Presentation
Pain in left hip
Patient Data











Significant marrow oedema involving the head of the left femur with subchondral flattening, irregularity of anterosuperior aspects. Subtle subchondral irregular, linear hypointensity seen parallel to the articular surface. Marrow oedema is extending to the neck and intertrochanteric region of the femur.
Mild oedema is seen involving the origin of vastus intermedius. Mild joint effusion is seen on the left side. Anterosuperior acetabular labrum appears attenuated with possible small partial
tear.
Case Discussion
Findings are suggestive of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the left femoral head. It needs to be differentiated from avascular necrosis, wherein a double line is seen which is convex to the articular surface as opposed to insufficiency fracture which is parallel to the articular surface.