Imaging of Hip and Groin Athletic Injuries

Abstract

Hip and groin injuries are usually seen with kicking, running and jumping athletic activities. Both recreational and elite athletes can be involved with hip and groin injuries. Although not very common, sports-related injuries of the hip and groin may impose a significant diagnostic dilemma for both the clinicians and the radiologists. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may result in complications, such as permanent disability or premature degenerative joint disease. Plain X-rays are the initial examination although usually unremarkable. Computed tomography can be helpful in certain cases such as tiny avulsion injuries, intraarticular loose bodies and myositis ossificans. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the hip and groin area has proven to be extremely valuable in the diagnosis of radiographically occult osseous abnormalities as well as musculotendinous injuries. MR imaging is helpful in clinically confusing disorders such as stress bone marrow reactions and bursitis. MR imaging following the intraarticular administration of gadolinium is valuable for evaluating the cartilaginous, osteochondral and acetabular labral injuries. The osseous and soft tissue conditions summarized in this article represent those most commonly considered in the differential diagnosis of hip and groin injuries in athletes.