MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING IN TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL LUXATION OF THEHIP

Introduction: After treatment of infantile hip dislocation in terms of reduction and retention in plaster casts or splints a problem of ther apy controlling exists. To assess if the femoral head is in correct po sition centered in the socket ultrasound is not possible, because one cannot achieve the necessary standard position. Computertomograms are associated with a hereditary taint of radiation and plain roentgenogra ms lack of presentation of the important cartilaginous structures. Met hod: To control infantile hips after open or closed reduction from 199 0 until 1996, 43 examinations by MR imaging were performed in 34 child ren. Results: In our series MRI was able to provide exact information about the position of the femoral head independently of its state of o ssification. Also, a clearly visualisation of the different structures of the acetabular fossa, particular acetabulum, pulvinar, bony and ca rtilaginous acetabular rim and limbus was possible. Furthermore the MR images showed interpositioned soft tissue, intraarticular effusion an d displaced cartilaginous parts of the acetabular rim. Conclusions: MR I is an exact method to assess the anatomical and pathological conditi ons of the childlike hip joint. Because of the disadvantages of CT and X-ray, MRI is superior in terms of controlling the results after trea tment of infantile hip dislocation.