MR imaging of early hip joint degeneration.

MR imaging is one of the most commonly used imaging techniques to evaluate patients with hip pain. Intra-articular abnormalities of the hip joint are better assessed with recent advances in MR imaging technology, such as high-field strength scanners, improved coils, and more signal-to-noise ratio-efficient sequences. This article discusses the causes of early hip joint degeneration and the current use of morphologic and physiologic MR imaging techniques for evaluating the articular cartilage of the hip joint. The article also discusses the role of MR arthrography in clinical cartilage imaging.