Axial STIR MRI: A faster method for confirming femoral head reduction in DDH

Abstract

While not indicated in all cases of femoral head dislocation, MRI is useful to confirm concentric reduction of the femoral head in a dysplastic acetabulum when examination under anaesthesia and radiographic screening have been uncertain. In our series, 1 in 20 cases needed MRI. This is a reliable, non-invasive method confirming definite reduction of the femoral head prior to discharge in all of our patients. In this initial series, all patients had axial and coronal STIR and proton density MRI. We now only use axial STIR images because they provide adequate information regarding the position of the femoral head relative to the acetabulum.