Magnetic resonance imaging of congenital dislocation of the hip with avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 22 patients (24 joints) with congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) with avascular necrosis. T1 and T2 weighted images were obtained using spin echo techniques. Since positive images of the articular cartilage were obtained, it was possible to clearly image flattening or thickening of the articular cartilage of the femoral head and acetabulum in the coronal and in the axial plane of the T1 weighted image. There was a high intensity region in the femoral head with avascular necrosis in the coronal T2 weighted image. The wideness of the region increased with severity. Much information can be obtained with MRI and it is a useful technique in evaluating the pathology of CDH with avascular necrosis. (author)