Biomedical subjects

Christian W A Pfirrmann

Publications and source records attributed to Christian W A Pfirrmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Medial collateral ligament complex of the ankle: MR appearance in asymptomatic subjects.

PURPOSE: To prospectively characterize the spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging appearance of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) complex of the ankle in asymptomatic volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained. MR images in 56 asymptomatic subjects (29 women, 27 men; mean age, 40.7 years; range, 23-60 years) were analyzed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Visibility and signal intensity characteristics were analyzed for deep (anterior and posterior tibiotalar ligaments [TTLs]) and superficial (tibionavicular ligament [TNL], tibiospring ligament [TSL], and tibiocalcaneal ligament [TCL]) components of the MCL complex. Thickness of ligaments was compared between sexes (Mann-Whitney U test). Associations between age and variables of signal intensity characteristics and morphology were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Anterior and posterior TTLs, TNL, TSL, and TCL were visible in 31 (55%), 56 (100%), 31 (55%), 56 (100%), and 49 (88%) subjects, respectively. On T1-weighted images, anterior and posterior TTLs, TNL, TSL, and TCL were more commonly of intermediate signal intensity than hypointense (77%, 100%, 93%, 50%, and 73% of subjects, respectively); on T2-weighted images, they were commonly hypointense (55%, 52%, 42%, 75%, and 78% of subjects, respectively). On T2-weighted images, posterior TTL had a striated appearance that was significantly associated with age (P = .004) in 89% of subjects: In subjects younger than 45 years, this striated appearance was present. On T1-weighted images, striation was present in 48% of subjects. Striation was uncommon in remaining ligaments. Mean thickness and range were 1.5 mm and 1-4 mm (anterior TTL), 8.2 mm and 6-11 mm (posterior TTL), 1.6 mm and 1-2 mm (TNL), 2.0 mm and 1-4 mm (TSL), and 1.2 mm and 1-3 mm (TCL). TNL (P = .001) and TSL (P = .003) were significantly thicker in men than in women. CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic volunteers, posterior TTL and TSL were always visible, but anterior TTL and TNL are only seen in approximately half of subjects. Posterior TTL has a typically striated appearance.

Adult↗

PubMed2007

Peripheral tear of the triangular fibrocartilage: depiction with MR arthrography of the distal radioulnar joint.

OBJECTIVE: Although central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage are easily seen on imaging, peripheral tears of the ulnar attachment are frequently missed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of MR arthrography of the distal radioulnar joint in depiction of peripheral tears of the triangular fibrocartilage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients (18 women, 23 men; mean age, 38 years; age range, 18-60 years) underwent MR arthrography and wrist arthroscopy. For MR arthrography, iopamidol (300 mg I/mL) and gadopentetate dimeglumine (4 mmol/L) were injected into the distal radioulnar joint. Consensus review of both MR arthrograms and conventional arthrograms was performed by two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Presence or absence of communicating and noncommunicating tears of the ulnar attachment of the triangular fibrocartilage was recorded. Arthroscopy was used as the standard of reference for determining sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detection of tears of the ulnar attachment. RESULTS: At MR arthrography, communicating tear of the ulnar attachment was diagnosed in three patients, noncommunicating tear in 19 patients, and normal attachment in 19 patients. Arthroscopy revealed peripheral tear of the triangular fibrocartilage in all three patients with communicating tear, in 14 of 19 patients with noncommunicating tear, and in three of 19 patients with normal attachment. The sensitivity was 85% (17/20), specificity was 76% (16/21), and accuracy was 80% (33/41). CONCLUSION: MR arthrography of the distal radioulnar joint is accurate in depiction of peripheral tears of the ulnar attachment of the triangular fibrocartilage. These tears often appear as noncommunicating tears extending from the distal radioulnar joint into the triangular fibrocartilage.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Hip pain in adults: MR imaging appearance of common causes.

To determine the exact origin of hip pain can be challenging. Symptoms apparently originating from the hip may arise from the pelvis, the sacroiliac joint, the lumbar spine, periarticular structures such as muscles and bursae, or from unexpected sites such as the abdominal wall, the genitourinary tract, or the retroperitoneal space. This article reviews the differential diagnosis of hip pain arising from the hip and surrounding structures and the role of different imaging methods with emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging where most recent advances have occurred.

