HIP-JOINT FLUID - DETECTION AND DISTRIBUTION AT MR-IMAGING AND US WITH CADAVERIC CORRELATION

PURPOSE: To define the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging appearance of a hip effusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two asymptomatic hips in 2 6 volunteers aged 20-37 years and five fractured hips were imaged at 1 .5 T with T2-weighting in three planes. Images were computer digitized and analyzed for hip fluid volume and visually assessed for the prese nce and width of fluid pockets (in millimeters) seen in the acetabular notch; recesses anterior, posterior, and lateral to the femoral head; and recesses anterior, posterior, and medial to the femoral neck. Cad averic hips were also injected with graduated amounts of saline (1-20 mL), and sequential MR and ultrasound images were obtained. RESULTS: C omputer analysis yielded an average fluid volume of 2.7 mL (range, 0.7 -5.6 mL) in asymptomatic and 6.1 mL (range, 1.7-11.6 mL) in symptomati c hips. The mean difference between the right and left hips was 0.8 mL (range, 0.0-2.9 mL). Discrete fluid pockets, sometimes measuring grea ter than 5 mm in width, were commonly seen in asymptomatic hips. Diste ntion of the capsule by at least 5 mm along the length of the femoral neck was almost always seen after injection of 5 mL of saline and was consistently seen after injection of 10 mL of saline into cadaveric hi ps. CONCLUSION: Fluid adjacent to the entire length of the femoral nec k, measuring at least 5 mm in width, is compatible with a joint effusi on.