Crescent sign
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Crescent sign in radiology refers to a thin, curvilinear lucent line parallel to the cortical margin of the femur which may be seen in avascular necrosis of the hip. Interruption of the blood supply to the femoral head leads to ischemic necrosis of the marrow and bone that it supplies. Eventually, the bone infarction and insufficiency fractures may ensue. Fractures that occur in the subchondral bone may be recognized by a crescentic lucent zone that separates the fragment from the remainder of the femur. Usually indicates stage III osteonecrosis per Enneking's criteria.
[edit] References
- Norman A, Bullough P (1963). "The radiolucent crescent line: An early diagnostic sign of avascular necrosis of the femoral head". Bull Hosp Joint Dis 24: 99–104. PMID 14048829.
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