Acetabulum↗

PubMed2006

Improved visualization of collateral ligaments of the ankle: multiplanar reconstructions based on standard 2D turbo spin-echo MR images.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the visualization of the collateral ankle ligaments on multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) based on standard 2D turbo spin-echo images. Coronal and axial T2-weighted turbo spin-echo and MPR angled parallel to the course of the ligaments of 15 asymptomatic and 15 symptomatic ankles were separately analyzed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Image quality was assessed in the asymptomatic ankles qualitatively. In the symptomatic ankles interobserver agreement and reader confidence was determined for each ligament. On MPR the tibionavicular and calcaneofibular ligaments were more commonly demonstrated on a single image than on standard MR images (reader 1: 13 versus 0, P=0.002; reader 2: 14 versus 1, P=0.001 and reader 1: 13 versus 2, P=0.001; reader 2: 14 versus 0, P<0.001). The tibionavicular ligament was considered to be better delineated on MPR by reader 1 (12 versus 3, P=0.031). In the symptomatic ankles, reader confidence was greater with MPR for all ligaments except for the tibiocalcanear ligament (both readers) and the anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments (for reader 2). Interobserver agreement was increased with MPR for the tibionavicular ligament. Multiplanar reconstructions of 2D turbo spin-echo images improve the visualization of the tibionavicular and calcaneofibular ligaments and strengthen diagnostic confidence for these ligaments.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

MR arthrography in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: diagnostic performance and pitfalls.

The purpose was to assess the diagnostic performance of MR arthrography to diagnose calcific tendinitis of the shoulder and to assess the reasons for diagnostic errors. Standard MR arthrograms of 22 patients with calcific tendinitis and 61 controls were retrospectively analyzed by two independent and blinded radiologists. All cases were consecutively collected from a database. Conventional radiographs were available in all cases serving as gold standard. The supraspinatus was involved in 16, the infraspinatus in four and the subscapularis in two patients. All diagnostic errors were analyzed by two additional readers. Reader 1 correctly detected 12 of the 22 shoulders with and 42 of the 61 shoulders without calcific tendinitis (sensitivity 0.55, specificity 0.66). The corresponding values for reader 2 were 13 of 22 and 40 of 61 cases (sensitivity 0.59, specificity 0.69). Inter-rater agreement (kappa-value) was 0.42. Small size of the calcific deposits and isointensity compared to the surrounding tissue were the most important reasons for false negative results. Normal hypointense areas within the supraspinatus tendon substance and attachment were the main reason for false positive results. In conclusion, MR arthrography is insufficient in the diagnosis of calcific tendinitis. Normal hypointense parts of the rotator cuff may mimic calcific deposits and calcifications may not be detected when they are isointense compared to the rotator cuff. Therefore, MR imaging should not be interpreted without corresponding radiographs.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Imaging findings predicting the outcome of cervical facet joint blocks.

To determine which cross-sectional imaging findings predict the short-term outcome of cervical facet joint blocks (FJB) and to evaluate the effect of combined intra-/periarticular versus periarticular injection on pain. Fifty facet joints in 37 patients were included in the study. Single, unilateral FJBs in 24 patients, and bilateral single level FJBs in 13 patients were performed, respectively. In all patients, pain relief was assessed using a visual analogue scale. All computed tomography (CT) examinations were blindly reviewed by two radiologists. Osteoarthritis was rated using the Kellgren classification. The presence of combined intra-/periarticular vs. sole periarticular injection of contrast was evaluated. Kellgren Grades 0 (n=23), 1 (n=5), 2 (n=3), 3 (n=9), and 4 (n=10) were found. Mean pain relief after injection was 35% (range: 0-100%). 40% of all injections were combined intra-/periarticular. There was neither a statistically significant difference between pain relief and combined intra-/periarticular versus sole periarticular injection (p=0.64) nor the grade of osteoarthritis (p=0.49). Pain relief after cervical FJBs does not correlate with morphologic alterations seen on CT. Periarticular FJBs are not less successful than combined intra-/periarticular FJBs.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Cam and pincer femoroacetabular impingement: characteristic MR arthrographic findings in 50 patients.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively characterize magnetic resonance (MR) arthrographic findings in patients with cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and in those with pincer FAI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval and informed consent were not required. MR arthrographic studies obtained in 50 consecutive patients (30 men, 20 women; mean age, 28.8 years) with FAI were analyzed for labral abnormalities, cartilage lesions, and osseous abnormalities of the acetabular rim. The nonspherical shape of the femoral head at the head-neck junction was measured in eight positions around the femoral head and neck and used to calculate the alpha angle. Acetabular depth was measured. Surgical diagnosis served as the reference standard. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: At surgery, hips in 33 patients were classified as having cam FAI and hips in 17 patients were classified as having pincer FAI. In both groups, the mean age of patients was 28.8 years. There were significantly more men (n = 27) with cam FAI and more women (n = 14) with pincer FAI. The alpha angle was significantly larger in patients with cam FAI at the anterior and anterosuperior positions. The acetabulum was significantly deeper in patients with pincer FAI than in patients with cam FAI. Cartilage lesions at the anterosuperior and superior positions were significantly larger in patients with cam FAI than in patients with pincer FAI. Cartilage lesions at the posteroinferior position were significantly larger and labral lesions at the posterior and posteroinferior positions were more pronounced in patients with pincer FAI than in patients with cam FAI. Osseous abnormalities were not significantly different between the groups. Osseous bump formation at the femoral neck was significantly more common in patients with cam FAI than in patients with pincer FAI. CONCLUSION: Characteristic MR arthrographic findings of cam FAI include large alpha angles and cartilage lesions at the anterosuperior position and osseous bump formation at the femoral neck; characteristic findings of pincer FAI include a deep acetabulum and posteroinferior cartilage lesions.

