-Arthrography of the hip-.

Abstract

Painful hip with normal X-rays (including false-lateral view of both hips) is the main indication for hip arthrography, searching for focal chondropathy. In the presence of moderate hip degenerative arthritis contrasting with increasing disability, a labrum lesion must be investigated. Such lesions are of two kinds, mainly degenerative (of the superior labrum) or post-traumatic (of the posterior labrum). Arthrography allows the diagnosis of cystic changes located in the acetabulum. It also allows the diagnosis and evaluation of the extent of synovial osteochondromatosis or villonodular synovitis. In three indications, computed tomographies must be added to plain arthrography: posterior labrum lesions, osteochondromatosis (looking for foreign bodies in the acetabular fossa) and cystic changes in the acetabulum (with density measurements). In all cases, a complete conventional radiological assessment must be available. Strict asepsis must be ensured. When osteochondromatosis is suspected, evaluation of articular capacity must be systematic.