Epiphyseal dysplasia of the hip. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis with MRI

Sixteen hip joints of eight patients with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia were examined by clinical investigation, plain films and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using T1- and T2-weighted images and gradient echoes. MRI is useful in demonstrating the congruity of the joint, in the changes of the epiphyseal signal intensities and the epiphyseal line. Individual changes of the signal intensity patterns on T1- and T2-weighted scans are described. Although MRI exhibits a variety of patterns in different patients, a clearcut differentiation from Legg-Calve-Perthes' disease is possible. (orig.)