DR. WILLIAM T. PFLANZE, MD

Plain English
This study looked at how to diagnose and treat a condition called osteonecrosis of the femoral head, which is damage to the thigh bone's ball joint. Researchers tested 41 patients using various imaging methods and measurements to assess the disease's presence. They found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was particularly good at detecting early stages of osteonecrosis, especially in people who did not have symptoms, while other methods had varying degrees of effectiveness. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with osteonecrosis by improving early detection and potential treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at a rare fatty tumor, called an intraneural lipoma, that developed in the sciatic nerve of a 34-year-old woman. Researchers found that there are two types of these tumors: the well-encapsulated type, which usually appears around age 45 and is more common in women, and a diffusely infiltrative type that occurs in much younger patients, averaging only eight years old. The findings highlight the importance of completely removing the well-encapsulated type to prevent it from coming back, while attempts to remove the infiltrative type often do not work. Who this helps: This helps patients with sciatic nerve tumors and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how effective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is for spotting infections in bones and muscles, especially in the spine. Researchers found that MRI is very good at detecting these infections and can show detailed information about their extent, making it a better option than other imaging tests for many cases, although it's less useful right after surgery or when metal implants are present. Improved use of MRI for diagnosing infections can help doctors make more accurate decisions about patient treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with musculoskeletal infections and their doctors.