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Carroll CC, Campbell NW, Lewis RL, Preston SE, Garrett CM, Winstone HM, Barker AC, Vanos JM, Stouder LS, Reyes C, Fortino MA, Goergen CJ, Hass ZJ, Campbell WW. Greater Protein Intake Emphasizing Lean Beef Does Not Affect Resistance Training-Induced Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle and Tendon of Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial. J Nutr 2024:S0022-3166(24)00169-X. [PMID: 38604504 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although experimental research supports that resistance training (RT), especially with greater dietary protein intake, improves muscle mass and strength in older adults, comparable research on tendons is needed. OBJECTIVES We assessed the effects of a protein-rich diet emphasizing lean beef, compared with 2 control diets, on RT-induced changes in skeletal muscle and tendon size and strength in older women. METHODS We randomly assigned women [age: 66 ± 1 y, body mass index (BMI): 28 ± 1] to groups that consumed 1) 0.8 g total protein/kg body weight/day from mixed food sources (normal protein control, n = 16); 2) 1.4 g/kg/d protein from mixed food sources (high protein control, n = 17); or 3) 1.4 g/kg/d protein emphasizing unprocessed lean beef (high protein experimental group, n = 16). Participants were provided with all foods and performed RT 3 times/wk, 70% of 1-repetition maximum for 12 wk. We measured quadriceps muscle volume via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We estimated patellar tendon biomechanical properties and cross-sectional area (CSA) using ultrasound and MRI. RESULTS Dietary intake did not influence RT-induced increases in quadriceps strength (P < 0.0001) or muscle volume (P < 0.05). We noted a trend for an RT effect on mean tendon CSA (P = 0.07), with no differences among diets (P > 0.05). Proximal tendon CSA increased with RT (P < 0.05) with no difference between dietary groups (P > 0.05). Among all participants, midtendon CSA increased with RT (P ≤ 0.05). We found a decrease in distal CSA in the 0.8 g group (P < 0.05) but no change in the 1.4 g group (P > 0.05). Patellar tendon MRI signal or biomechanical properties were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that greater daily protein intake, emphasizing beef, did not influence RT-induced changes in quadriceps muscle strength or muscle volume of older women. Although we noted trends in tendon CSA, we did not find a statistically significant impact of greater daily protein intake from beef on tendon outcomes. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04347447.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad C Carroll
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
| | - Nathan Wc Campbell
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Rebecca L Lewis
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sarah E Preston
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Chloe M Garrett
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Hannah M Winstone
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Anna C Barker
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Johnny M Vanos
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Lucas S Stouder
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Camila Reyes
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Matthew A Fortino
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Craig J Goergen
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Zachary J Hass
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States; Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Wayne W Campbell
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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Akatsuka Y, Teramoto A, Murahashi Y, Takahashi K, Imamura R, Takashima H, Watanabe K, Yamashita T. Quantitative assessment of anterior talofibular ligament quality in chronic lateral ankle instability using magnetic resonance imaging T2* value. Skeletal Radiol 2024; 53:733-739. [PMID: 37857750 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04480-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine T2* normal reference values for anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and to investigate the feasibility of the quantitative ATFL quality evaluation in chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) using T2* values. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study enrolled 15 patients with CLAI and 30 healthy volunteers. The entire ATFL T2* values from the MRI T2* mapping were measured. The prediction equation (variables: age, height, and weight) in a multiple linear regression model was used to calculate the T2* normal reference value in the healthy group. T2* ratio was defined as the ratio of the actual T2* value of the patient's ATFL to the normal reference value for each patient. A Telos device was used to measure the talar tilt angle (TTA) from the stress radiograph. RESULTS T2* values of ATFL in the healthy and CLAI groups were 10.82 ± 1.84 ms and 14.36 ± 4.30 ms, respectively, which are significantly higher in the CLAI group (P < 0.05). The prediction equation of the normal reference T2* value was [14.9 + 0.14 × age (years) - 4.7 × height (m) - 0.03 × weight (kg)] (R2 = 0.65, P < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between the T2* ratio and TTA (r = 0.66, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION MRI T2* values in patients with CLAI were higher than those in healthy participants, and the T2* ratio correlated with TTA, suggesting that T2* values are promising for quantitative assessment of ATFL quality preoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Akatsuka
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, South-1, West-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, South-1, West-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
| | - Atsushi Teramoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, South-1, West-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan.
| | - Yasutaka Murahashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, South-1, West-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
| | - Katsunori Takahashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, South-1, West-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
| | - Rui Imamura
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, South-1, West-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, South-1, West-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takashima
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-15, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Kota Watanabe
- Second Division of Physical Therapy, Sapporo Medical University School of Health Sciences, South-1, West-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yamashita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, South-1, West-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
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Patel SH, Campbell NWC, Emenim CE, Farino DO, Damen FW, Rispoli JV, Goergen CJ, Haus JM, Sabbaghi A, Carroll CC. Patellar tendon biomechanical and morphologic properties and their relationship to serum clinical variables in persons with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. J Orthop Res 2024. [PMID: 38400550 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Tendon biomechanical properties and fibril organization are altered in patients with diabetes compared to healthy individuals, yet few biomarkers have been associated with in vivo tendon properties. We investigated the relationships between in vivo imaging-based tendon properties, serum variables, and patient characteristics across healthy controls (n = 14, age: 45 ± 5 years, body mass index [BMI]: 24 ± 1, hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]: 5.3 ± 0.1%), prediabetes (n = 14, age: 54 ± 5 years, BMI: 29 ± 2; HbA1c: 5.7 ± 0.1), and type 2 diabetes (n = 13, age: 55 ± 3 years, BMI: 33 ± 2, HbA1c: 6.7 ± 0.3). We used ultrasound speckle-tracking and measurements from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate the patellar tendon in vivo tangent modulus. Analysis of plasma c-peptide, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adiponectin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was completed. We built regression models incorporating statistically significant covariates and indicators for the clinically defined groups. We found that tendon cross-sectional area normalized to body weight (BWN CSA) and modulus were lower in patients with type 2 diabetes than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). Our regression analysis revealed that a model that included BMI, leptin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), age, and group explained ~70% of the variability in BWN CSA (R2 = 0.70, p < 0.001). For modulus, including the main effects LDL, groups, HbA1c, age, BMI, cholesterol, IGF-1, c-peptide, leptin, and IL-6, accounted for ~54% of the variability in modulus (R2 = 0.54, p < 0.05). While BWN CSA and modulus were lower in those with diabetes, group was a poor predicter of tendon properties when considering the selected covariates. These data highlight the multifactorial nature of tendon changes with diabetes and suggest that blood variables could be reliable predictors of tendon properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivam H Patel
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan W C Campbell
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Chinonso E Emenim
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Dominick O Farino
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Frederick W Damen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Joseph V Rispoli
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Craig J Goergen
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacob M Haus
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Arman Sabbaghi
- Head of Clinical Methods, Unlearn.AI, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chad C Carroll
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Wu Z, Zaylor W, Sommer S, Xie D, Zhong X, Liu K, Kim J, Beveridge JE, Zhang X, Li X. Assessment of ultrashort echo time (UTE) T 2* mapping at 3T for the whole knee: repeatability, the effects of fat suppression, and knee position. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:7893-7909. [PMID: 38106304 PMCID: PMC10722028 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Knee tissues such as tendon, ligament and meniscus have short T2* relaxation times and tend to show little to no signal in conventional magnetic resonance acquisitions. An ultrashort echo time (UTE) technique offers a unique tool to probe fast-decaying signals in these tissues. Clinically relevant factors should be evaluated to quantify the sensitivity needed to distinguish diseased from control tissues. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (I) quantify the repeatability of UTE-T2* relaxation time values, and (II) evaluate the effects of fat suppression and (III) knee positioning on UTE-T2* relaxation time quantification. Methods A dual-echo, three-dimensional center-out radially sampling UTE and conventional gradient echo sequences were utilized to image gadolinium phantoms, one ex-vivo specimen, and five in-vivo subjects on a clinical 3T scanner. Scan-rescan images from the phantom and in-vivo experiments were used to evaluate the repeatability of T2* relaxation time values. Fat suppressed and non-suppressed images were acquired for phantoms and the ex-vivo specimen to evaluate the effect of fat suppression on T2* relaxation time quantifications. The effect of knee positioning was evaluated by imaging in-vivo subjects in extended and flexed positions within the knee coil and comparing T2* relaxation times quantified from tissues in each position. Results Phantom and in-vivo measurements demonstrated repeatable T2* mapping, where the percent difference between T2* relaxation time quantified from scan-rescan images was less than 8% for the phantom and knee tissues. The coefficient of variation across fat suppressed and non-suppressed images was less than 5% for the phantoms and ex-vivo knee tissues, showing that fat suppression had a minimal effect on T2* relaxation time quantification. Knee position introduced variability to T2* quantification of the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, and patellar tendon, with percent differences exceeding 20%, but the meniscus showed a percent difference less than 10%. Conclusions The 3D radial UTE sequence presented in this study could potentially be used to detect clinically relevant changes in mean T2* relaxation time, however, reproducibility of these values is impacted by knee position consistency between scans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhou Wu
