Imaging hip dysplasia in the skeletally mature

Hip disorders in the young adult manifest along a continuum that ranges from an excessively constrained, impinging joint, to an overly shallow, unstable hip. Knowledge of simple measures on plain radiographs can aid in efficient and accurate identification of mechanically compromised hips that may be at risk for premature OA. Improvements in joint-preserving surgery have shown promise in delaying or preventing progression of articular degeneration; thus, timely diagnosis is important. Once a diagnosis is established, specialized imaging can be individualized to supplement surgical planning, assess the degree of cartilage damage, and facilitate discussion regarding the prognosis of hip-preserving procedures.