Gadolinium-DTPA-enhanced MRI in the evaluation of osteonecrosis.

We report the MR findings in three cases of osteonecrosis. Two cases were post-traumatic and the third idiopathic. The diagnosis, localization and characterization of osteonecrosis was improved in all patients by the use of Gadolinium-DTPA-enhanced, fat-saturated, T1-weighted spin-echo imaging. We recommend the use of Gadolinium-DTPA-enhanced MRI in selective cases of osteonecrosis as it can better define the stage of disease and suitability for surgery.