Acetabulum↗

PubMed2006

Cartilaginous defects of the femorotibial joint: accuracy of coronal short inversion time inversion-recovery MR sequence.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively assess the diagnostic performance of the short inversion time inversion-recovery (STIR) magnetic resonance (MR) sequence for depiction and classification of articular cartilaginous lesions in femorotibial joint, with arthroscopy as reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board did not require approval and informed consent for review of patients' records or images. All patients (and parents of underage patients) agreed to use of their data. Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently analyzed femorotibial cartilage on coronal STIR images from 84 knee MR examinations in 83 patients (48 male patients [49 knees], 35 female patients; mean age, 39.5 years). Slightly modified Outerbridge classification was used: grade 0, normal cartilage; grade 1, softening or swelling; grade 2, partial-thickness defect; grade 3, fissuring to the level of the subchondral bone; and grade 4, exposed subchondral bone. Arthroscopy performed within 15 weeks was the standard of reference. Classification for arthroscopy differed only in definition of grade 1 (softening or swelling of cartilage). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and weighted kappa values were calculated to assess interobserver reliability. RESULTS: At arthroscopy, 212 (63%) of 336 surfaces were classified as grade 0 (normal); 37 (11%), as grade 1 abnormalities; 30 (9%), as grade 2 lesions; 25 (7%), as grade 3 lesions; and 32 (10%), as grade 4 lesions. Grades 0 and 1 were considered normal; grades 2-4, as abnormal. For detection of contour defects of the cartilaginous surface, coronal STIR MR imaging had sensitivity values of 77% and 76%, specificity values of 96% and 89%, accuracy values of 91% and 85%, positive predictive values of 86% and 70%, and negative predictive values of 92% and 91% for readers 1 and 2, respectively. Weighted kappa value was 0.63. CONCLUSION: Contour defects of femorotibial cartilage can be detected with reasonable accuracy with routine STIR sequence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Magic angle effect in MR imaging of ankle tendons: influence of foot positioning on prevalence and site in asymptomatic subjects and cadaveric tendons.

The influence of foot positioning on prevalence of the magic angle effect (MAE) in ankle tendons was investigated. In 30 asymptomatic volunteers and five cadaveric feet, MR imaging of the ankle was performed in the supine (neutral position of the foot) and prone (plantar-flexed foot) position. MAE was considered if increased T1-weighted signal at a certain site was seen in one position only. Histological correlation was obtained at 25 sites of the cadaveric posterior tibialis tendons (PTT). MAE occurred in 6/30 vs 1/30 (supine vs prone) anterior tibialis tendons (ATT), 30/30 vs 0/30 extensor hallucis longus and 27/30 vs 0/30 extensor digitorum longus tendons, 29/30 vs 0/30 PTTs, 30/30 vs 0/30 flexor digitorum and flexor hallucis longus tendons, 30/30 vs 1/30 peroneus brevis and 23/30 vs 1/30 peroneus longus tendons. At 12/25 cadaveric PTT sites where MAE was exclusively responsible for the increased signal, histology revealed normal tissue (11/12) or minimal degeneration (1/12). In conclusion, the supine body position with neutral position of the foot, a high prevalence (77-100%) of MAE in ankle tendons except for the ATT (20%) is seen. MAE is almost absent in the prone body position with plantar flexion of the foot.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Effect of aging and degeneration on disc volume and shape: A quantitative study in asymptomatic volunteers.

