Normal anatomic variants of the acetabular labrum

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is vital for diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders.
• Advancements allow detailed assessment of complex structures like the acetabular labrum.
• Increasing MRI use leads to more frequent labral tear diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the spectrum and incidence of normal acetabular labral variants.
• To emphasize MRI features of variant anatomy and labral tears.
• To address challenges in diagnosing labral tears due to anatomical variations.

Main Methods:

• Review of medical literature on acetabular labral variants and tears.
• Analysis of MRI features associated with normal variants.
• Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of MRI and MR arthrography.

Main Results:

• MRI sensitivity and specificity for labral tears are inconsistent.
• Normal anatomical variants can cause false-positive MRI results.
• Lack of consensus exists regarding labral variant definitions and distribution.

Conclusions:

• Accurate MRI interpretation requires understanding acetabular labral variants.
• Further research needed to establish consensus on labral anatomy.
• Distinguishing variants from tears improves diagnostic accuracy.