J Korean Radiol Soc.  1992 Apr;28(2):261-268.

MR imaging of avascular necrosis of the femoral head: correlation with radiograph, radionuclide scan and clinical finding

• Kim JS
• Woo YH
• Joo YG
• Lee SM
• Zeon SK
• Suh SJ
• Kang CS

Abstract

To explore the ability of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in the diagnosis of avascular necrosis(AVN) of the femoral head, we compared appearances on MRI of 85 proven AVN lesions with those on radiographs(n=79)and radionuclide scans(n=75). Clinical symptoms(n=85) were also correlated. All MR studies included coronal and axial T1WI and coronal T2WI. All lesions involved the anterosuperior aspect of the femoral head and were surrounded by a low signal intensity rim of both T1 and T2WI. The signal intensity of the lesions was variable depending on the disease course, and lesions were divided into four classes according to the classification suggested by Mitchell. Radiogrphs were normal in 16%(13/79) of the lesions which were in MR class A(10), B(1), C(2). The radionuclide scans showed normal in 16%(12/75) of the lesions which were in MR class A(8), B(1), C(2), D(1). On the other hand. 93% of the lesions with MR class A(27/29) showed stage 1 and 2 lesions on radiographs. Clinical symptoms were absent in 25%(21/85) of the leions, and among these. 81%(17/21) were MR class A. Conclusively. MR is superior to the radiograph and radionuclide scan in the early detection of AVN, and can also show the exact location, extent and signal chasacteristics of the lesion. Therefore, MR is essential in diagnosis and management of AVN.

MeSH Terms

Classification
Diagnosis
Hand
Head*
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Necrosis*