MAGNETIC RESONANCE ARTHROGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN SUBJECTS WITH ACETABULAR LABRAL TEARS

Objective:To describe the MR arthrographic findings in subjects with suspected acetabular labral tears of the hip. Method: 108 hip MRa results were analyzed in 2007-2008. Two radiologists independently interpreted the images, and the consensual answers between them were considered for analysis. Based on their opinions, information was obtained on the location, staging of the chondral and labral lesions, anatomic alterations, and the presence of trochanteric bursitis and tendonitis. Results: 1st degree labral lesions occurred in 41% of cases, 2nd degree in 31%, and 3rd degree in 29%. The cam type FAI was common in 36% of cases, pincer FAI in 11%, and mixed cam-pincer FAI in 13%; in these cases 57% had grade III labral lesions. 1st degree chondral lesions were observed in 51% of acetabulum, 2nd degree in 13%, and 3rd degree in 18%. Conclusion: The morphologic alterations that cause cam type FAI were the most common. With respect to the degree of labral and chondral lesions, 1st degree lesions were the most common, irrespective of the presence or type of FAI, except in mixed cam-pincer FAIs, in which 3rd degree lesions were predominant. No relationship was observed between the degree of labral and chondral lesion.