- Program of Advanced Musculoskeletal Imaging (PAMI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - William Zaylor
- Program of Advanced Musculoskeletal Imaging (PAMI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stefan Sommer
- Advanced Clinical Imaging Technology (ACIT), Siemens Healthineers International AG, Zurich and Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Center for Musculoskeletal Imaging (SCMI), Balgrist Campus, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dongxing Xie
- Program of Advanced Musculoskeletal Imaging (PAMI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xiaodong Zhong
- Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kecheng Liu
- Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Malvern, PA, USA
| | - Jeehun Kim
- Program of Advanced Musculoskeletal Imaging (PAMI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jillian E. Beveridge
- Program of Advanced Musculoskeletal Imaging (PAMI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xiaoliang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Program of Advanced Musculoskeletal Imaging (PAMI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Anz AW, Jordan SE, Ostrander RV, Branch EA, Denney TS, Cohen A, Andrews JR. Augmentation of ACL Autograft Reconstruction With an Amnion Collagen Matrix Wrap and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial With 2-Year Follow-up. Orthop J Sports Med 2023; 11:23259671231210035. [PMID: 38021297 PMCID: PMC10656805 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231210035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is theorized that the lack of a synovial lining after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) contributes to slow ligamentization and possible graft failure. Whether graft maturation and incorporation can be improved with the use of a scaffold requires investigation. Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of wrapping an ACL autograft with an amnion collagen matrix and injecting bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), quantify the cellular content of the BMAC samples, and assess 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes. Study Design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods A total of 40 patients aged 18 to 35 years who were scheduled to undergo ACLR were enrolled in a prospective single-blinded randomized controlled trial with 2 arms based on graft type: bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB; n = 20) or hamstring (HS; n = 20). Participants in each arm were randomized into a control group who underwent standard ACLR or an intervention group who had their grafts wrapped with an amnion collagen matrix during graft preparation, after which BMAC was injected under the wrap layers after implantation. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) mapping/processing yielded mean T2* relaxation time and graft volume values at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Participants completed the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation Score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and pain visual analog scale. Statistical linear mixed-effects models were used to quantify the effects over time and the differences between the control and intervention groups. Adverse events were also recorded. Results No significant differences were found at any time point between the intervention and control groups for BTB T2* (95% CI, -1.89 to 0.63; P = .31), BTB graft volume (95% CI, -606 to 876.1; P = .71), HS T2* (95% CI, -2.17 to 0.39; P = .162), or HS graft volume (95% CI, -11,141.1 to 351.5; P = .28). No significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups of either graft type on any patient-reported outcome measure. No adverse events were reported after a 2-year follow-up. Conclusion In this pilot study, wrapping a graft with an amnion collagen matrix and injecting BMAC appeared safe. MRI T2* values and graft volume of the augmented ACL graft were not significantly different from that of controls, suggesting that the intervention did not result in improved graft maturation. Registration NCT03294759 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W. Anz
- Department of Research, Andrews Institute Center for Regenerative Medicine, Andrews Research & Education Foundation, Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA
| | - Steve E. Jordan
- Department of Research, Andrews Institute Center for Regenerative Medicine, Andrews Research & Education Foundation, Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA
| | - Roger V. Ostrander
- Department of Research, Andrews Institute Center for Regenerative Medicine, Andrews Research & Education Foundation, Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA
| | - Eric A. Branch
- Department of Research, Andrews Institute Center for Regenerative Medicine, Andrews Research & Education Foundation, Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas S. Denney
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Achraf Cohen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, USA
| | - James R. Andrews
- Department of Research, Andrews Institute Center for Regenerative Medicine, Andrews Research & Education Foundation, Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA
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Radke KL, Grotheer V, Kamp B, Müller-Lutz A, Kertscher J, Strunk R, Martirosian P, Valentin B, Wittsack HJ, Sager M, Windolf J, Antoch G, Schiffner E, Jungbluth P, Frenken M. Comparison of compositional MRI techniques to quantify the regenerative potential of articular cartilage: a preclinical minipig model after osteochondral defect treatments with autologous mesenchymal stromal cells and unseeded scaffolds. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:7467-7483. [PMID: 37969627 PMCID: PMC10644139 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background The field of orthopedics seeks effective, safer methods for evaluating articular cartilage regeneration. Despite various treatment innovations, non-invasive, contrast-free full quantitative assessments of hyaline articular cartilage's regenerative potential using compositional magnetic resonance (MR) sequences remain challenging. In this context, our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of different MR sequences for quantitative assessment of cartilage and to compare them with the current gold standard delayed gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) measurements. Methods We employed ex vivo imaging in a preclinical minipig model to assess knee cartilage regeneration. Standardized osteochondral defects were drilled in the proximal femur of the specimens (n=14), which were divided into four groups. Porcine collagen scaffolds seeded with autologous adipose-derived stromal cells (ASC), autologous bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC), and unseeded scaffolds (US) were implanted in femoral defects. Furthermore, there was a defect group which received no treatment. After 6 months, the specimens were examined using different compositional MR methods, including the gold standard dGEMRIC as well as T1, T2, T2*, and T1ρ techniques. The statistical evaluation involved comparing the defect region with the uninjured tibia and femur cartilage layers and all measurements were performed on a clinical 3T MR Scanner. Results In the untreated defect group, we observed significant differences in the defect region, with dGEMRIC values significantly lower (404.86±64.2 ms, P=0.018) and T2 times significantly higher (44.24±2.75 ms, P<0.001). Contrastingly, in all three treatment groups (ASC, BMSC, US), there were no significant differences among the three regions in the dGEMRIC sequence, suggesting successful cartilage regeneration. However, T1, T2*, and T1ρ sequences failed to detect such differences, highlighting their lower sensitivity for cartilage regeneration. Conclusions As expected, dGEMRIC is well suited for monitoring cartilage regeneration. Interestingly, T2 imaging also proved to be a reliable cartilage imaging technique and thus offers a contrast agent-free alternative to the former gold standard for subsequent in vivo studies investigating the cartilage regeneration potential of different treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Ludger Radke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Grotheer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kamp
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anja Müller-Lutz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Justus Kertscher
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rosanna Strunk
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Petros Martirosian
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Birte Valentin
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Jörg Wittsack
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martin Sager
- Central Unit for Animal Research and Animal Welfare Affairs, University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Windolf
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gerald Antoch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Erik Schiffner
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Pascal Jungbluth
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Miriam Frenken
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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7
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Corbin N, Oliveira R, Raynaud Q, Di Domenicantonio G, Draganski B, Kherif F, Callaghan MF, Lutti A. Statistical analyses of motion-corrupted MRI relaxometry data computed from multiple scans. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 398:109950. [PMID: 37598941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consistent noise variance across data points (i.e. homoscedasticity) is required to ensure the validity of statistical analyses of MRI data conducted using linear regression methods. However, head motion leads to degradation of image quality, introducing noise heteroscedasticity into ordinary-least square analyses. NEW METHOD The recently introduced QUIQI method restores noise homoscedasticity by means of weighted least square analyses in which the weights, specific for each dataset of an analysis, are computed from an index of motion-induced image quality degradation. QUIQI was first demonstrated in the context of brain maps of the MRI parameter R2 * , which were computed from a single set of images with variable echo time. Here, we extend this framework to quantitative maps of the MRI parameters R1, R2 * , and MTsat, computed from multiple sets of images. RESULTS QUIQI restores homoscedasticity in analyses of quantitative MRI data computed from multiple scans. QUIQI allows for optimization of the noise model by using metrics quantifying heteroscedasticity and free energy. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS QUIQI restores homoscedasticity more effectively than insertion of an image quality index in the analysis design and yields higher sensitivity than simply removing the datasets most corrupted by head motion from the analysis. CONCLUSION QUIQI provides an optimal approach to group-wise analyses of a range of quantitative MRI parameter maps that is robust to inherent homoscedasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Corbin
- Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536, CNRS/University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rita Oliveira
