Gold SL, Burge AJ, Potter HG. MRI of hip cartilage: joint morphology, structure, and composition. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2012;470(12):3321-31. doi:10.1007/s11999-012-2403-7.
Abstract
Background
Accurate, reproducible, and noninvasive assessment of hip cartilage is clinically relevant and provides a means by which to assess the suitability of candidates for arthroscopic or open surgical procedures and the response to such interventions over time. Given the relatively thin cartilage of the hip and the complex spherical anatomy, however, accurately assessing the cartilage poses a challenge for traditional MRI techniques.
Questions/Purposes
We assessed the current status of imaging articular cartilage of the hip through a comprehensive review of recent literature.
Methods
We performed a literature review using PubMed. Topics included quantitative MRI, imaging of the hip cartilage and labrum, femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, and osteoarthritis of the hip.
Where Are We Now?
With the use of high in-plane and through-plane resolution, reproducible assessment of hip cartilage and labrum is clinically feasible. More recent quantitative MR techniques also allow for noninvasive assessment of collagen orientation and proteoglycan content in articular cartilage, thus providing insight into early matrix degeneration. These techniques can be applied to cohorts at risk for osteoarthritis, helping to predict cartilage degeneration before symptoms progress and osteoarthritic changes are visible on radiographs.
Where Do We Need to Go?
Prospective longitudinal data registries are necessary for developing predictive models of osteoarthritis and subsequent joint failure to assess the results of surgical intervention and predict the timing of arthroplasty.
How Do We Get There?
By establishing more hip cartilage registries, a correlation can be made between subjective measures and morphologic MRI to assess the cartilage, labrum, bone, and synovial lining of the hip.
Last Updated on September 30, 2026
🔗 Knowledge Graph & Clinical Correlates
OrthopaedicsOne Living Semantic Network🛠️ Operative Techniques
- Valgus osteotomy for Perthes disease Pediatrics
- Valgus osteotomy for development coxa vara Hip and Knee
- Uncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty Joint Reconstruction
🩺 Clinical Conditions & Indications
- Valgus deformity of the knee Valgus deformity is a term for outward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint. The...
🔬 Anatomy, Pathology & Diagnostics
- Why I Would Not Consider Navigating My THA Hip Joint & Proximal Femur
- Why I Would Consider Navigating My THA Hip Joint & Proximal Femur
- Why I Use Metal on Metal Hip Joint & Proximal Femur
- Why I Use Cross-Linked Polyethylene Hip Joint & Proximal Femur