Alteration in microcirculation with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: Study on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI

Osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) occurs due to a defect in the blood supply to the femoral head. In this study, Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) was applied to ONFH patients in different stages to explore the perfusion changes in the progression of the severity of ONFH. It was found that perfusion in the necrotic area was persistently reduced, while in the repair reaction areas, perfusion was progressively enhanced. DCE-MRI can sensitively detect the perfusion changes of ONFH and potentially could predict ONFH development.