MRI Imaging of the painful hip joint is a valuable tool in the evaluation of hip disorders because it enables assessment of articular structures, extra-articular soft tissues, and the osseous structures that can be affected by hip disease. In the setting of chronic hip pain, a normal appearing radiograph, a nonspecific history and clinical findings can be a difficult diagnostic dilemma. Trauma, infection, arthritis, avascular necrosis, tumor, and hip dysplasia can all manifest with extremely subtle radiographic abnormalities.