THE IMPORTANCE OF MRI DIAGNOSTICS IN THE EARLY PHASE OF AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD

Abstract

To date, there is no agreement on the etiology of osteonecrosis and risk factors. In the latest International Classification of Diseases (ICTY-10), osteonecrosis is involved in the following classification: idiopathic avascular necrosis of bone associated with isolation and secondary trauma (post-traumatic), medications and other causes. The causes of AN are characterized by such reasons as hurt to hematopoietic cells, mineralization of bone tissue, and this often leads to failure of blood supply. It is clear that the X-ray examination method can only open changes that occur in bone tissue. Presently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used in the diagnosis of avascular necrosis, which allows recording images of changes. MRI is the only diagnostic method that provides high quality not only bone tissue, however also visualization of soft tissue structures of the bone marrow, muscle tissue and other musculoskeletal systems. Moreover, bone has sensibility and specificity in detecting edema and infiltration into tissue.