PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of MRI in determining both the extent and the location of injury to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). METHOD: MR findings were compared to the surgical results of 14 consecutive patients who experienced transient patellar dislocation. Two musculoskeletal radiologists, blinded to the surgical results, retrospectively reviewed the MR studies, and a consensus reading was obtained. RESULTS: Surgery demonstrated complete disruption of the MPFL in 7 of 14 patients (50%), with stretching or partial tearing of the MPFL in the remaining 7 (50%) patients. MRI was 85% sensitive and 70% accurate in detecting MPFL disruption. Vastus medialis obliquus muscle elevation was present in 12 of 14 (85%). CONCLUSION: MRI accurately depicts both the extent and the location of MPFL injury following transient patellar dislocation and can therefore play a significant role in directing surgical management of these patients.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Imaging techniques for the evaluation of glenohumeral instability.

The ability to image lesions associated with glenohumeral instability has evolved significantly over the past 2 decades. In the past, several imaging techniques ranging from conventional radiography to computerized axial arthrography and, most recently, to magnetic resonance imaging have been used to depict various labral abnormalities. In most instances, conventional radiography remains the initial imaging study for evaluating the patient with persistent shoulder pain and instability. Recently, however, magnetic resonance arthrography has been firmly established as the imaging modality of choice for demonstrating specific soft tissue abnormalities associated with glenohumeral instability. This article will review the role of various imaging modalities including conventional radiography, conventional arthrography, computerized axial arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance arthrography. Emphasis will be placed on the role of magnetic resonance arthrography as it pertains to the lesions associated with glenohumeral instability. A thorough discussion of the appearance of normal anatomic structures, anatomic variations that mimic abnormality, and the various lesions associated with glenohumeral instability will be provided.

Arthrography↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Radiographic imaging of musculoskeletal neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: Imaging is an integral part of the diagnosis, staging and evaluation of outcomes for bone and soft-tissue neoplasms. Each of the available imaging tools has a different role. METHODS: The authors reviewed the efficacy of the current imaging modalities in the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of patients with musculoskeletal neoplasia. RESULTS: Plain-film radiography remains the gold standard in the differential diagnosis of bone lesions. Bone scintigraphy is an excellent screening modality, and computed tomography is especially useful in evaluating lesions of the axial skeleton. The superior soft-tissue resolution and multiplanar capabilities achieved with magnetic resonance imaging, however, has replaced the need for CT scans in many cases. CONCLUSIONS: The technological advances seen in recent years in all areas of imaging have improved the capabilities of these modalities to assist in the diagnosis, definition of tumor extent, and accurate staging of musculoskeletal tumors.

Bone Neoplasms↗