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Raynaud
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Di Domenicantonio
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bogdan Draganski
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Neurology Department, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ferath Kherif
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martina F Callaghan
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Antoine Lutti
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Little D, Amadio PC, Awad HA, Cone SG, Dyment NA, Fisher MB, Huang AH, Koch DW, Kuntz AF, Madi R, McGilvray K, Schnabel LV, Shetye SS, Thomopoulos S, Zhao C, Soslowsky LJ. Preclinical tendon and ligament models: Beyond the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement) to 5W1H (why, who, what, where, when, how). J Orthop Res 2023; 41:2133-2162. [PMID: 37573480 PMCID: PMC10561191 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Several tendon and ligament animal models were presented at the 2022 Orthopaedic Research Society Tendon Section Conference held at the University of Pennsylvania, May 5 to 7, 2022. A key objective of the breakout sessions at this meeting was to develop guidelines for the field, including for preclinical tendon and ligament animal models. This review summarizes the perspectives of experts for eight surgical small and large animal models of rotator cuff tear, flexor tendon transection, anterior cruciate ligament tear, and Achilles tendon injury using the framework: "Why, Who, What, Where, When, and How" (5W1H). A notable conclusion is that the perfect tendon model does not exist; there is no single gold standard animal model that represents the totality of tendon and ligament disease. Each model has advantages and disadvantages and should be carefully considered in light of the specific research question. There are also circumstances when an animal model is not the best approach. The wide variety of tendon and ligament pathologies necessitates choices between small and large animal models, different anatomic sites, and a range of factors associated with each model during the planning phase. Attendees agreed on some guiding principles including: providing clear justification for the model selected, providing animal model details at publication, encouraging sharing of protocols and expertise, improving training of research personnel, and considering greater collaboration with veterinarians. A clear path for translating from animal models to clinical practice was also considered as a critical next step for accelerating progress in the tendon and ligament field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Little
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Peter C Amadio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hani A Awad
- Department of Orthopaedics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Stephanie G Cone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Nathaniel A Dyment
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew B Fisher
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University-University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alice H Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Drew W Koch
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew F Kuntz
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rashad Madi
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kirk McGilvray
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lauren V Schnabel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Snehal S Shetye
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stavros Thomopoulos
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chunfeng Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Louis J Soslowsky
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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9
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Han M, Singh M, Karimi D, Kim JY, Flannery SW, Ecklund K, Murray MM, Fleming BC, Gholipour A, Kiapour AM. LigaNET: A multi-modal deep learning approach to predict the risk of subsequent anterior cruciate ligament injury after surgery. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.25.23293102. [PMID: 37546855 PMCID: PMC10402234 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.25.23293102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common cause of soft tissue injuries in young active individuals, leading to a significant risk of premature joint degeneration. Postoperative management of such injuries, in particular returning patients to athletic activities, is a challenge with immediate and long-term implications including the risk of subsequent injury. In this study, we present LigaNET, a multi-modal deep learning pipeline that predicts the risk of subsequent ACL injury following surgical treatment. Postoperative MRIs (n=1,762) obtained longitudinally between 3 to 24 months after ACL surgery from a cohort of 159 patients along with 11 non-imaging outcomes were used to train and test: 1) a 3D CNN to predict subsequent ACL injury from segmented ACLs, 2) a 3D CNN to predict injury from the whole MRI, 3) a logistic regression classifier predict injury from non-imaging data, and 4) a multi-modal pipeline by fusing the predictions of each classifier. The CNN using the segmented ACL achieved an accuracy of 77.6% and AUROC of 0.84, which was significantly better than the CNN using the whole knee MRI (accuracy: 66.6%, AUROC: 0.70; P<.001) and the non-imaging classifier (accuracy: 70.1%, AUROC: 0.75; P=.039). The fusion of all three classifiers resulted in highest classification performance (accuracy: 80.6%, AUROC: 0.89), which was significantly better than each individual classifier (P<.001). The developed multi-modal approach had similar performance in predicting the risk of subsequent ACL injury from any of the imaging sequences (P>.10). Our results demonstrate that a deep learning approach can achieve high performance in identifying patients at high risk of subsequent ACL injury after surgery and may be used in clinical decision making to improve postoperative management (e.g., safe return to sports) of ACL injured patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Han
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mallika Singh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Davood Karimi
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jin-Young Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sean W. Flannery
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 1 Hoppin St, Providence RI 02903, USA
| | - BEAR Trial Team
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kirsten Ecklund
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Martha M. Murray
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 1 Hoppin St, Providence RI 02903, USA
| | - Ali Gholipour
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ata M. Kiapour
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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10
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Flannery SW, Beveridge JE, Proffen BL, Walsh EG, Kramer DE, Murray MM, Kiapour AM, Fleming BC. Predicting anterior cruciate ligament failure load with T 2* relaxometry and machine learning as a prospective imaging biomarker for revision surgery. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3524. [PMID: 36864112 PMCID: PMC9981601 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30637-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive methods to document healing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) structural properties could potentially identify patients at risk for revision surgery. The objective was to evaluate machine learning models to predict ACL failure load from magnetic resonance images (MRI) and to determine if those predictions were related to revision surgery incidence. It was hypothesized that the optimal model would demonstrate a lower mean absolute error (MAE) than the benchmark linear regression model, and that patients with a lower estimated failure load would have higher revision incidence 2 years post-surgery. Support vector machine, random forest, AdaBoost, XGBoost, and linear regression models were trained using MRI T2* relaxometry and ACL tensile testing data from minipigs (n = 65). The lowest MAE model was used to estimate ACL failure load for surgical patients at 9 months post-surgery (n = 46) and dichotomized into low and high score groups via Youden's J statistic to compare revision incidence. Significance was set at alpha = 0.05. The random forest model decreased the failure load MAE by 55% (Wilcoxon signed-rank test: p = 0.01) versus the benchmark. The low score group had a higher revision incidence (21% vs. 5%; Chi-square test: p = 0.09). ACL structural property estimates via MRI may provide a biomarker for clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean W Flannery
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Coro West, Suite 402, 1 Hoppin St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Jillian E Beveridge
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Coro West, Suite 402, 1 Hoppin St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Benedikt L Proffen
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward G Walsh
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Dennis E Kramer
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha M Murray
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ata M Kiapour
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Braden C Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Coro West, Suite 402, 1 Hoppin St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
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11
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Flannery SW, Barnes DA, Costa MQ, Menghini D, Kiapour AM, Walsh EG, Kramer DE, Murray MM, Fleming BC. Automated segmentation of the healed anterior cruciate ligament from T 2 * relaxometry MRI scans. J Orthop Res 2023; 41:649-656. [PMID: 35634860 PMCID: PMC9708947 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Collagen organization of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be evaluated using T2 * relaxometry. However, T2 * mapping requires manual image segmentation, which is a time-consuming process and prone to inter- and intra- segmenter variability. Automating segmentation would address these challenges. A model previously trained using Constructive Interference in Steady State (CISS) scans was applied to T2 * segmentation via transfer learning. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in the model's segmentation performance between T2 * and CISS, structural measures versus ground truth manual segmentation, and reliability versus independent and retest manual segmentation. Transfer learning was conducted using 54 T2 * scans of the ACL. Segmentation performance was assessed with Dice coefficient, precision, and sensitivity, and structurally with T2 * value, volume, subvolume proportions, and cross-sectional area. Model performance relative to independent manual segmentation and repeated segmentation by the ground truth segmenter (retest) were evaluated on a random subset. Segmentation performance was analyzed with Mann-Whitney U tests, structural measures with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and performance relative to manual segmentation with repeated-measures analysis of variance/Tukey tests (α = 0.05). T2 * segmentation performance was not significantly different from CISS on all measures (p > 0.35). No significant differences were detected in structural measures (p > 0.50). Automatic segmentation performed as well as the retest on all segmentation measures, whereas independent segmentations were lower than retest and/or automatic segmentation (p < 0.023). Structural measures were not significantly different between segmenters. The automatic segmentation model performed as well on the T2 * sequence as on CISS and outperformed independent manual segmentation while performing as well as retest segmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean W. Flannery
