Question: I have had chronic hip pain for several years along with a severely degenerated lumbar spine. I need a cane to walk most of the time because of pain and balance issues. This is the MRI of my left hip which is the worst of the two: FINDINGS: Bones - Marked joint space narrowing centrally. A large spur formation of the femoral head. This has advanced from the prior study a year ago. There is mild irregularity and flattening of the superior femoral articular surface with sclerosis. There is a small amount of edema in the subchondral bone. There is large spur formation off the lateral aspect of the acetabular roof. This is consistent with advanced osteoarthritis. No definite evidence to suggest avascular necrosis as such. There is mild edema in the ligamentous teres. No bone destruction. No fracture or bone contusion. Sunoval space - Within the anterior superior joint space, we identify a cystic structure that appears mildly multiloculated measuring about 18 mm in maximal dimension. This is likely a large paralabral cyst associated with a labral tear. Subchondral cystic changes noted in the acetabular roof. Minimal subchondral cystic changes noted in the femoral head. No intra-articular loose bodies seen. There is a small joint effusion present. Muscles - The surrounding musculature demonstrates no evidence of any muscle tears of myositis. No mass lesions are seen. Misc. - No greater trochanteric bursitis. No iliopsoas bursitis. There is a sharply marginated cystic structure in the lower sacrum just to the right of midline consistent with a large Tarlov cyst. The pelvic bony structures appear unremarkable elsewhere. No fractures or bone contusion. IMPRESSION - Advanced and worseningosteoarthritis of the left hip. There is a small joint effusion present with no intra-articular loose body. Greater sclerotic foci and irregularity of the articular surface superiorly of the femoral head with large spur formation in the superior lateral aspect of the acetabulum.//////////////////Even though the report says no definite evidence of avascular necrosis, I am still concerned about this because I was on long term doses of prednisone in the past. What can be done to help my hip? If nothing is done, what is the worst case outcome? Can the issues with my hip aggravate my lower back?