Current concepts of MR arthrography of the hip

MR arthrography is a recent addition to the imaging evaluation of the hip. The combination of joint distention and multiplanar imaging provides a detailed assessment of the intraarticular structures, most importantly the acetabular labrum. An acetabular labral tear is a potential cause of hip pain in patients with an otherwise normal joint, or patients with underlying pathology such as developmental dysplasia. A summary of the current concepts regarding identification of labral degeneration, labral tears and detachments, and potential pitfalls is presented in this article.