We studied the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRa) for the diagnosis of lesions of the acetabular labrum in 20 cadaver hips. The MRa results were compared with macroscopic and histological findings.

We found that the labrum could be satisfactorily delineated by MRa and that large detachments could be identified satisfactorily. The diagnosis of small detachments and degeneration of the labrum was less reliable.

Failure of fixation is a major complication of the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures. A retrospective review was performed of 54 such fractures treated with a sliding screw-plate device. Linear and angular displacements were calculated from radiographs taken at operation and serially until healing was complete. Linear displacement was related to fracture instability, but the neck-shaft angle was relatively constant during healing. Complications were often due to failure of the sliding mechanism of the implant. We conclude that a sliding screw-plate allows controlled collapse of the major fragments but maintains the neck-shaft angle even in unstable fractures.