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Dominique A. Barnes
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Meggin Q. Costa
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Danilo Menghini
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ata M. Kiapour
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward G. Walsh
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Dennis E. Kramer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha M. Murray
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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12
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Barnes DA, Flannery SW, Badger GJ, Yen YM, Micheli LJ, Kramer DE, Fadale PD, Hulstyn MJ, Owens BD, Murray MM, Fleming BC, Kiapour AM. Quantitative MRI Biomarkers to Predict Risk of Reinjury Within 2 Years After Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration. Am J Sports Med 2023; 51:413-421. [PMID: 36645042 PMCID: PMC9905304 DOI: 10.1177/03635465221142323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) methods were developed to establish the integrity of healing anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) and grafts. Whether qMRI variables predict risk of reinjury is unknown. PURPOSE To determine if qMRI measures at 6 to 9 months after bridge-enhanced ACL restoration (BEAR) can predict the risk of revision surgery within 2 years of the index procedure. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS Originally, 124 patients underwent ACL restoration as part of the BEAR I, BEAR II, and BEAR III prospective trials and had consented to undergo an MRI of the surgical knee 6 to 9 months after surgery. Only 1 participant was lost to follow-up, and 4 did not undergo MRI, leaving a total of 119 patients for this study. qMRI techniques were used to determine the mean cross-sectional area; normalized signal intensity; and a qMRI-based predicted failure load, which was calculated using a prespecified equation based on cross-sectional area and normalized signal intensity. Patient-reported outcomes (International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score), clinical measures (hamstring strength, quadriceps strength, and side-to-side knee laxity), and functional outcomes (single-leg hop) were also measured at 6 to 9 months after surgery. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for revision surgery based on the qMRI and non-imaging variables. Patient age and medial posterior tibial slope values were included as covariates. RESULTS In total, 119 patients (97%), with a median age of 17.6 years, underwent MRI between 6 and 9 months postoperatively. Sixteen of 119 patients (13%) required revision ACL surgery. In univariate analyses, higher International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score at 6 to 9 months postoperatively (OR = 1.66 per 10-point increase; P = .035) and lower qMRI-based predicted failure load (OR = 0.66 per 100-N increase; P = .014) were associated with increased risk of revision surgery. In the multivariable model, when adjusted for age and posterior tibial slope, the qMRI-based predicted failure load was the only significant predictor of revision surgery (OR = 0.71 per 100 N; P = .044). CONCLUSION Quantitative MRI-based predicted failure load of the healing ACL was a significant predictor of the risk of revision within 2 years after BEAR surgery. The current findings highlight the potential utility of early qMRI in the postoperative management of patients undergoing the BEAR procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique A. Barnes
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sean W. Flannery
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gary J. Badger
- Department of Medical Biostatistics, Larner College of
Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Yi-Meng Yen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lyle J. Micheli
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis E. Kramer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul D. Fadale
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael J. Hulstyn
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Brett D. Owens
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Martha M. Murray
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ata M. Kiapour
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Flannery SW, Walsh EG, Sanborn RM, Chrostek CA, Costa MQ, Kaushal SG, Murray MM, Fleming BC, Kiapour AM. Reproducibility and postacquisition correction methods for quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). J Orthop Res 2022; 40:2908-2913. [PMID: 35266588 PMCID: PMC9463398 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging has been used to evaluate the structural integrity of knee joint structures. However, variations in acquisition parameters between scanners pose significant challenges. Understanding the effect of small differences in acquisition parameters for quantitative sequences is vital to the validity of cross-institutional studies, and for the harmonization of large, heterogeneous datasets to train machine learning models. The study objective was to assess the reproducibility of T2 * relaxometry and the constructive interference in steady-state sequence (CISS) across scanners, with minimal hardware-necessitated changes to acquisition parameters. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant differences between scanners in anterior cruciate ligament T2 * relaxation times and CISS signal intensities (SI). Secondarily, it was hypothesized that differences could be corrected by rescaling the SI distribution to harmonize between scanners. Seven volunteers were scanned on 3T Prisma and Tim Trio scanners (Siemens). Three correction methods were evaluated for T2 *: inverse echo time scaling, z-scoring, and Nyúl histogram matching. For CISS, scans were normalized to cortical bone, scaled by the background noise ratio, and log-transformed. Before correction, significant mean differences of 6.0 ± 3.2 ms (71.8%; p = 0.02) and 0.49 ± 0.15 units (40.7%; p = 0.02) for T2 * and CISS across scanners were observed, respectively. After rescaling, T2 * differences decreased to 2.6 ± 2.7 ms (23.9%; p = 0.03), 1.3 ± 2.5 ms (10.9%; p = 0.13), and 1.27 ± 3.0 ms (19.6%; p = 0.40) for inverse echo time, z-scoring, and Nyúl, respectively, while CISS decreased to 0.01 ± 0.11 units (4.0%; p = 0.87). These findings suggest that small acquisition parameter differences may lead to large changes in T2 * and SI values that must be reconciled to compare data across magnets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean W. Flannery
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Edward G. Walsh
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ryan M. Sanborn
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Chrostek
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Meggin Q. Costa
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Shankar G. Kaushal
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha M. Murray
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ata M. Kiapour
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Wilms LM, Radke KL, Latz D, Thiel TA, Frenken M, Kamp B, Filler TJ, Nagel AM, Müller-Lutz A, Abrar DB, Nebelung S. UTE-T2* versus conventional T2* mapping to assess posterior cruciate ligament ultrastructure and integrity-an in-situ study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2022; 12:4190-4201. [PMID: 35919061 PMCID: PMC9338370 DOI: 10.21037/qims-22-251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Clinical-standard morphologic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is limited in the refined diagnosis of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. Quantitative MRI sequences such as ultrashort echo-time (UTE)-T2* mapping or conventional T2* mapping have been theorized to quantify ligament (ultra-) structure and integrity beyond morphology. This study evaluates their diagnostic potential in identifying and differentiating partial and complete PCL injuries in a standardized graded injury model. Methods Ten human cadaveric knee joint specimens were imaged on a clinical 3.0 T MRI scanner using morphologic, conventional T2* mapping, and UTE-T2* mapping sequences before and after standardized arthroscopic partial and complete PCL transection. Following manual segmentation, quantitative T2* and underlying texture features (i.e., energy, homogeneity, and variance) were analyzed for each specimen and PCL condition, both for the entire PCL and its subregions. For statistical analysis, Friedman’s test followed by Dunn’s multiple comparison test was used against the level of significance of P≤0.01. Results For the entire PCL, T2* was significantly increased as a function of injury when acquired with the UTE-T2* sequence [entire PCL: 11.1±3.1 ms (intact); 10.9±4.6 ms (partial); 14.3±4.9 ms (complete); P<0.001], but not when acquired with the conventional T2* sequence [entire PCL: 10.0±3.2 ms (intact); 11.4±6.2 ms (partial); 15.5±7.8 ms (complete); P=0.046]. The PCL subregions and texture variables showed variable changes indicative of injury-associated disorganization. Conclusions In contrast to the conventional T2* mapping, UTE-T2* mapping is more receptive in the detection of structural damage of the PCL and allows quantitative assessment of ligament (ultra-)structure and integrity that may help to improve diagnostic differentiation of distinct injury states. Once further substantiated beyond the in-situ setting, UTE-T2* mapping may refine diagnostic evaluation of PCL injuries and -possibly- monitor ligament healing, ageing, degeneration, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Marie Wilms
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany.,Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Ludger Radke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - David Latz
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Andreas Thiel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Miriam Frenken
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kamp
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Armin Michael Nagel
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Division of Medical Physics in Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Müller-Lutz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Benjamin Abrar
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven Nebelung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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15
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Barnett SC, Murray MM, Flannery SW, Menghini D, Fleming BC, Kiapour AM, Proffen B, Sant N, Portilla G, Sanborn R, Freiberger C, Henderson R, Ecklund K, Yen YM, Kramer D, Micheli L. ACL Size, but Not Signal Intensity, Is Influenced by Sex, Body Size, and Knee Anatomy. Orthop J Sports Med 2022; 9:23259671211063836. [PMID: 34988237 PMCID: PMC8721387 DOI: 10.1177/23259671211063836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known about sex-based differences in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tissue quality in vivo or the association of ACL size (ie, volume) and tissue quality (ie, normalized signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) with knee anatomy. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that (1) women have smaller ACLs and greater ACL normalized signal intensity compared with men, and (2) ACL size and normalized signal intensity are associated with age, activity levels, body mass index (BMI), bicondylar width, intercondylar notch width, and posterior slope of the lateral tibial plateau. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Knee MRI scans of 108 unique ACL-intact knees (19.7 ± 5.5 years, 62 women) were used to quantify the ACL signal intensity (normalized to cortical bone), ligament volume, mean cross-sectional area, and length. Independent t tests were used to compare the MRI-based ACL parameters between sexes. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between normalized signal intensity and size with age, activity levels, BMI, bicondylar width, notch width, and posterior slope of the lateral tibial plateau. Results: Compared with men, women had significantly smaller mean ACL volume (men vs women: 2028 ± 472 vs 1591 ± 405 mm3), cross-sectional area (49.4 ± 9.6 vs 41.5 ± 8.6 mm2), and length (40.8 ± 2.8 vs 38.1 ± 3.1 mm) (P < .001 for all), even after adjusting for BMI and bicondylar width. There was no difference in MRI signal intensity between men and women (1.15 ± 0.24 vs 1.12 ± 0.24, respectively; P = .555). BMI, bicondylar width, and intercondylar notch width were independently associated with a larger ACL (R2 > 0.16, P < .001). Younger age and steeper lateral tibial slope were independently associated with shorter ACL length (R2 > 0.03, P < .04). The combination of BMI and bicondylar width was predictive of ACL volume and mean cross-sectional area (R2 < 0.3). The combination of BMI, bicondylar width, and lateral tibial slope was predictive of ACL length (R2 = 0.39). Neither quantified patient characteristics nor anatomic variables were associated with signal intensity. Conclusion: Men had larger ACLs compared with women even after adjusting for BMI and knee size (bicondylar width). No sex difference was observed in signal intensity, suggesting no difference in tissue quality. The association of the intercondylar notch width and lateral tibial slope with ACL size suggests that the influence of these anatomic features on ACL injury risk may be partially explained by their effect on ACL size. Registration: NCT02292004 and NCT02664545 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C Barnett
