Conventional and Arthrographic Magnetic Resonance Techniques for Hip Evaluation: What the Radiologist Should Know.

Over the last 2 decades, the definition of pathomechanical concepts that link osseous deformities to chondrolabral damage and expose young and active patients to the risk of early osteoarthritis has led to a tremendous increase in the number of joint-preserving surgeries performed. The rise in arthroscopic procedures has led to an increasing demand for comprehensive preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of the hip joint. This includes conventional MRI for the assessment of extra-articular and periarticular pathologies such as greater trochanteric pain, deep gluteal pain syndrome, and sports injuries. Magnetic resonance arthrography with or without traction is reserved for the accurate evaluation of deformities associated with impingement and hip instability and for detecting the resulting intra-articular lesions. This article summarizes the current standard imaging techniques that the radiologist should know. It also explores the potential of computer-assisted analysis of three-dimensional MRI for virtual impingement simulation and volumetric analysis of cartilage composition and geometry.