Debate continues on the effect of disc degeneration and aging on disc volume and shape. So far, no quantitative in vivo MRI data is available on the factors influencing disc volume and shape. The objective of this MRI study was to quantitatively investigate changes in disc height, volume, and shape as a result of aging and/or degeneration omitting pathologic (i.e., painful) disc alterations. Seventy asymptomatic volunteers (20-78 years) were investigated with sagittal T1- and T2-weighted MR-images encompassing the whole lumbar spine. Disc height was determined by the Dabbs method and the Farfan index. Disc volume was calculated by the Cavalieri method. For the disc shape the "disc convexity index" was calculated by the ratio of central disc height and mean anterior/posterior disc height. Disc height, disc volume, and the disc convexity index measurements were corrected for disc level and the individuals age, weight, height, and sex in a multilevel regression analysis. Multilevel regression analysis showed that disc volume was negatively influenced by disc degeneration (p < 0.001) and positively correlated with body height (p < 0.001) and age (p < 0.01). Mean disc height and the disc convexity index were negatively influenced by disc degeneration but not by gender, weight, and height. Disc height was positively correlated with age (p < 0.01). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that disc degeneration generally results in a decrease of disc height and volume as well as a less convex disc shape. In the absence of disc degeneration, however, age tends to result in an inverse relationship on disc height, volume, and shape.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Fat content of lumbar paraspinal muscles in patients with chronic low back pain and in asymptomatic volunteers: quantification with MR spectroscopy.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the fat content of paraspinal muscles by using proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and in asymptomatic volunteers matched with regard to age, sex, and body mass index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the responsible institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained from each patient and each volunteer. Single-voxel proton MR spectroscopy was used to measure the fat content of the lumbar multifidus and longissimus muscles in 25 patients (13 women, 12 men; mean age, 40.5 years) with chronic LBP and in 25 matched asymptomatic volunteers (13 women, 12 men; mean age, 39.8 years). The fat content was also graded semiquantitatively (grades 0-4). The relationship between fat content and LBP duration, LBP intensity, and self-rated disability was assessed (Pearson correlation). RESULTS: The mean percentage fat content of the multifidus muscle was 23.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.5%, 29.7%) in patients with chronic LBP and 14.5% (95% CI: 10.8%, 18.3%) in the volunteers (P = .014). The corresponding values for the longissimus muscle were 29.3% (95% CI: 23.4%, 35.3%) in patients with LBP and 26.0% (95% CI: 21.9%, 30.0%) in the volunteers (P = .66). The semiquantitative grading of the fat content of the multifidus muscle was 0 in 12 (48%) of 25 patients and in 14 (56%) of 25 volunteers, 1 in 11 (44%) patients and in eight (32%) volunteers, and 2 in two (8%) patients and three (12%) volunteers. The semiquantitative grading of the fat content of the longissimus muscle was 0 in nine (36%) of 25 patients and 15 (60%) of 25 volunteers, 1 in 13 (52%) patients and nine (36%) volunteers, and 2 in three (12%) patients and one (4%) volunteer. Neither grade 3 nor grade 4 was assigned to any muscle. The grading differences were not significant between patients and volunteers. No significant correlation was found between fat content and pain intensity, pain duration, or self-rated disability. CONCLUSION: Proton MR spectroscopy demonstrates a significantly higher fat content in the multifidus muscle in patients with chronic LBP than in asymptomatic volunteers. No difference was detected with a semiquantitative grading system.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2006

Long-term outcome after structural failure of rotator cuff repairs.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study, twenty consecutive patients with a rerupture of the rotator cuff, as documented with magnetic resonance imaging, were found to have significantly less pain and better function and strength, compared with the preoperative state, at 3.2 years postoperatively. It was the purpose of this study to determine the clinical and structural outcomes of these reruptures in the same twenty patients after a longer period of follow-up. METHODS: At a mean of 7.6 years postoperatively, the twenty patients were reexamined clinically and with standard radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging with use of the same clinical, radiographic, and magnetic resonance imaging criteria as were utilized in the review at 3.2 years. The mean age at the time of final follow-up was sixty-six years. RESULTS: Nineteen of the twenty patients continued to be either very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome. The relative Constant score averaged 88% and was not significantly different from the score at 3.2 years, which averaged 83%. The mean scores for pain, function, and strength also had not changed significantly. Overall, the twenty reruptures had not increased in size, and eight of them had healed structurally at the time of the 7.6-year follow-up. Seven of these eight reruptures had been of the supraspinatus tendon only, and seven had been smaller than 400 mm(2) at 3.2 years. Twelve reruptures persisted, and five were larger than the preoperative tear. Fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus muscle progressed significantly (p = 0.015) and the acromiohumeral distance decreased significantly (p = 0.006) between the two follow-up periods. Neither fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus and subscapularis muscles nor glenohumeral osteoarthritis progressed significantly. CONCLUSIONS: At an average of 7.6 years, the clinical outcomes after structural failure of rotator cuff repairs remained significantly improved over the preoperative state in terms of pain, function, strength, and patient satisfaction. Overall, the reruptures that had been present at 3.2 years did not increase in size. We also found that reruptures of the supraspinatus that had been smaller than 400 mm(2) had the potential to heal.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Assessment of radial and ulnar torsion profiles with cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging. A study of volunteers.

