[Proton spin tomography in the treatment of congenital hip dislocation]

In twelve patients with a congenital dislocation of the hip a comparative study was carried out with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and arthrography. MRI can provide accurate information about pathologic anatomic changes in and around a luxated hip in several planes. Until recently arthrography was considered as the imaging technique of choice when further precise information was required. However it is an invasive method which involves ionising radiation. Furthermore, tridimensional structures are transformed in two-dimensional structures and the contrast medium only outlines the bony and soft tissues, which contour the hip joint.