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01-09-2014 | Musculoskeletal

Bone marrow oedema on MR imaging indicates ARCO stage 3 disease in patients with AVN of the femoral head

Authors: Reinhard Meier, Tobias M. Kraus, Christoph Schaeffeler, Sebastian Torka, Anna Melissa Schlitter, Katja Specht, Bernhard Haller, Simone Waldt, Hans Rechl, Ernst J. Rummeny, Klaus Woertler

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 9/2014

Abstract

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that bone marrow oedema (BME) observed on MRI in patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head represents an indicator of subchondral fracture.

Methods

Thirty-seven symptomatic hips of 27 consecutive patients (53 % women, mean age 49.2) with AVN of the femoral head and associated BME on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were included. MR findings were correlated with computed tomography (CT) of the hip and confirmed by histopathological examination of the resected femoral head. Imaging studies were analysed by two radiologists with use of the ARCO classification.

Results

On MR imaging a fracture line could be identified in 19/37 (51 %) cases, which were classified as ARCO stage 3 (n = 15) and stage 4 (n = 4). The remaining 18/37 (49 %) cases were classified as ARCO stage 2. However, in all 37/37 (100 %) cases a subchondral fracture was identified on CT, indicating ARCO stage 3/4 disease. The extent of subchondral fractures and the femoral head collapse was graded higher on CT as compared to MRI (P < 0.05). Histopathological analysis confirmed bone necrosis and subchondral fractures.

Conclusions

In patients with AVN, BME of the femoral head represents a secondary sign of subchondral fracture and thus indicates ARCO stage 3 disease.

Key Points

• BME on MRI in AVN of femoral head indicates a subchondral fracture.

• BME in AVN of the femoral head represents ARCO stage 3/4 disease.

• CT identifies subchondral fractures and femoral head collapse better than MR imaging.

• This knowledge helps to avoid understaging and to trigger adequate treatment.

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Title: Bone marrow oedema on MR imaging indicates ARCO stage 3 disease in patients with AVN of the femoral head
Authors: Reinhard Meier
Tobias M. Kraus
Christoph Schaeffeler
Sebastian Torka
Anna Melissa Schlitter
Katja Specht
Bernhard Haller
Simone Waldt
Hans Rechl
Ernst J. Rummeny
Klaus Woertler
Publication date: 01-09-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 9/2014
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3216-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Bone marrow oedema on MR imaging indicates ARCO stage 3 disease in patients with AVN of the femoral head

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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