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martha M Murray
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sean W Flannery
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Danilo Menghini
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Braden C Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ata M Kiapour
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benedikt Proffen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas Sant
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gabriela Portilla
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ryan Sanborn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christina Freiberger
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachael Henderson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kirsten Ecklund
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yi-Meng Yen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dennis Kramer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lyle Micheli
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Members of the BEAR Trial Team are listed in the Authors section at the end of this article.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Flannery SW, Kiapour AM, Edgar DJ, Murray MM, Beveridge JE, Fleming BC. A transfer learning approach for automatic segmentation of the surgically treated anterior cruciate ligament. J Orthop Res 2022; 40:277-284. [PMID: 33458865 PMCID: PMC8285460 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging enables quantitative assessment of the healing anterior cruciate ligament or graft post-surgery, but its use is constrained by the need for time consuming manual image segmentation. The goal of this study was to validate a deep learning model for automatic segmentation of repaired and reconstructed anterior cruciate ligaments. We hypothesized that (1) a deep learning model would segment repaired ligaments and grafts with comparable anatomical similarity to intact ligaments, and (2) automatically derived quantitative features (i.e., signal intensity and volume) would not be significantly different from those obtained by manual segmentation. Constructive Interference in Steady State sequences were acquired of ACL repairs (n = 238) and grafts (n = 120). A previously validated model for intact ACLs was retrained on both surgical groups using transfer learning. Anatomical performance was measured with Dice coefficient, sensitivity, and precision. Quantitative features were compared to ground truth manual segmentation. Automatic segmentation of both surgical groups resulted in decreased anatomical performance compared to intact ACL automatic segmentation (repairs/grafts: Dice coefficient = .80/.78, precision = .79/.78, sensitivity = .82/.80), but neither decrease was statistically significant (Kruskal-Wallis: Dice coefficient p = .02, precision p = .09, sensitivity p = .17; Dunn post-hoc test for Dice coefficient: repairs/grafts p = .054/.051). There were no significant differences in quantitative features between the ground truth and automatic segmentation of repairs/grafts (0.82/2.7% signal intensity difference, p = .57/.26; 1.7/2.7% volume difference, p = .68/.72). The anatomical similarity performance and statistical similarities of quantitative features supports the use of this automated segmentation model in quantitative magnetic resonance imaging pipelines, which will accelerate research and provide a step towards clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean W. Flannery
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ata M. Kiapour
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J. Edgar
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Martha M. Murray
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jillian E. Beveridge
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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17
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Kiapour AM, Flannery SW, Murray MM, Miller PE, Fleming BC, Sant N, Portilla G, Sanborn R, Freiberger C, Henderson R, Barnett S, Ecklund K, Yen YM, Kramer DE, Micheli LJ, Fleming BC. Regional Differences in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Signal Intensity After Surgical Treatment. Am J Sports Med 2021; 49:3833-3841. [PMID: 34668789 PMCID: PMC8829819 DOI: 10.1177/03635465211047554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance-based measurements of signal intensity have been used to track healing of surgically treated anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs). However, it is unknown how the signal intensity values in different regions of the ligament or graft change during healing. HYPOTHESES (1) Normalized signal intensity of the healing graft or repaired ACL is heterogeneous; (2) temporal changes in normalized signal intensity values differ among the tibial, middle, and femoral regions; and (3) there are no differences in regional normalized signal intensity values 2 years postoperatively among grafts, repaired ACLs, and contralateral native ACLs. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed from patients in a trial comparing ACL reconstruction (n = 35) with bridge-enhanced ACL repair (n = 65). The ACLs were segmented from images acquired at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively and were partitioned into 3 sections along the longitudinal axis (femoral, middle, and tibial). Linear mixed modeling was used to compare location-specific differences in normalized ligament signal intensity among time points (6, 12, and 24 months) and groups (ACL reconstruction, repair, and contralateral native ACL). RESULTS For grafts, the middle region had a higher mean normalized signal intensity when compared with the femoral region at all time points (P < .01) but compared with the tibial region only at 6 months (P < .01). For repaired ACLs, the middle region had a higher mean normalized signal intensity versus the femoral region at all time points (P < .01) but versus the tibial region only at 6 and 12 months (P < .04). From 6 to 24 months, the grafts showed the greatest reduction in normalized signal intensity in the femoral and middle regions (vs tibial regions; P < .01), while there were no regional differences in repaired ACLs. At 2 years after surgery, repaired ACLs had a lower normalized signal intensity in the tibial region as compared with reconstructed grafts and contralateral native ACLs (P < .01). CONCLUSION The results suggest that graft remodeling is location specific. Repaired ACLs were more homogeneous, with lower or comparable normalized signal intensity values at 2 years as compared with the contralateral native ACL and reconstructed grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata M. Kiapour
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sean W. Flannery
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence RI 02818
| | - Martha M. Murray
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Patricia E. Miller
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | | | - Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence RI 02818
| | - Nicholas Sant
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gabriela Portilla
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ryan Sanborn
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christina Freiberger
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachael Henderson
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samuel Barnett
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kirsten Ecklund
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yi-Meng Yen
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dennis E Kramer
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lyle J Micheli
- Boston Children's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Braden C Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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18
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Murray MM. Optimizing outcomes of ACL surgery-Is autograft reconstruction the only reasonable option? J Orthop Res 2021; 39:1843-1850. [PMID: 34191344 PMCID: PMC8387392 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur at a high frequency in the United States with approximately 400,000 ACL reconstructions being performed each year. While ACL reconstruction is our current gold standard of treatment, it does not restore joint motion, or prevent the premature development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in many patients. Thus, new treatments for an ACL injury, which are less invasive and minimize patient morbidity, including cartilage damage, are highly desirable. We have used a tissue-engineered approach to stimulate ligament healing, to improve upon current treatment options. In this review, we describe and discuss our work moving a tissue engineering strategy from the concept to bench, preclinical, clinical trials and ultimately FDA 510(k) de Novo approval, providing clinicians and patients with a viable alternative to ACL reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M. Murray
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
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19
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Van Dyck P, Froeling M, Heusdens CHW, Sijbers J, Ribbens A, Billiet T. Diffusion tensor imaging of the anterior cruciate ligament following primary repair with internal bracing: A longitudinal study. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:1318-1330. [PMID: 32270563 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides information about tissue microstructure and its degree of organization by quantifying water diffusion. We aimed to monitor longitudinal changes in DTI parameters (fractional isotropy, FA; mean diffusivity, MD; axial diffusivity, AD; radial diffusivity, RD) of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) following primary repair with internal bracing (IBLA). Fourteen patients undergoing IBLA were enrolled prospectively and scheduled for clinical follow-up, including instrumented laxity testing, and DTI at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. DTI was also performed in seven healthy subjects. Fiber tractography was used for 3D segmentation of the whole ACL volume, from which median DTI parameters were calculated. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) served as a control. Longitudinal DTI changes were assessed using a linear mixed model, and repeated measures correlations were calculated between DTI parameters and clinical laxity tests. At follow-up, thirteen patients had a stable knee and one patient sustained an ACL rerupture after 12 months postoperatively. The ACL repair showed a significant decrease of FA within the first 12 months after surgery, followed by stable FA values thereafter, while ACL diffusivities decreased over time returning towards normal values at 24 months postoperatively. For PCL there were no significant DTI changes over time. There was a significant correlation between ACL FA and laxity tests (r = -0.42, P = .017). This study has shown the potential of DTI to longitudinally monitor diffusion changes in the ACL following IBLA. The DTI findings suggest that healing of the ACL repair is incomplete at 24 months postoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Van Dyck
