title: The torn acetabular labrum.
abstract: Eleven patients with tears of the acetabular labrum are discussed and the syndrome of the torn labrum is defined. In all cases the lesion was associated with acetabular dysplasia, and a constant early radiological sign was a cyst in the lateral aspect of the acetabulum. The diagnosis was confirmed by arthrography. It is suggested that these tears are degenerative, occurring as a consequence of abnormal stresses imposed by the uncovered lateral portion of the femoral head. Once a tear is present a localised stress point occurs on the femoral head, leading rapidly to degenerative arthritis.
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001175:Arthrography; D001845:Bone Cysts / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001848:Bone Diseases, Developmental / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged