Early Avascular Necrosis-MRI

This is a 48 year old with clinical suspicion of early avascular necrosis right hip. There is evidence of a subtle area of T1/T2 hypointense linear serpignious area in the right femoral head in the subchondral region which possibly indicates subchondral fracture. There is no significant marrow edema in the femoral head and neck. Shape and contour of the femoral head is maintained. There are no secondary degenerative changes in the acetabulum. These findings can be consistent with the clinical diagnosis of early avascular necrosis. Follow up and clinical correlation is suggested.