EFFICIENCY OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING IN THE DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS OF HIP-JOINT PAIN IN CHILDREN

The efficiency of spin echo tomography in the differential diagnosis of hip joint pain in children in comparison with other imaging methods was tested in 115 spin echo tomography examinations of 68 patients. By means of the different modes available it was possible to determine joint effusion, necrosed areas and the formation of abscesses with great accuracy. In the case of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease the MRT is especially in the early diagnosis superior to the other Methods, already in the early stage a classification in the four Catterall groups was possible. Furthermore the "head at risk" signs, except the gage-sign, were better to describe by BRI than by conventional x-rays. The MRT allows an exacter staging and a better observation of the course of disease, expecially the beginning of the revitalisation of the femora epiphysis in earlier and clearer visible than in other imaging methods. Further diseases like epiphysial dysplasie, specific and unspecific coxitis and sliped capital femora epiphysis were also investigated. We regard spin echo examination in the differential diagnosis of hip pain in children indicated by the following criteria: 1. with over six weeks uncertain differential diagnosis of coxitis fugax and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease 2. with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in the early stage for therapy option 3. with TBC- and non-TBC-coxitis as a therapy attend and diagnostic measure.