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The diagnostic accuracy of acetabular labral tears using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arthrography: a meta-analysis

  • Musculoskeletal
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Abstract

Objectives

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) have been advocated for the diagnosis of acetabular labral tears. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of MRI and MRA in diagnosing acetabular labral tears using meta-analysis.

Methods

Pertinent published and unpublished literature databases were reviewed. A two-by-two table was constructed to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of MRI or MRA investigations against surgical outcomes. Pooled sensitivity and specificity and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) evaluations were performed. Methodological quality of each study was assessed using the QUADAS (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) tool.

Results

Nineteen papers assessing 881 hips were reviewed. Conventional MRI was assessed in 13 studies and MRA was assessed in 16 studies. Whilst both MRI (0.5–3T) and MRA (0.5–3T) presented with a moderate sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity 66%, 87%; specificity 79%, 64%), diagnostic accuracy of MRA appeared to be superior to MRI in detecting acetabular labral tears on ROC curve interpretation. The literature poorly described population characteristics, assessor blinding, with limited sample sizes.

Conclusions

MRI and MRA may be useful adjuncts in the diagnosis of acetabular labral tears in adults. MRA appears to be superior to conventional MRI.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the Sir Thomas Browne Library at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for their assistance in obtaining the texts that formed the basis of this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health, Queen’s Building, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom

    Toby O. Smith

  2. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK

    Gemma Hilton

  3. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital & University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

    Andoni P. Toms & Simon T. Donell

  4. St George’s Hospital, London, UK

    Caroline B. Hing

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  1. Toby O. Smith
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  2. Gemma Hilton
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Correspondence to Toby O. Smith.

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Smith, T.O., Hilton, G., Toms, A.P. et al. The diagnostic accuracy of acetabular labral tears using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arthrography: a meta-analysis. Eur Radiol 21, 863–874 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1956-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1956-7

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