BACKGROUND: We determined whether the torsion profiles of the radius and ulna could be reliably assessed with cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging and whether these torsion profiles were comparable on the two sides of volunteers. METHODS: We assessed magnetic resonance imaging cross sections of the left and right forearms of twenty-four asymptomatic volunteers. The torsion profile of the ulna was defined as the angle formed between a line tangential to the volar cortical surface of the distal part of the humerus and a line connecting the center of the ulnar head and the center of the ulnar styloid. Use of paired proximal and distal landmarks resulted in five different methods of assessment of the radial torsion profile. Intrarater and interrater reliabilities and side-to-side variability were assessed. RESULTS: This method of assessment of the ulnar torsion profile had intraclass and interclass coefficients of 0.95 and 0.91, respectively. A method previously described by Bindra et al. had the best combined intrarater and interrater reliabilities for assessment of the radius. The mean differences between the right and left sides of the volunteers were the lowest with the use of these two methods; nevertheless, the maximum side-to-side difference was > 30 degrees with techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Torsion-profile assessment with cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging had high intrarater and interrater reliabilities. However, individual side-to-side variations in the radial and ulnar profiles are important considerations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging is currently the only available method to quantify rotational malunion of the radius and ulna. Its low side-to-side reliability warrants comparison between the imaging results and the clinical findings. A side-to-side difference in the rotation profile may serve as a reason to perform an axial osteotomy when the results of the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging assessments are consistent with each other.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Diagnostic performance of MR arthrography after rotator cuff repair.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of MR arthrography after rotator cuff repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR arthrographic examinations of the shoulder performed after rotator cuff repair and before revision surgery were retrospectively analyzed in 48 patients (31 males, 17 females; mean age, 50.3 years; age range, 17-69 years). Full-thickness and partial-thickness defects of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons were diagnosed independently by two radiologists. Revision surgery served as the standard of reference. RESULTS: Observer 1 correctly recognized five of eight intact supraspinatus tendons, 10 of 19 partial-thickness defects, and 19 of 21 full-thickness defects. For observer 2, the numbers were three of eight, eight of 19, and 18 of 21. The corresponding numbers for the infraspinatus tendon for observer 1 were 28 of 31, 0 of three, and 14 of 14 tendons. For observer 2, they were 28 of 31, two of three, and 11 of 14. For the subscapularis tendon, observer 1 made the correct diagnosis in 18 of 31, five of six, and nine of 11 tendons. The results for observer 2 were 26 of 31, one of six, and 10 of 11 tendons. Interobserver agreement (weighted kappa) was 0.47 for the supraspinatus, 0.64 for the infraspinatus, and 0.20 for the subscapularis tendons, respectively. CONCLUSION: Postoperative full-thickness defects of the rotator cuff are reliably diagnosed with MR arthrography. The diagnostic performance for partial-thickness defects is only moderate.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

