Role of MagneticResonance Imaging in Diagnosis of Chronic Hip Joint Pain in Adult

Abstract

Chronic hip pain is a common problem in adults. In the absence of a known acute trauma, it can be a diagnostic problem as it can be attributed to many causes. The most common causes are avascular necrosis, inflammatory causes, transient osteoporosis or neoplastic lesions. Our study included 25 patients complaining of chronic hip pain. MRI was done to all of our patients. Our study revealed that MRI is an informative diagnostic modality in chronic hip pain. It is essential in diagnosing avascular necrosis, transient osteoporosis, degenerative causes and inflammatory lesions. In neoplastic lesions, it assesses the extent of the lesion. Our study showed that it is not essential to perform all the imaging sequences in every case. Many cases can be diagnosed with the coronal T1, T2 and STIR sequences. These sequences provide most of the information needed to diagnose each case. By this MRI will not be a time consuming modality and the benefits gained will surpass its expenses. Some cases require further investigations by performing other sequences. MRI is a non-invasive technique with no radiation hazards, informative and essential in chronic hip pain.