Is MRI an adequate replacement for CT scans in the three-dimensional assessment of acetabular morphology?

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Background Appropriate three-dimensional imaging of the hip joint is a substantial prerequisite for planning and performing surgical correction of deformities. Although surgeons still use computed tomography (CT), modern and fast acquisition techniques of volumetric imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pelvic measurements enable similar resolution. Purpose This study was designed to determine if already described measures of acetabular morphology are comparable in both techniques and if assessment can be performed with equal intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. Material and Methods Thirty-two hips (16 patients) were examined with a pelvic CT and a MRI with 3-T. Pelvic orientation was standardized by each observer in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes. Acetabular version as well as seven acetabular sector angles were measured by two observers twice with a minimum of four weeks between sessions. Results Inter-rater reliability showed excellent results for intra- and inter-rater reliability for CT (0.977-0.999) and MRI (0.969-0.998) measuring acetabular version and sector angles. Evaluating the reliability of CT and MRI for each observer revealed excellent results (0.972-0.998). Evaluating the Bland-Altman plots for intra-observer reliability showed an equal distribution of angles, within acceptable 95% limits of agreement. The same results were observed for inter-observer reliability evaluating CT and MRI as well as inter-method reliability. Conclusion Modern MRI scans are equally applicable to assess the bony pelvis as CT scans. In addition, MRI would enable the examination of soft tissues such as chondrolabral structures and muscle in the same examination. Since hip-preserving surgery is mostly conducted in younger patients, the reduction of radiation exposure is a benefit.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)726-734
Number of pages9
JournalActa Radiologica
Volume60
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2019
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 30149750
Scopus 85053356884
ORCID /0000-0001-7096-5199/work/147142303
ORCID /0000-0001-5061-9643/work/147674440

Keywords

Keywords

  • Ct, Fai, Mri, Magnetic resonance imaging, Anteversion, Computed tomography, Dysplasia, Hip-preserving surgery