ACETABULAR LABRUM - MRI IN ASYMPTOMATIC VOLUNTEERS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the MR appearance o f the acetabular labrum in asymptomatic hips on high resolution MRI. M ethod: Fifty-two hips in 46 asymptomatic volunteers with an age range of 15-85 years were evaluated with coronal and axial T1 weighted and T 2-weighted sequences. The shape, margin, size, and signal intensity of the acetabular labrum were analyzed. Results: The labrum was absent i n its anterosuperior aspect in five hips (10%). Intralabral regions of intermediate or high signal intensity were detected in 30 hips (58%) imaged with T1-weighted and proton density-weighted sequences. Intrala bral linear hyperintense foci reaching the articular surface and consi stent with a labral tear were detected in four labra on T2-weighted im ages. Intralabral microcysts were seen in three labra. Conclusion: The MR appearance of the hip labrum is varied in asymptomatic volunteers. Intralabral increased signal intensity and absent anterosuperior labr a are especially frequent and may represent asymptomatic lesions or no rmal variations.