Magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of hip joint pathology

Introduction: Pathologies in relation to hip joint is very common clinical problem, which requires imaging studies in addition, for which MRI is generally advised. This imaging modality is commonly used due to its excellent soft tissue contrast, multiplanar imaging capabilities with high spatial resolution. It provides excellent details of soft tissue, ligaments, cartilage, joint fluid, extraarticular soft tissues and osseous structures. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital, Agartala, Tripura. A total of 65 consecutive patients were included in the study after obtaining a consent. Result: Out of total 65 cases, 45 were male (69.2%) and rest 20 (30.8%) were female. Age of patients ranged from 5 to 70 years. Maximum numbers of patients were in the age group of 21-30 years (21 cases – 32.3%). AVN was the most common pathology detected comprising 26 cases (40%). Osteoarthritis was second most common abnormality, detected in 10 (15.4 %) cases. Neoplastic lesions were seen in 6 cases (9.23 %). Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the optimal approach for identifying hip pathologies due to its high resolution, improved tissue contrast differentiation, and multiplanar imaging capabilities.