Magnetic resonance imaging of pediatric hip disease.

The efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of pediatric hip disease was tested by scanning the hips of 24 children (30 scans). Twelve patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (17 hips) showed characteristic areas of low-intensity signal representative of necrotic areas of the capital epiphysis. Abnormal scans were also obtained on patients with transient synovitis, avascular necrosis secondary to steroids, epiphyseal dysplasia, and multiple osteochondromatosis. MRI accurately shows articular cartilage, femoral head shape, quality of containment, and areas of necrosis in pediatric hips. The extent of involvement and revascularization can be identified in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.