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In asymptomatic hips, abnormal findings regarding the shape and signal intensity of the acetabular labrum can be detected by means of MR imaging. The fact that the findings vary according to age and labral portion should be considered in interpreting MR images in patients suspected of having a labral lesion.

Abbreviations & AcronymsAbstract: Patients reporting that their symptoms of urinary incontinence have decreased after total hip arthroplasty can be encountered in orthopedic practice. In this questionnairebased study, we prospectively evaluated the symptoms of urinary incontinence before and after total hip arthroplasty. The International Consultation on Incontinence QuestionnaireShort Form was used to prospectively evaluate these symptoms in 189 consecutive female patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire before and 3 months after surgery. A decrease in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form score of ≥1 point was defined as an improvement, whereas an increase of ≥1 point was defined as worsening. A total of 81 (43%) patients reported urinary incontinence before total hip arthroplasty. At 3 months after surgery, symptoms of urinary incontinence were improved in 64% of these patients, remained unchanged in 32% and worsened in 4%. Mean International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form score in patients with urinary incontinence before surgery significantly improved from 6.0 to 3.5 (P = 0.0002). These findings suggest a relationship between hip joint function and pelvic floor function, and consequently a hip dysfunction-related urinary incontinence.

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at high risk of developing osteonecrosis. This study utilized MRI to document the long-term natural history of asymptomatic osteonecrosis associated with corticosteroid therapy in SLE patients. Two hundred and one SLE patients treated with high-dose corticosteroids were prospectively observed from 1986 to 1997. The inclusion criterion was that patients had received periodic MRI examinations of all their hip and knee joints for ≥10 years. Joints that were already collapsed and symptomatic at the first examination were excluded. Five hundred and thirty-seven joints (251 hips and 286 knees) were identified in 144 patients, with a mean follow-up period of 13.6 years (range, 10-20 years) and a follow-up rate of 73%. Mean age of SLE onset was 26 years, and the mean highest oral corticosteroid dosage was 57 mg/day. Osteonecrosis developed in 238 (44%) of 537 joints. At final follow-up, 117 (49%) of these 238 joints demonstrated spontaneous repair in the necrotic area. Osteonecrosis completely disappeared in 21 joints. Enlargement of osteonecrosis was noted in 35 joints (15%) following increased steroid dosage because of SLE recurrence. Finally, 52 joints (22%) were collapsed. Spontaneous repair of asymptomatic osteonecrosis was observed, whereas enlargement occurred only after corticosteroid dosage increases.