MR imaging of sports-related hip disorders

Hip arthroscopy is being used increasingly for the diagnosis and treatment of hip disorders. MR imaging performed with appropriate technical considerations may aid not only in preoperative planning but in the appropriate selection of patients, which tends to lead to better postoperative results. Although the painful hip is imaged most commonly by radiography, MR imaging is considered the next imaging test of choice for evaluation of most common hip abnormalities in athletes, including labral injuries, ligament injuries, osteochondral injuries, fractures, bursitis, and musculotendinous injuries. MR arthrography can be a particularly useful technique for dedicated assessment of hip joint internal derangements.