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Current concepts in imaging the adult hip.
1Baptist Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|October 26, 2001
Summary
Plain radiographs are the first step in evaluating adult hip pain. Advanced imaging like CT and MRI are used for complex cases and unexplained pain to detect fractures and soft tissue injuries.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedic Imaging
Background:
- Diagnostic imaging is crucial for assessing adult hip pain.
- Plain radiographs are the initial imaging modality.
- Further imaging depends on clinical presentation and radiographic findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the role of various diagnostic imaging modalities in adult hip pain evaluation.
- To guide the selection of secondary imaging techniques based on clinical scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Review of the utility of plain radiography, CT, and MRI in adult hip pain.
- Discussion of indications for advanced imaging based on clinical presentation and initial radiographic results.
Main Results:
- Plain radiographs are fundamental for initial hip pain assessment.
- CT is essential for acute trauma, acetabular fractures, and surgical planning.
- MRI excels in detecting marrow abnormalities and intra/extra-articular pathology with normal radiographs.
- MR arthrography is valuable for labral tears and other intra-articular issues.
Conclusions:
- The choice of imaging for adult hip pain is guided by clinical context and initial radiographic findings.
- CT and MRI serve critical, distinct roles in diagnosing complex hip pathologies.
- Advanced imaging techniques like MR arthrography enhance the detection of specific intra-articular injuries.