Special hip issue

Last year was a milestone for the Indian Journal of Musculoskeletal Radiology (IJMSR), as it achieved the significant accomplishment of being indexed in Embase, fulfilling the National Medical Commission criteria. This accomplishment not only enhances the journal’s visibility and credibility but also makes IJMSR a valuable resource for practicing musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologists and allied specialties across the globe. Embase indexing ensures that our published research reaches a broader audience, fostering knowledge exchange and enhanced collaboration at an international level.

In line with our commitment to continuous learning and community engagement, we bring to you a special issue on hip imaging. A multitude of topics highlighting the importance of various imaging modalities in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities such as developmental hip disorders, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, femoroacetabular impingement, labral tears, ischiofemoral impingement syndrome, inflammatory and infective arthritis, pelvic trauma, and bone tumors around the hip have been included.^[1-6] The issue also features ultrasound and computed tomography-guided interventions around the hip and a review of postoperative imaging of the hip, highlighting the key role of MSK radiologists in the management as well as postoperative evaluation and rehabilitation of the cases.^[7,8] A comprehensive review of the hip anatomy emphasizes the importance of systematic review of structures around the hip and knowledge of normal variants while evaluating the cases.^[9] Interesting case reports specific to the hip also feature in the issue.^[10,11]

With further advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) in imaging, noteworthy improvements in the diagnostic yield of the imaging modalities and the therapeutic accuracy of image-guided interventions are expected. AI-driven algorithms are showing promise in automating image analysis, improving diagnostic accuracy, and assisting in surgical planning. As the field progresses, multidisciplinary collaboration between MSK radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, and sports medicine specialists will be crucial in optimizing patient care.^[12]

This special issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current trends, challenges, and future directions in hip imaging and interventions, highlighting the pivotal role of MSK radiologists in advancing hip-related healthcare. We hope that the insights presented in this issue will contribute to the continued evolution of hip imaging and interventions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

We are also excited to introduce an interactive section in the journal – The Joint Effort: MSK Quiz. This segment is designed to challenge and enhance your skillset, offering a unique platform to test your knowledge in MSK radiology.^[13,14] Finally, but importantly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Raj Chari and Dr. Stanzin Spalkit, our editors for this special issue, for their untiring efforts in curating and enhancing the quality of the articles.