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Martijn Froeling
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan Sijbers
- Imec-Vision Lab, Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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20
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DeFroda SF, ODonnell RM, Fadale PD, Owens BD, Fleming BC. The role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating postoperative ACL reconstruction healing and graft mechanical properties: a new criterion for return to play? PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2021; 49:123-129. [PMID: 32897799 PMCID: PMC8007665 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2020.1820846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common injury. In active patients, it is routinely treated with ACL reconstruction surgery. Following reconstruction, one of the critical decisions that must be made is the optimal timing of return to sport. While many biomechanical, biological, and functional criteria have been proposed to determine return to play, these methods are limited at best.Reasoning: As criteria for return to play are multifactorial, there is a growing need for noninvasive technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to objectively track graft healing, to better assess the graft itself. Measuring the changes in the strength of the healing ligament has been shown to be a reliable means of objectively documenting graft healing in preclinical studies. While the initial studies of MR-based modeling of ACL graft healing are promising, this technology is still in its infancy and requires optimization.Purpose: The goals of this review are: 1) to outline the shortcomings of current return to play criteria, 2) to highlight the ability of MRI to determine the status of ACL graft healing, and 3) to discuss the future of imaging technology to determine return to play and its potential role in the clinical evaluation of patientsConclusion: There continues to be a wide variabiltiy regarding adequate return to play criteria, most of which are subjective in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F DeFroda
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, US
| | - Ryan M ODonnell
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, US
| | - Paul D Fadale
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, US
| | - Brett D Owens
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, US
| | - Braden C Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, US
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, US
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21
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Fleming BC, Fadale PD, Hulstyn MJ, Shalvoy RM, Tung GA, Badger GJ. Long-term outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery: 2020 OREF clinical research award paper. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:1041-1051. [PMID: 32639610 PMCID: PMC7790866 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
ACL injuries place the knee at risk for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) despite surgical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. One parameter thought to affect PTOA risk is the initial graft tension. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to compare outcomes between two graft tensioning protocols that bracket the range commonly used. At 7 years postsurgery, we determined that most outcomes between the two tension groups were not significantly different, that they were inferior to an uninjured matched control group, and that PTOA was progressing in both groups relative to controls. The trial database was also leveraged to gain insight into mechanisms of PTOA following ACL injury. We determined that the inflammatory response at the time of injury undermines one of the joint's lubricating mechanisms. We learned that patients continue to protect their surgical knee 5 years postinjury compared to controls during a jump-pivot activity. We also established that presurgical knee function and mental health were correlated with symptomatic PTOA at 7 years, that there were specific anatomical factors associated with poor outcomes, and that there were no changes in outcomes due to tunnel widening in patients receiving hamstring tendon autografts. We also validated a magnetic resonance imaging technique to noninvasively assess graft strength. In conclusion, the RCT determined that initial graft tensioning does not have a major influence on 7-year outcomes. Therefore, surgeons can reconstruct the ACL using a graft tensioning protocol that is within the window of the two graft tensioning techniques evaluated in this RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University,Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University
| | - Paul D. Fadale
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Michael J. Hulstyn
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Robert M. Shalvoy
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Glenn A. Tung
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Gary J. Badger
- Department of Medical Biostatistics, University of Vermont
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22
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Flannery SW, Kiapour AM, Edgar DJ, Murray MM, Fleming BC. Automated magnetic resonance image segmentation of the anterior cruciate ligament. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:831-840. [PMID: 33241856 PMCID: PMC8005419 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop an automated segmentation method for the anterior cruciate ligament that is capable of facilitating quantitative assessments of the ligament in clinical and research settings. A modified U-Net fully convolutional network model was trained, validated, and tested on 246 Constructive Interference in Steady State magnetic resonance images of intact anterior cruciate ligaments. Overall model performance was assessed on the image set relative to an experienced (>5 years) "ground truth" segmenter in two domains: anatomical similarity and the accuracy of quantitative measurements (i.e., signal intensity and volume) obtained from the automated segmentation. To establish model reliability relative to manual segmentation, a subset of the imaging data was resegmented by the ground truth segmenter and two additional segmenters (A, 6 months and B, 2 years of experience), with their performance evaluated relative to the ground truth. The final model scored well on anatomical performance metrics (Dice coefficient = 0.84, precision = 0.82, and sensitivity = 0.85). The median signal intensities and volumes of the automated segmentations were not significantly different from ground truth (0.3% difference, p = .9; 2.3% difference, p = .08, respectively). When the model results were compared with the independent segmenters, the model predictions demonstrated greater median Dice coefficient (A = 0.73, p = .001; B = 0.77, p = NS) and sensitivity (A = 0.68, p = .001; B = 0.72, p = .003). The model performed equivalently well to retest segmentation by the ground truth segmenter on all measures. The quantitative measures extracted from the automated segmentation model did not differ from those of manual segmentation, enabling their use in quantitative magnetic resonance imaging pipelines to evaluate the anterior cruciate ligament.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean W. Flannery
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University,
Providence, RI,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI
| | - Ata M. Kiapour
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David J. Edgar
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University,
Providence, RI,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI
| | - Martha M. Murray
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Braden C. Fleming
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University,
Providence, RI,Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of
Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI
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23
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Wang HM, Shultz SJ, Ross SE, Henson RA, Perrin DH, Schmitz RJ. Relationship of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Volume and T2* Relaxation Time to Anterior Knee Laxity. Orthop J Sports Med 2021; 9:2325967120979986. [PMID: 33718498 PMCID: PMC7925955 DOI: 10.1177/2325967120979986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: High anterior knee laxity (AKL) has been prospectively identified as a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Given that ACL morphometry and structural composition have the potential to influence ligamentous strength, understanding how these factors are associated with greater AKL is warranted. Hypothesis: Smaller ACL volumes combined with longer T2* relaxation times would collectively predict greater AKL. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: College-aged active male (n = 20) and female (n = 30) participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and AKL testing. T2-weighted MRI scans were used to assess ACL volumes, and T2* relaxation times were used to assess ACL structural composition. AKL was measured via a commercial knee arthrometer. Forward stepwise linear regression with sex and weight (first step; suppressor variables) as well as ACL volume and T2* relaxation time (second step; independent variables) was used to predict AKL (dependent variable). Results: After initially adjusting for sex and weight (R2 = 0.19; P = .006), smaller ACL volumes combined with longer T2* relaxation times collectively predicted greater AKL (R2 = 0.52; P < .001; R2Δ = 0.32; PΔ < .001). A smaller ACL volume was the primary predictor of greater AKL (R2Δ = 0.28; P < .001), with a longer T2* relaxation time trending toward a significant contribution to greater AKL (R2Δ = 0.04; P = .062). After adjusting for ACL volume and T2* relaxation time, sex (partial r = 0.05; P = .735) and weight (partial r = 0.05; P = .725) were no longer significant predictors. Conclusion: AKL was largely predicted by ACL volume and to a lesser extent by T2* relaxation time (and not a person’s sex and weight). These findings enhance our understanding of how AKL may be associated with a structurally weaker ACL. The current study presents initial evidence that AKL is a cost-effective and clinically accessible measure that shows us something about the structural composition of the ACL. As AKL has been consistently shown to be a risk factor for ACL injuries, work should be done to continue to investigate what AKL may tell a clinician about the structure and composition of the ACL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Min Wang
- Department of Sports, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua City, Taiwan
| | - Sandra J Shultz
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott E Ross
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert A Henson
- Department of Educational Research Methodology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - David H Perrin
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Randy J Schmitz
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
