Cementoplasty and the oncologic population

The first and only description of percutaneous cementoplasty, to date, has been described in the French medical literature in 1994. In this series of 12 cases, radiologists successfully instilled a cement derivative into the acetabulum under fluoroscopic control. As in these cases, the major indication for cementoplasty is to provide pain control and stabilization of an osteolytic lesion. Potential complications include physical or thermal damage to the adjacent neurovascular structures, either during needle positioning or from cement leakage, respectively. Although no absolute contraindications exist, one should proceed cautiously in patients with coagulopathies. Results may be suboptimal as well in patients with pathologic fractures.

The incidence of sacroiliac joint disease in patients with low-back pain

PURPOSE

The clinical presentation of intervertebral disc, facet joint, nerve root, and sacroiliac (SI) joint diseases are often indistinguishable. SI joint arthritis likely accounts for a significant proportion of what is called "low-back pain" or "sciatica." Our goal was to determine the incidence of SI joint arthritis in patients with this presentation.

METHODS

Computed tomographic (CT) scans of the lumbosacral spine (LSS) of patients referred with low-back pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis or disc pathology were gathered over a 3-month period. Scans were retrospectively reviewed by 2 independent readers for SI joint arthritis. When there was disagreement, the 2 readers reviewed the case and reached a concensus opinion. SI joint arthritis was considered to be present if subchondral sclerosis, osteophytosis, or cartilage loss was noted on the CT scan.

RESULTS

The SI joint(s) were visualized by both readers on 64 LSS CT scans performed in 29 women and 35 men, mean age 52 years. By the aforementioned criteria, 16 SI joints (25%) were considered normal by both readers. In 48 cases (75%), there was evidence of osteoarthritis. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis was made by concensus opinion in 8 of these 48 cases (16%).

CONCLUSION

There is a relatively high incidence of SI joint arthritis in patients undergoing evaluation for "low-back pain" or "sciatica." Hence, SI joint arthritis should be considered a possible diagnosis in these patients.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (42). Shepherd's fracture

A 21-year-old woman presented with severe ankle pain during a soccer match. Radiographs showed a Shepherd's fracture of the talus. She responded well to conservative treatment. The imaging anatomy of the posterior talus and os trigonum is reviewed, together with radiological features of osteochondritis dissecans of the talar dome.

Bilateral radial head and neck fractures

Isolated radial head and neck fractures comprise 1-2% of all fractures seen by physicians. Although bilateral distal radial fractures have been documented, primarily in gymnasts, no literature is present on bilateral radial head or neck fractures. This article presents two such patients who sustained nondisplaced bilateral radial head or neck fractures resulting from falls on outstretched hands. The detection, classification, and treatment options of radial head fractures is reviewed.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (40). Iliotibial band syndrome

A 51-year-old male cyclist presented with a mass over the lateral portion of his knee. MR scans showed a cystic collection deep to the iliotibial band (ITB). Diagnosis of the ITB syndrome and its differentiation from other cause of painful lateral knee masses, such as meniscal cyst, lateral collateral ligament injury and Segond fracture, are discussed.

Percutaneous biopsy of the musculoskeletal system: a review of 77 cases

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the accuracy of percutaneous bone and soft-tissue biopsies.

METHODS

A total of 77 percutaneous biopsies performed under computed tomographic or fluoroscopic guidance over a 24-month period were reviewed. The biopsies were performed in 74 patients, 32 male and 42 female, with a mean age of 60.3 years.

RESULTS

Sixty-three bone and 14 soft-tissue biopsies were performed. No follow-up information was available for 8 patients, and 1 patient died before an accurate diagnosis could be made. There were 44 true-positive, 17 true-negative, 8 false-negative and no false-positive results. The correct diagnosis was obtained in 57 of 68 cases (83.8%). For bone biopsies, the accurate diagnosis was obtained in 47 of 55 cases (85.5%). For soft-tissue biopsies, the correct diagnosis was obtained in 10 of the 13 cases (76.9%). Diagnostic accuracy was slightly better for osteolytic than for osteosclerotic lesions. Accuracy also varied with lesion site and needle type. Cytology and pathology specimens were almost equally useful in contributing to the correct diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of percutaneous biopsy achieved in this series is similar to that found in other series. Although diagnostic accuracy varied, accuracy is improved if both cytologic and pathologic specimens are analyzed.

