Published online Oct 18, 2017. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v8.i10.747
Peer-review started: February 7, 2017
First decision: July 10, 2017
Revised: August 2, 2017
Accepted: August 15, 2017
Article in press: August 16, 2017
Published online: October 18, 2017
Osteonecrosis (ON) is caused by inadequate blood supply leading to bone death, which results in the collapse of the architectural bony structure. Femoral head is the most common site involved in ON. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a commonly used imaging modality to detect early ON. When MRI is inconclusive, bone scan is helpful in detecting ON during early phase of the disease. As newer nuclear medicine equipment, like single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography/CT, are emerging in medical science, we review the role of these imaging modalities in ON of femoral head.
Core tip: Early diagnosis and treatment remains the key to hip preservation in osteonecrosis (ON). Till date magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered as the gold standard diagnostic modality for ON. However with the improvement in nuclear imaging technique, the disease can be diagnosed even at a very early stage. Available literature suggests that single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (CT) bone scan and 18F-fluoride photon emission computed tomography/CT have similar or better results in comparison to MRI in ON of the femoral head. They also provide both morphological and metabolic information in the disease part and hence can indicate whether the disease is active or healed.