MRI after operative reduction with femoral osteotomy in developmental dysplasia of the hip

The use of MRI scanning has been described after open reduction of the hip in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) to check hip position, but has not previously been reported after open reduction with femoral osteotomy and the use of metalwork. We report a prospective study to determine whether MRI scanning can be used to confirm satisfactory reduction of the hip following surgery for DDH, even in the presence of metalwork in the proximal femur. MRI scans were performed in 12 consecutive children, and all gave diagnostic information indicating satisfactory reduction. Sedation was not required and the mean scanning time was 3 min 45 s. Satisfactory images, the lack of need for sedation, comparable time and cost to CT scanning and most importantly the lack of exposure of the child to ionizing radiation make MRI a most appealing method for imaging. We therefore recommend it as the investigation of choice in this patient group. (orig.)