Anterior process fracture or calcaneus secundarius: a case report

Avulsion of the anterior process of the calcaneus accounts for nearly 15% of calcaneal fractures according to some sources. Yet, this fracture rarely has been reported in the radiology literature. Lateral plain radiography of the foot may demonstrate an ossific structure, distinct from the distal end of the calcaneus, overlying the head of the talus. However, the fracture may be particularly subtle and go undetected on plain radiography. Furthermore, it may be mistaken for the calcaneus secundarius (CS), an accessory ossicle of the anterior facet of the calcaneus identified in up to 5% of the population during cadaveric studies. This article describes the physical and radiological findings in a patient with an anterior process fracture and how this fracture can be distinguished from the CS.

Diagnosis of the acute os peroneum fracture

Acute fracture of the os peroneum is a relatively uncommon injury. However physicians must be cognizant of its occurrence and include it in their differential diagnosis of acute ankle trauma. A careful clinical evaluation as well as awareness of its radiographic appearance and of the possibility for injury to other surrounding structures is important in the appropriate diagnosis and management of this fracture. We present the case of a patient who sustained an os peroneum fracture and review the relevant literature.

Pisiform and hamulus fractures: easily missed wrist fractures diagnosed on a reverse oblique radiograph

We present a review of the current literature involving fractures of the pisiform and hook of the hamate. This is highlighted by two cases in which the fracture lines are seen only on the reverse oblique wrist radiograph, a view obtained with the wrist in a supinated rather than a pronated position. These fractures are not seen on standard two or three view wrist examination. Both of these fractures were initially missed in the emergency department. Serious sequelae can result from both of these injuries and can be avoided if diagnosed acutely. The reverse oblique radiograph can be quick, cost-effective, and diagnostic in this setting. If properly treated by immobilization or excision, the results can be excellent.

Avulsion fracture of tendon of extensor carpi radialis longus: unknown mechanism

Fractures of the base of the second metacarpal are infrequent events compared with those of the first or fifth metacarpal. Furthermore, these fractures are often difficult to visualize on standard radiographs. There is controversy regarding the management of such fractures. Two case reports and a discussion of this entity are presented.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (21). Intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneum

A 50-year-old woman presented with plantar foot pain. Radiographs and computed tomography demonstrated an intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneum. Curettage and packing were performed. The imaging features, including the magnetic resonance appearances, of intraosseous lipomas are described.

Osteochondral allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap in rabbits

A model for hemijoint reconstruction using partially demineralized and lyophilized osteochondral allografts combined with an intramedullary muscle flap is described. The proximal 2/3 of the humerus was resected in 10 rabbits. The remaining defect was reconstructed with either a control lyophilized osteochondral allograft or a lyophilized allograft with a muscle flap filling the marrow cavity. Graft healing was followed by serial radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. The grafts were harvested at 5 weeks for histologic analysis. By 5 weeks, 4 of 5 control allografts had fractured. In contrast, only 1 allograft with an intramedullary muscle flap showed evidence of a cortical break. Magnetic resonance imaging of control allografts showed a persistent large dead space within the marrow cavity and callus formation only at the outer cortical surface. Magnetic resonance imaging of allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap showed muscle obliterating the marrow cavity and areas of callus formation at both the outer and inner cortical surfaces. Histologically, graft incorporation was occurring at the outer cortical surface of the control allografts. In contrast, graft incorporation was occurring at both the outer and inner cortical surfaces of the allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap. The articular surface of the control allografts was severely degenerated. In allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap, the articular surface was smoother. Joints reconstructed with allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap had a significantly better range of motion at 5 weeks compared with control allografts. These results suggest that an intramedullary muscle flap can improve the functional results of joints reconstructed with partially demineralized and lyophilized osteochondral allografts by providing both vascularity and an increased population of mesenchymal stem cells capable of responding to bone morphogenetic proteins that reside in the partially demineralized allograft.

Prevalence of red marrow around the knee joint in adults as demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

We determined the prevalence of red marrow around the knee joint in adults and evaluated variations with age, gender, and other variables.

METHODS

One hundred ninety-nine adult patients presenting for routine knee magnetic resonance (MR) imaging completed a questionnaire that covered age, gender, menstrual history, past pregnancies, smoking history, and medications. The presence or absence of visible red marrow in the distal femur and proximal tibia on both coronal and sagittal MR images was recorded for each patient. Associations between the presence of red marrow and the other recorded variables then were evaluated.

RESULTS

Red marrow was present in more than half of the women and less than one sixth of the men, a statistically significant difference. The age distribution of red marrow in men and women also was different. Red marrow was the most common in women aged 30-60 years. In men, there was no clear-cut age trend. Red marrow also was more likely to be present in obese individuals and smokers. No association was found between the presence of red marrow and any of the other recorded variables.

CONCLUSION

There are clear gender, age, obesity, and smoking-related differences in the prevalence of red marrow around the knee joint in adults. Red marrow is relatively common in this site in all age groups, and its presence should not be a cause for clinical concern.

