MRIMusculoskeletalIntermediate
Hip avascular necrosis
musculoskeletalhipavascular necrosisMRIdouble-line signsteroids
Clinical presentation
Adult on long-term corticosteroids with progressive groin pain worse on weight-bearing; radiographs initially normal.
Key imaging findings
- Serpiginous subchondral line of low signal on T1 (double-line sign on T2)
- Geographic subchondral marrow abnormality in the anterosuperior femoral head
- Crescent sign (subchondral lucency) on radiographs before collapse
- Later: articular surface flattening and secondary osteoarthritis
Form your diagnosis, then reveal the answer.
Educational teaching content only. Imaging appearances vary; always correlate clinically and confirm with a qualified radiologist.