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Csapo R, Juras V, Heinzle B, Trattnig S, Fink C. Compositional MRI of the anterior cruciate ligament of professional alpine ski racers: preliminary report on seasonal changes and load sensitivity. Eur Radiol Exp 2020; 4:64. [PMID: 33230703 PMCID: PMC7683641 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-020-00191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate potential changes in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) structure of alpine ski racers over the course of an entire season using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (T2* mapping). The dominant legs of three alpine ski racers were examined on a 3-T MR scanner four times at 3-month intervals. Multi-echo sequences for T2* maps, which were coregistered with high-resolution morphological sequences for reproducible definition of ACL regions of interest, were acquired. Means and standard deviations of T2* values from the central and femoral portion of the ACL were extracted and presented in a descriptive manner. T2* values were subject to seasonal changes, which were most pronounced in the ligament central region. Substantial increases (+ 41%) occurred between the measurements taken in January and April. A partial recovery of T2* (-19%) was observed in the July follow-up. The increased T2* times may reflect decreased stress tolerance and increased susceptibility for fatigue tears at the end of the competitive season. Further research in larger samples is required. The likeliness of ACL tears may depend on the precedent history of mechanical loading and vary in professional athletes over the course of the competitive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Csapo
- Research Unit for Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention, ISAG, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall, A-6060, Austria
| | - Vladimir Juras
- Highfield MR Center, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Siegfried Trattnig
- Highfield MR Center, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.,CD Laboratory for Molecular Clinical MR Imaging, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Fink
- Research Unit for Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention, ISAG, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall, A-6060, Austria.,Gelenkpunkt Sports and Joint Surgery, Innsbruck, A-6020, Austria
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25
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Warth RJ, Zandiyeh P, Rao M, Gabr RE, Tashman S, Kumaravel M, Narayana PA, Lowe WR, Harner CD. Quantitative Assessment of In Vivo Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament Autograft Remodeling: A 3-Dimensional UTE-T2* Imaging Study. Am J Sports Med 2020; 48:2939-2947. [PMID: 32915640 DOI: 10.1177/0363546520949855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The timing of return to play after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is still controversial due to uncertainty of true ACL graft state at the time of RTP. Recent work utilizing ultra-short echo T2* (UTE-T2*) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a scanner-independent method to objectively and non-invasively assess the status of in vivo ACL graft remodeling has produced promising results. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS The purpose of this study was to prospectively and noninvasively investigate longitudinal changes in T2* within ACL autografts at incremental time points up to 12 months after primary ACL reconstruction in human patients. We hypothesized that (1) T2* would increase from baseline and initially exceed that of the intact contralateral ACL, followed by a gradual decline as the graft undergoes remodeling, and (2) remodeling would occur in a region-dependent manner. STUDY DESIGN Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS Twelve patients (age range, 14-45 years) who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with semitendinosus tendon or bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft (with or without meniscal repair) were enrolled. Patients with a history of previous injury or surgery to either knee were excluded. Patients returned for UTE MRI at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Imaging at 1 month included the contralateral knee. MRI pulse sequences included high-resolution 3-dimensional gradient echo sequence and a 4-echo T2-UTE sequence (slice thickness, 1 mm; repetition time, 20 ms; echo time, 0.3, 3.3, 6.3, and 9.3 ms). All slices containing the intra-articular ACL were segmented from high-resolution sequences to generate volumetric regions of interest (ROIs). ROIs were divided into proximal/distal and core/peripheral sub-ROIs using standardized methods, followed by voxel-to-voxel registration to generate T2* maps at each time point. This process was repeated by a second reviewer for interobserver reliability. Statistical differences in mean T2* values and mean ratios of T2*inj/T2*intact (ie, injured knee to intact knee) among the ROIs and sub-ROIs were assessed using repeated measures and one-way analyses of variance. P < .05 represented statistical significance. RESULTS Twelve patients enrolled in this prospective study, 2 withdrew, and ultimately 10 patients were included in the analysis (n = 7, semitendinosus tendon; n = 3, bone-patellar tendon-bone). Interobserver reliability for T2* values was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.59-0.94; P < .001). T2* values increased from 5.5 ± 2.1 ms (mean ± SD) at 1 month to 10.0 ± 2.9 ms at 6 months (P = .001), followed by a decline to 8.1 ± 2.0 ms at 12 months (P = .129, vs 1 month; P = .094, vs 6 months). Similarly, mean T2*inj/T2*intact ratios increased from 62.8% ± 22.9% at 1 month to 111.1% ± 23.9% at 6 months (P = .001), followed by a decline to 92.8% ± 29.8% at 12 months (P = .110, vs 1 month; P = .086, vs 6 months). Sub-ROIs exhibited similar increases in T2* until reaching a peak at 6 months, followed by a gradual decline until the 12-month time point. There were no statistically significant differences among the sub-ROIs (P > .05). CONCLUSION In this preliminary study, T2* values for ACL autografts exhibited a statistically significant increase of 82% between 1 and 6 months, followed by an approximate 19% decline in T2* values between 6 and 12 months. In the future, UTE-T2* MRI may provide unique insights into the condition of remodeling ACL grafts and may improve our ability to noninvasively assess graft maturity before return to play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Warth
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Payam Zandiyeh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mayank Rao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Refaat E Gabr
- Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Scott Tashman
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA
| | - Manickam Kumaravel
- Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ponnada A Narayana
- Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Walter R Lowe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher D Harner
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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van Groningen B, van der Steen M, Janssen DM, van Rhijn LW, van der Linden AN, Janssen RP. Assessment of Graft Maturity After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Autografts: A Systematic Review of Biopsy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2020; 2:e377-e388. [PMID: 32875303 PMCID: PMC7451875 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate systematically the literature concerning biopsy, MRI signal to noise quotient (SNQ) and clinical outcomes in graft-maturity assessment after autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and their possible relationships. Methods The systematic review was reported and conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies through May 2019 evaluating methods of intra-articular ACL autograft maturity assessment were considered for inclusion. Eligible methods were histologic studies of biopsy specimens and conventional MRI studies reporting serial SNQ and/or correlation with clinical parameters. Results Ten biopsy studies and 13 imaging studies, with a total of 706 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Biopsy studies show that graft remodeling undergoes an early healing phase, a phase of remodeling or proliferation and a ligamentization phase as an ongoing process even 1 year after surgery. Imaging studies showed an initial increase in SNQ, peaking at approximately 6 months, followed by a gradual decrease over time. There is no evident correlation between graft SNQ and knee stability outcome scores at the short- and long-term follow-up after ACLR. Conclusions The remodeling of the graft is an ongoing process even 1 year after ACLR, based on human biopsy studies. MRI SNQ peaked at approximately 6 months, followed by a gradual decrease over time. Heterogeneity of the MRI methods and technical restrictions used in the current literature limit prediction of graft maturity and clinical and functional outcome measures by means of MRI graft SNQ after ACLR. Level of evidence Level IV, systematic review, including level III and IV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart van Groningen
- Orthopaedic Center Máxima, Máxima Medical Center, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Address correspondence to Bart van Groningen, M.D., Orthopaedic Center Máxima, Máxima Medical Center, PO Box 90052, 5600 PD Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - M.C. van der Steen
- Orthopaedic Center Máxima, Máxima Medical Center, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Daan M. Janssen
- Orthopaedic Center Máxima, Máxima Medical Center, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Lodewijk W. van Rhijn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rob P.A. Janssen
- Orthopaedic Center Máxima, Máxima Medical Center, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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27
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Anz AW, Edison J, Denney TS, Branch EA, Walz CR, Brock KV, Goodlett MD. 3-T MRI mapping is a valid in vivo method of quantitatively evaluating the anterior cruciate ligament: rater reliability and comparison across age. Skeletal Radiol 2020; 49:443-452. [PMID: 31482257 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-019-03301-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As biologic augmentation methods emerge, objective measures of soft tissues are necessary for developmental study. The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative MRI mapping protocol for the ACL. The objectives were (1) to provide age-based T2 relaxation, T2* relaxation, and volume values in healthy individuals, (2) to establish the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of ACL mapping, and (3) to determine whether 3-T or 7-T MRI is more appropriate for future clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty healthy participants, aged 18-62, asymptomatic for knee pathology and without history of knee injury underwent both a 3-T and 7-T MRI. Manual image mapping of the anterior cruciate ligament was performed by two observers and processed to obtain T2, T2*, and volume values. Analysis of variance and two-way random effects model were used to calculate statistical significance and intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS Across all participants, 3-T and 7-T mean T2, T2* and volume values were 37.1 ± 7.9 and 39.7 ± 6.2 ms (p = 0.124), 10.9 ± 1.3 and 10.9 ± 0.9 ms (p = 0.981), and 2380 ± 602 and 2484 ± 736 mm3 (p = 0.551), respectively. The T2, T2*, and volume did not vary between age cohorts (p > 0.05). Excellent inter-rater and intra-rater reliability regarding T2 and T2* values was found. While ACL volume exhibited good inter-rater reliability and excellent intra-rater reliability. CONCLUSIONS T2 relaxation values and ACL volume do not vary with age and therefore can be used as a quantifiable, non-invasive method to assess ACL graft maturation. 7-T MRI analysis was not superior to 3-T MRI analysis, suggesting that 3-T MRI is practical and capable for future comparative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W Anz
- Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL, 32561, USA.
