A radiological pitfall – large intra-articular ganglion cyst diagnosed in a runner who presented with chronic hip pain and previously reported normal radiological findings

Abstract

The case of a female runner presenting with previously undiagnosed chronic hip pain is reported. Initial X-ray and MRI of her affected hip were reported as normal; a subsequent review of these films by a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist revealed this was incorrect. A repeat MRI scan was performed using dedicated hip views which revealed a large, intra-articular, ganglion cyst within the acetabulum and an acetabular labral tear. This case raises awareness of acetabular ganglions as a possible cause of hip pain. It also reinforces the need to be alert to potential operator variability when interpreting radiology reports.

Keywords:

• HIP PAIN
• GANGLION CYST
• INTRA-ARTICULAR
• RUNNER