips with increasing age.
What is the best MRI for hip labral tear? ›MRI Findings. MR imaging of the hip is best if performed on 1.5-T or 3T magnets using small fields-of-view and high-resolution imaging.
What does an MRI of the hip reveal? ›Assessing Hip Abnormalities
An MRI can reveal fraying or tears of the cartilage and labrum. Sometimes it is necessary to find a way to differentiate pain radiating from the hip joint and pain radiating from the lower abdomen. To accomplish this, the hip can be injected with a steroid analgesic.
Is an arthrogram painful? Not usually. You may feel slight discomfort when your provider releases the contrast material into the joint. Many people report feeling a “full” or “tight” sensation around the joint.
Is MRI better for hip pain with or without contrast? ›MRI without intra-articular contrast injection is the non-invasive imaging of choice for the hip, demonstrating lower risk of infection and pain, being readily available and being of lower cost.
Is walking good for a hip labral tear? ›Walking is another excellent cardio exercise choice for someone dealing with hip pain like that caused by a labral tear. It allows you to work a fair number of muscles throughout the body while producing fairly low levels of impact on the joints.
Is it OK to walk with hip labral tear? ›Take a break from any activity, including standing or walking, that may cause pain. If your doctor recommended using a cane or crutches, use them as directed. This can help relieve stress on the hip. Do exercises and stretching as directed by your therapist or doctor.
How serious is a labral tear in the hip? ›A tear in your labrum can cause pain and instability in your hip, damage other tissue and cartilage in your joint, and lead to osteoarthritis over time.
Can an MRI show arthritis in the hip? ›It can also detect the early findings of arthritis, even when the x-rays are normal, because it can show changes in your cartilage and the underlying bone. An MRI is a good tool for evaluating the many causes of pain that may surround the hip joint itself.
What is the best imaging for hip pain? ›
Plain film radiography — Plain film radiography of the hip is used in the initial evaluation of any cause of hip pain, including trauma and sports injuries, suspected avascular necrosis (AVN), arthritis, hip arthroplasty, infection, dysplasia, and tumor [1].
What are the first signs of hip problems? ›- You're unable to bear weight.
- Your hip made a popping sound.
- Your hip became visibly deformed after a fall.
- Your hip is more painful the day after a fall.
- You're experiencing intense pain or sudden swelling.
- You have osteoporosis and have injured your hip.
The most common labral shape is triangular and occurs in 66–69% of asymptomatic hips. Round (11–16%) and flat (9–13%) configurations are less common [7, 8]. A small percentage of patients (3%) do not have a labrum [7].
What 4 tests if positive are indicative of a hip labral tear? ›Thus, there are at least 4 tests which utilize these motions in the differential diagnosis of the labrum: Anterior and Posterior Labral Tests, the Log Roll, and the Scour. The anterior and posterior labral tests are also known as the Fitzgerald Tests.
What test is positive for a hip labral tear? ›MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and MRI arthrogram.
Research suggests that an MRI arthrogram, which uses an injected contrast fluid, provides doctors a better image for diagnosing labral tears and related problems, such as damage to hip cartilage.
You may be a good candidate to receive sedative medication prior to the procedure to put you at ease. If you will be getting an MRI arthrogram, remember that the MR machine contains a powerful magnet.
Can I drive home after a hip arthrogram? ›After your procedure
- There are no restrictions placed upon you. You may eat or drive as normal, although if you took relaxation medication, you will need someone to drive you home. - Your exam will be interpreted by a Radiologist (a doctor who is an expert in understanding these exams).
The hip of the patient is positioned in slight medial rotation. The target is the lateral aspect of the femoral neck. A 3.5-inch (8.9-cm) 22-gauge needle is inserted until bone contact and the injection is tested with lidocaine.
Why would a doctor order an MRI without contrast? ›Non-contrast MRI is great option for patients for whom dye is not recommended, pregnant women and kidney-compromised patients. Non-contrast also provides greater images of blood vessel activity, detecting aneurysms and blocked blood vessels.
What are the side effects of MRI with contrast in hip? ›Side effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) are usually mild and include injection site pain, nausea, itching, dizziness and headaches. Rare serious side effects such as gadolinium toxicity and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) can arise in people with severe kidney problems.
Can MRI show hip nerve damage? ›
Does an MRI scan show nerve damage? A neurological examination can diagnose nerve damage, but an MRI scan can pinpoint it. It's crucial to get tested if symptoms worsen to avoid any permanent nerve damage.
What is the best sleep position for a hip labral tear? ›Don't sleep on the side that has the hip labral tear. You will be putting pressure on it, if you do. Instead, sleep on your uninjured side so that the injured side can find relief. That covers the basics of sleeping positions and pain caused by hip labral tears.
Will a cortisone shot help a torn hip labrum? ›A shot of cortisone (steroid) will not heal a torn hip labrum. It may relieve pain in the hip for days, weeks, or sometimes months, but it does not have a long-lasting benefit. Some patients may overuse a torn labrum in the hip following pain relief, leading to further damage over time.
What aggravates a hip labral tear? ›Many patients with labral tears describe a constant dull pain with intermittent episodes of sharp pain that worsens with activity. Walking, pivoting, prolonged sitting, and impact activities, such as running, often aggravate symptoms.
Is labral tear surgery worth it? ›Surgery is not always required or recommended for a labrum tear. A person's age, the extent of the injury, and overall hip health are factors to consider. Surgery is not typically recommended for people ages 40 and up. This is because a hip labrum tear is often an early sign of arthritis.
Where do you feel pain with a hip labral tear? ›Hip labral tear symptoms include: Pain in the hip, groin or buttocks, especially as you walk or run, and sometimes at night when you sleep. Hip stiffness or limited range of motion. A clicking or locking sensation in the hip joint when you move.
What is the best injection for hip labral tear? ›Corticosteroid Injection
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can provide pain relief when injected directly into the hip joint. Reduced swelling in the hip joint allows the acetabulum and femoral head to move more smoothly and without pain.
In summary, in the correct clinical context, MR arthrography is superior than a plain MR Scan. 3T scanning has brought the two techniques closer together. The clinical examination and pre-test query remains vital in determining whether to subject patients to what is, after all, an invasive test with a 2-stage process.
What kind of MRI is used for hip pain? ›Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) is the current gold standard for acetabular labral and hip hyaline articular cartilage assessment [8,9], as fluid separates the internal structures and contrast extends into labral tears or chondral defects [5].
Is an MR arthrogram an MRI? ›Problems in the knees, shoulders, hips and other joints where two bones meet can be tricky to diagnose from physical exams or more simple imaging scans. At Yale Medicine, our radiologists are skilled at using direct MRI arthrography, a form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for this purpose.
How accurate is an MRI arthrogram of the hip? ›
Conclusion. In our study, MRI arthrogram of the hip is a useful diagnostic tool in detecting labral, femoro-acetabular impingement with accuracy of 80 and 66%, respectively.