Imaging structural abnormalities in the hip joint: Instability and impingement as a cause of osteoarthritis

Young Jo Kim, Sarah Bixby, Tallal C. Mamisch, John C. Clohisy, Jack C. Carlisle

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is thought to be caused by a combination of intrinsic vulnerabilities of the joint, such as anatomic shape and alignment, and environmental factors, such as body weight, injury, and overuse. It has been postulated that much of osteoarthritis is due to anatomic deformities. Advances in surgical techniques such as the periacetabular osteotomy, safe surgical dislocation of the hip, and hip arthroscopy have provided us with effective and safe tools to correct these anatomical problems. The limiting factor in treatment outcome in many mechanically compromised hips is the degree of cartilage damage which has occurred prior to treatment. In this regard, the role of imaging, utilizing plain radiographs in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging, is becoming vitally important for the detection of these anatomic deformities and pre-radiographic arthritis. In this article, we will outline the plain radiographic features of hip deformities that can cause instability or impingement. Additionally, we will illustrate the use of MRI imaging to detect subtle anatomic abnormalities, as well as the use of biochemical imaging techniques such as dGEMRIC to guide clinical decision making.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)334-345
Number of pages12
JournalSeminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology
Volume12
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2008

Keywords

  • Dysplasia
  • Hip
  • Impingement
  • MRI
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Radiography

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