18/02/2026
Radiology Insight: Os Acetabuli – A Small Finding with Big Significance
As radiology professionals, we often encounter small ossific fragments adjacent to the acetabular rim during pelvis imaging. One important entity to recognize is Os Acetabuli.
What is Os Acetabuli?
Os acetabuli refers to a well-corticated ossicle located along the acetabular margin, most commonly at the superolateral rim.
It may represent:
An unfused secondary ossification center
A chronic rim stress fracture
A sequela of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
Why is it important in reporting pelvis studies?
✔ It can mimic an acute acetabular fracture fragment.
✔ It is commonly associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral pathology.
✔ Presence may alter surgical planning in hip preservation procedures.
✔ Chronic instability or repetitive microtrauma should be considered.
Key Reporting Points for Radiology Professionals:
Assess cortication (well-defined cortex suggests chronicity).
Correlate with cam/pincer morphology.
Evaluate adjacent labrum (MRI correlation if indicated).
Mention size, location, and associated degenerative changes.
Differentiate from acute fracture in trauma settings.
Follow Radiology Buzz for more such cases!!