MR imaging of the normal hip

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Accurate diagnosis of hip pathologies relies on a deep understanding of normal anatomy.
• Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging, including MR arthrography, is a primary modality for evaluating the hip joint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the complex normal anatomy of the hip joint and its surrounding structures as visualized on MR imaging.
• To emphasize the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge for interpreting hip MR imaging studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of peer-reviewed literature and radiological atlases focusing on hip anatomy.
• Analysis of representative MR imaging and MR arthrography cases demonstrating normal anatomical structures.
• Integration of anatomical descriptions with corresponding MR imaging findings.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of the normal osseous anatomy of the hip, including the femoral head, acetabulum, and surrounding bone.
• Comprehensive overview of the articular cartilage, labrum, and synovial recess.
• Identification and characterization of key ligaments (e.g., iliofemoral, pubofemoral, ischiofemoral), tendons (e.g., gluteal, iliopsoas), and muscles (e.g., gluteal muscles, adductors, hip flexors).
• Discussion of normal marrow signal intensity and common anatomical variants.

Conclusions:

• A thorough understanding of the intricate normal anatomy of the hip joint and adjacent soft tissues on MR imaging is fundamental for accurate diagnostic interpretation.
• Familiarity with MR imaging features of normal hip anatomy, including MR arthrography, is crucial for differentiating pathological conditions.