MRI of meniscal lesions: soft-copy (PACS) and hard-copy evaluation versus reviewer experience.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to compare diagnostic performance, reviewer confidence, and time requirements in the MRI diagnosis of meniscal tears for three types of reviewers and two types of image documentations (PACS vs hard copies). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experienced musculoskeletal radiologist (reviewer 1), a fellow in musculoskeletal radiology (reviewer 2), and a junior staff member in orthopedic surgery (reviewer 3) evaluated MR images displayed on PACS monitors and hard copies independently and in a blinded fashion with regard to the presence or absence of meniscal tears. Seventy-one patients (mean age, 45.4 years; range, 16-80 years) were consecutively included if they had undergone both MRI of the knee and arthroscopy within 4 months. Arthroscopy was the standard of reference. Evaluation time and the reviewer's confidence in his or her diagnosis (Visual Analogue Scale, possible values of 0-100) were determined. RESULTS: Accuracies, sensitivities, and specificities in diagnosing meniscal tears were 80-87%, 63-85%, and 87-93% for soft copies and 82-85%, 64-76%, and 87-94.0%, respectively, for hard copies. Intrareviewer differences between PACS and hard copies were not significant for any of the three reviewers (McNemar tests). Reviewer 3 was less sensitive but more specific in the diagnosis of meniscal tears than reviewers 1 and 2. This difference was significant for both the PACS and hard copies. The reviewers' confidence in their diagnoses and evaluation times were not significantly different for PACS and hard copies (analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc analysis). CONCLUSION: Differences in the diagnostic performance of suspected meniscal tears depend on reviewer experience rather than on the type of documentation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

CT-guided core biopsy of subchondral bone and intervertebral space in suspected spondylodiskitis.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the diagnostic performance of CT-guided core biopsy including both intervertebral disks and subchondral bone in suspected spondylodiskitis and compare the results with those for other biopsy techniques. CONCLUSION: CT-guided core biopsy of subchondral bone and intervertebral space compares favorably to previously published studies because histology can provide the diagnosis even when no specific infectious agent is isolated.

Biopsy↗

PubMed2006

Association between rotator cuff abnormalities and reduced acromiohumeral distance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between rotator cuff abnormalities and reduced acromiohumeral distance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acromiohumeral distance was measured on conventional radiographs and on MR images. Three age- and sex-matched patient groups each including 21 patients were stratified according to acromiohumeral distance on conventional radiographs (group 1, 10 mm). Acromiohumeral distance was related to the presence, location, and size of a rotator cuff tear and the degree of fatty degeneration of the muscle assessed on MR arthrography. The relative influence on acromiohumeral distance of the various MR arthrographic findings was assessed. Spearman's rank correlation and stepwise regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In group 1 (acromiohumeral distance <or= 7 mm) full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears were present in 90% (19/21) of the patients, infraspinatus tendon tears in 67% (14/21) of the patients, and subscapularis tendon tears in 43% (9/21) of the patients. The size of rotator cuff tendon tears and the degree of fatty degeneration in all rotator cuff muscles showed a significant negative correlation with acromiohumeral distance (p < 0.05). After stepwise regression, a significant relative influence on acromiohumeral distance remained for size of rotator cuff tear (p < 0.0001) and for degree of fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus muscle (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Tendon tears and fatty muscle degeneration in the rotator cuff correlate with reduced acromiohumeral distance. Size of rotator cuff tear and degree of fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus muscle have the most pronounced influence on acromiohumeral distance.

Acromion↗

PubMed2005

Clinical course of knees with asymptomatic meniscal abnormalities: findings at 2-year follow-up after MR imaging-based diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the clinical course of asymptomatic meniscal lesions diagnosed by using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. The clinical courses of meniscal lesions in 84 asymptomatic knees (in 48 men and 36 women; mean age, 43.6 years; age range, 18-73 years) were assessed. Thirty-one asymptomatic meniscal lesions were depicted among the 84 knees at MR imaging. The follow-up period was at least 2 years (mean, 29.8 months; range, 24-36 months). Knee pain, stiffness, and function during daily and sports activities were assessed by using a visual analogue scale (VAS), on which a score of 0 indicated no pain or complaints and a score of 100 indicated maximal pain and/or complaints. The chi2 test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: At follow-up, 12 (39%) of the 31 patients with and 10 (19%) of the 53 patients without meniscal lesions reported having knee pain (P = .046). Nine (29%) patients with and five (9%) patients without meniscal lesions reported having knee stiffness (P = .02). Ten (32%) patients with and five (9%) patients without meniscal lesions reported having impaired function during daily activities (P = .008). Thirteen (42%) patients with and 15 (28%) patients without meniscal lesions reported having impaired function during sports activities (P = .20). Mean VAS scores ranged from 22 to 30; mean VAS scores for pain, stiffness, impaired daily function, and impaired sports function were 26, 22, 27, and 30, respectively. None of the initially asymptomatic knees was treated with surgery during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The clinical course of knees with initially asymptomatic meniscal lesions, compared with the clinical course of knees without meniscal lesions, is characterized by an increased frequency of complaints. However, severities of pain and knee function impairment remain low.

Activities of Daily Living↗