Superselective angiography of the hip. Technique, normal features, and early results in idiopathic necrosis of the femoral head.

The vessels of the hip were studied by superselective injection of the various branches supplying it. The medial and lateral circumflex, obturator, and superior and inferior gluteal arteries were catheterized using a left axillary or brachial approach. The femoral head is supplied primarily by the capsular arteries arising from the medial circumflex artery. Good visualization of the superior capsular arteries is obtained by superselective injection with subtraction. Occlusion of these arteries is shown in the early phase of idiopathic necrosis of the femoral head. The capsular arteries may or may not be revascularized in later phases of this condition, whose evolution is discussed and correlated with the degree of revascularization.