Hip Capsulolabral Complex: Anatomy, Disease, MRI Features, and Postoperative Appearance

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• The hip joint relies on the labrum, capsule, and ligamentum teres for static stability.
• Labral tears are common, often associated with femoroacetabular impingement.
• The ligamentum teres's role in rotational stability is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anatomy, pathology, and imaging features of the hip labrum, capsule, and ligamentum teres.
• To discuss classification systems for injuries to these structures.
• To highlight MRI findings and postoperative appearances.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on hip anatomy and pathology.
• Discussion of established classification systems (Lage, Czerny).
• Emphasis on MRI features for diagnosing labral tears, capsular injuries, and ligamentum teres tears.

Main Results:

• Labral tears are localized using the clock-face method; variants can mimic disease.
• Femoroacetabular impingement (cam, pincer, mixed) is a key risk factor for labral tears.
• Capsular injuries and ligamentum teres tears contribute to hip instability.

Conclusions:

• Injuries to the labrum, capsule, and ligamentum teres are implicated in hip instability.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on understanding normal variants, classification systems, and MRI findings.
• Comprehensive knowledge aids in managing hip instability and optimizing postoperative outcomes.