Depiction of pelvic fractures using 3D volumetric holography: comparison of plain X-ray and CT

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and test the diagnostic performance of a new technology, 3D volumetric holography, for imaging pelvic fractures. The management of pelvic fractures may be complex, and advanced imaging studies such as CT are frequently indicated. Multiplanar CT reformations and 3D renderings provide clinically useful and complementary display of the directly acquired CT data. With the recent availability of volumetric multiple exposure holograms, produced from serial image data, it is now possible to produce true 3D images of the pelvis. In the hologram, one may view the CT data in 3D or as individual planar slices constituting the whole 3D pelvis. The diagnostic performance of the volumetric multiple exposure holograms was tested against routine radiography, CT, and 3D volumetric CT reconstructions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Routine radiography and CT were performed in 15 patients with suspected pelvic fractures. Volumetric multiple exposure holograms and 3D volumetric CT reconstructions were created from the CT data. Axial and multiplanar reformation CT images were used as the standard for fracture, diastasis, and intraarticular fragment detection.

RESULTS

Radiograms detected 39 of 50 of the fractures and diastases and no intraarticular fragments. The 3D CT reconstructions and the holograms viewed as 3D objects alone missed two small fractures of the anterior column and one hip with intraarticular bone fragments. When the volumetric multiple exposure holograms were viewed as a 3D object and as individual planar slices constituting the whole, their results were the same as the standard.

CONCLUSION

Volumetric multiple exposure holograms were as sensitive and specific as axial CT and multiplanar reformations in detecting fracture pathology. By containing and making available, from one image, both planar and 3D information, volumetric multiple exposure holograms detected subtle anatomical features that were hidden by overlapping structures in the radiographs and the 3D CT images.

Analysis of carpal instability: II. Clinical applications

An analytic scheme for carpal instability patterns has been described to help standardize reporting of these conditions. Six categories to be recognized in each case are chronicity, constancy, etiology, location, direction, and pattern. Examples are presented to illustrate the use of this scheme.

Analysis of carpal instability: I. Description of the scheme

There is a lack of a generally agreed analysis of carpal instability that can assist in the diagnosis, give guidelines for treatment, and ensure unity when reporting results of treatment. Based on the literature and using six categories describing chronicity, constancy, etiology, location, direction, and pattern of the instability, we present a proposal for a standardized analysis. Using this analysis, an instability should be presented with information in all six categories. The analysis may be expanded and developed according to future needs.

Digitized radiographs in skeletal trauma: a performance comparison between a digital workstation and the original film images

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a teleradiology system in skeletal trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radiographs from 180 skeletal trauma patients were digitized (matrix, 2,000 x 2,500) and transmitted to a remote digital viewing console (1,200-line monitor). Four radiologists interpreted both the original film images and digital images. Each reader was asked to identify, locate, and characterize fractures and dislocations. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated, and the results of the original and digitized film readings were compared.

RESULTS

All readers performed better with the original film when interpreting fractures. Although the patterns varied between readers, all had statistically significant differences (P < .01) for the two image types. There was no statistically significant difference in performance with the two images when dislocations were diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

The system tested is not a satisfactory alternative to the original radiograph for routine reading of fracture films.

Recurrent disk versus scar in the postoperative patient: the role of computed tomography (CT)/diskography and CT/myelography

The purpose of this study was to compare computed tomography (CT)/myelography and CT/diskography images, in a given patient, as a method of distinguishing postoperative fibrosis from recurrent herniated disk material. The study population consisted of 20 patients who had undergone lumbar diskectomy and subsequently developed recurrent radicular pain. All patients underwent CT/myelography and CT/diskography, each procedure performed within 72 h of the other. Comparison of transaxial images from CT/myelography and CT/diskography at a given disk space level yielded the following results: in 12 patients the extradural mass seen via CT/myelography corresponded entirely to the contrast-filled disk fragment seen via CT/diskography (recurrent herniated disk); in three patients the extradural mass seen via CT/myelography was larger than the disk fragment seen via CT/diskography (recurrent herniated disk and fibrosis); and in five patients CT/diskography images appeared normal, but CT/myelography showed an extradural mass (fibrosis). Fifteen patients underwent surgical reexploration with the following results: in three of three patients, the suspicion of recurrent herniated disk and fibrosis by radiologic evaluation was confirmed by surgical reexploration; in nine of 12 patients, solely recurrent herniated disk shown by radiologic criteria was similarly confirmed. The remaining five patients presumed to have fibrosis by radiologic criteria were treated nonoperatively.