Summary
Although indirect magnetic resonance arthrography is an effective mean of hip evaluation for labral tears, it has limited sensitivity to evaluate articular cartilage lesion. A negative imaging study does not exclude important intraarticular pathology that can be identified and treated arthroscopically.
Data
Objective
In this study, we compared indirect magnetic resonance arthrography results with hip arthroscopy findings to assess the diagnostic correlation this imaging technique in evaluation acetabular labral tears and cartilage lesion of the hip.
Materials and Methods
One hundred thirty consecutive patients (131 hips) with a clinical diagnosis of acetabular labral tear were assessed using indirect magnetic resonance arthrography and had hip arthroscopy after failing to improve with nonoperative treatment. Indirect magnetic resonance arthrography was performed on a 3.0-T magnet. Patients received IV gadolinium contrast material and exercised for 15 minutes. All arthroscopic procedures were performed by one orthopedic surgeon (MSP) who specialized in treating hip disorder.
Results
Indirect magnetic resonance arthrography detected 110 of 131 (95%) acetabular labral tears with 13 false positive studies (9.9%). Articular cartilage findings diagnosed by indirect magnetic resonance arthrography were confirmed by arthroscopy in 56 hips (62.7%). With respect to labral pathology, indirect magnetic resonance arthrography showed a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 42%, positive predictive value of 89%, and negative predictive value 37%. With respect to articular cartilage pathology, indirect magnetic resonance arthrography had a sensitivity of 26%, specificity of 93%, positive predictive value 75%, and negative predictive value 63%.
Conclusion
Although indirect magnetic resonance arthrography is an effective mean of hip evaluation for labral tears, it has limited sensitivity to evaluate articular cartilage lesion. A negative imaging study does not exclude important intraarticular pathology that can be identified and treated arthroscopically.
Article info
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
