Magnetic resonance arthrography of the hip joint in patients with suspected rupture of labrum acetabulare

Background: MR arthrography by direct joint puncture and instillation of contrast medium is a minimally-invasive diagnostic technique in patients with suspected acetabular labral tear. The joint is distended, and the intraarticular structures are well separated.

Methods: 31 patients with chronic hip joint pain underwent MR arthrography by direct joint puncture and instillation of diluted gadolinium to evaluate the glenoid labrum.

Results: The glenoid labrum was seen in all patients. Labral tear was found in ten patients. Two of these underwent arthroscopy, and the tears were verified. We also found other causes of hip pain. One patient with villonodular synovitis at MR arthrography was verified at arthroscopy.

Conclusions: MR arthrography is a promising diagnostic technique for evaluating the acetabular labrum.