| | - Jos Edison
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 910 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL, 36832, USA
| | - Thomas S Denney
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, 200 Broun Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Eric A Branch
- Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL, 32561, USA
| | - Christopher R Walz
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, 200 Broun Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Kenny V Brock
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 910 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL, 36832, USA
| | - Michael D Goodlett
- Auburn University Athletics, Auburn Athletics Complex, 392 S Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
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Beveridge JE, Proffen BL, Karamchedu NP, Chin KE, Sieker JT, Badger GJ, Kiapour AM, Murray MM, Fleming BC. Cartilage Damage Is Related to ACL Stiffness in a Porcine Model of ACL Repair. J Orthop Res 2019; 37:2249-2257. [PMID: 31125133 PMCID: PMC6739195 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Inferior anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) structural properties may inadequately restrain tibiofemoral joint motion following surgery, contributing to the increased risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Using both a direct measure of ACL linear stiffness and an in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 *-based prediction model, we hypothesized that cartilage damage and ACL stiffness would increase over time, and that an inverse relationship between cartilage damage and ACL stiffness would emerge at a later stage of healing. After either 6, 12, or 24 weeks (w) of healing after ACL repair, ACL linear stiffness was determined from the force-displacement relationship during tensile testing ex vivo and predicted in vivo from the MRI T2 *-based multiple linear regression model in 24 Yucatan minipigs. Tibiofemoral cartilage was graded postmortem. There was no relationship between cartilage damage and ACL stiffness at 6 w (R2 = 0.04; p = 0.65), 12 w (R2 = 0.02; p = 0.77), or when the data from all animals were pooled (R2 = 0.02; p = 0.47). A significant inverse relationship between cartilage damage and ACL stiffness based on both ex vivo measurement (R2 = 0.90; p < 0.001) and in vivo MRI prediction (R2 = 0.78; p = 0.004) of ACL stiffness emerged at 24 w. This result suggests that 90% of the variability in gross cartilage changes is associated with the repaired ACL linear stiffness at 6 months of healing. Clinical Significance: Techniques that provide a higher stiffness to the repaired ACL may be required to mitigate the post-traumatic osteoarthritis commonly seen after ACL injury, and MRI T2 * can be used as a noninvasive estimation of ligament stiffness. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2249-2257, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian E. Beveridge
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital
| | - Benedikt L. Proffen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N. Padmini Karamchedu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital
| | - Kaitlyn E. Chin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital
| | - Jakob T. Sieker
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gary J. Badger
- Department of Medical Biostatistics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Ata M. Kiapour
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha M. Murray
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital
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Chu CR, Williams AA. Quantitative MRI UTE-T2* and T2* Show Progressive and Continued Graft Maturation Over 2 Years in Human Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Orthop J Sports Med 2019; 7:2325967119863056. [PMID: 31448301 PMCID: PMC6693027 DOI: 10.1177/2325967119863056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Noninvasive quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures to assess
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft maturity are needed to help inform
return to high-demand activities and to evaluate the effectiveness of new
treatments to accelerate ACL graft maturation. Quantitative MRI ultrashort
echo time T2* (UTE-T2*) and T2* mapping captures short T2 signals arising
from collagen-associated water in dense regular connective tissues, such as
tendon, ligament, and maturing grafts, which are invisible to conventional
MRI. Hypothesis: Quantitative MRI UTE-T2* and T2* mapping is sensitive to ACL graft changes
over the first 2 years after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 32 patients (18 men; mean ± SD age, 30 ± 9 years) undergoing
unilateral ACLR and 30 uninjured age-matched controls (18 men; age, 30 ± 9
years) underwent 3-T MRI examination. Patients who underwent ACLR were
imaged at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Two separate
ACLR cohorts were scanned with 2 MRI platforms at 2 institutions. Twelve
ACLR knees were scanned with a 3-dimensional acquisition-weighted stack of
spirals UTE sequence on a Siemens scanner, and 20 ACLR knees were scanned
with a 3-dimensional Cones UTE sequence on a GE scanner. UTE-T2* or T2* maps
were calculated for the intra-articular portion of the ACL graft. Results: Mean ACL graft UTE-T2* and T2* decreased from 1 to 2 years after ACLR. ACL
graft T2* increased 25% to 30% during the first 6 months (P
< .013) to a level not different from that of uninjured native ACL
(P > .4), stabilized between 6 months and 1 year
(P ≥ .999), and then decreased 19% between 1 and 2
years after ACLR (P = .027). At 6-month follow-up, ACL
graft UTE-T2* differed from that of tendon (P < .02) but
not uninjured native ACL (P > .7) and showed the
greatest variability among patients. Conclusion: UTE-T2* mapping suggested substantial changes within the graft during the
first 6 months postsurgery. T2* and UTE-T2* mapping showed relatively stable
graft composition from 6 months to 1 year, consistent with remodeling,
followed by decreases from 1 to 2 years, suggestive of continuing
maturation. MRI UTE-T2* and T2* mapping demonstrated potential clinical
utility as noninvasive quantitative imaging metrics for evaluation of human
ACL grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance R Chu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Ashley A Williams
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Redwood City, California, USA
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Kiapour AM, Ecklund K, Murray MM, Fleming BC, Freiberger C, Henderson R, Kramer D, Micheli L, Thurber L, Yen YM, Fleming BC. Changes in Cross-sectional Area and Signal Intensity of Healing Anterior Cruciate Ligaments and Grafts in the First 2 Years After Surgery. Am J Sports Med 2019; 47:1831-1843. [PMID: 31166701 PMCID: PMC6599545 DOI: 10.1177/0363546519850572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of a repaired anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or reconstructed graft is typically quantified in clinical studies by evaluating knee, lower extremity, or patient performance. However, magnetic resonance imaging of the healing ACL or graft may provide a more direct measure of tissue quality (ie, signal intensity) and quantity (ie, cross-sectional area). HYPOTHESES (1) Average cross-sectional area or signal intensity of a healing ACL after bridge-enhanced ACL repair (BEAR) or a hamstring autograft (ACL reconstruction) will change postoperatively from 3 to 24 months. (2) The average cross-sectional area and signal intensity of the healing ligament or graft will correlate with anatomic features of the knee associated with ACL injury. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS Patients with a complete midsubstance ACL tear who were treated with either BEAR (n = 10) or ACL reconstruction (n = 10) underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Images were analyzed to determine the average cross-sectional area and signal intensity of the ACL or graft at each time point. ACL orientation, stump length, and bony anatomy were also assessed. RESULTS Mean cross-sectional area of the grafts was 48% to 98% larger than the contralateral intact ACLs at all time points (P < .01). The BEAR ACLs were 23% to 28% greater in cross-sectional area than the contralateral intact ACLs at 3 and 6 months (P < .02) but similar at 12 and 24 months. The BEAR ACLs were similar in sagittal orientation to the contralateral ACLs, while the grafts were 6.5° more vertical (P = .005). For the BEAR ACLs, a bigger notch correlated with a bigger cross-sectional area, while a shorter ACL femoral stump, steeper lateral tibial slope, and shallower medial tibial depth were associated with higher signal intensity (R2 > .40, P < .05). Performance of notchplasty resulted in an increased ACL cross-sectional area after the BEAR procedure (P = .007). No anatomic features were correlated with ACL graft size or signal intensity. CONCLUSION Hamstring autografts were larger in cross-sectional area and more vertically oriented than the native ACLs at 24 months after surgery. BEAR ACLs had a cross-sectional area, signal intensity, and sagittal orientation similar to the contralateral ACLs at 24 months. The early signal intensity and cross-sectional area of the repaired ACL may be affected by specific anatomic features, including lateral tibial slope and notch width-observations that deserve further study in a larger cohort of patients. REGISTRATION NCT02292004 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata M. Kiapour
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Kirsten Ecklund
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Martha M. Murray
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | | | - Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02818,School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02818
| | - Christina Freiberger
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachael Henderson
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dennis Kramer
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lyle Micheli
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Thurber
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yi-Meng Yen
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Braden C Fleming
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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31
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Van Dyck P, Zazulia K, Smekens C, Heusdens CHW, Janssens T, Sijbers J. Assessment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Maturity With Conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Literature Review. Orthop J Sports Med 2019; 7:2325967119849012. [PMID: 31211151 PMCID: PMC6547178 DOI: 10.1177/2325967119849012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity (SI) measurements are being
used increasingly in both clinical and research studies to assess the
maturity of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts in humans. However, SI
in conventional MRI with weighted images is a nonquantitative measure
dependent on hardware and software. Purpose: To conduct a systematic review of studies that have used MRI SI as a proxy
for ACL graft maturity and to identify potential confounding factors in
assessing the ACL graft in conventional MRI studies. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus,
and Cochrane Library electronic databases according to the PRISMA (Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to
identify studies that examined the healing of the intra-articular portion of
the ACL graft by assessing SI on MRIs. Results: A total of 34 studies were selected for inclusion in this systematic review.
The MRI acquisition techniques and methods to evaluate the ACL graft SI
differed greatly across the studies. No agreement was found regarding the
time frames of SI changes in MRI reflecting normal healing of the ACL tendon
graft, and the graft SI and clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction were
found to be poorly correlated. Conclusion: The MRI acquisition and evaluation methods used to assess ACL grafts are very
heterogeneous, impeding comparisons of SI between successive scans and
between independent studies. Therefore, quantitative MRI-based biomarkers of
ACL graft healing are greatly needed to guide the appropriate time of
returning to sports after ACL reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Van Dyck
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Katja Zazulia
- Department of Orthopedics, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Jan Sijbers
- Imec/Vision Lab, Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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32
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Murray MM, Kiapour AM, Kalish LA, Ecklund K, Fleming BC, Henderson R, Kramer D, Micheli L, Yen YM, Fleming BC. Predictors of Healing Ligament Size and Magnetic Resonance Signal Intensity at 6 Months After Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair. Am J Sports Med 2019; 47:1361-1369. [PMID: 30986359 PMCID: PMC6497549 DOI: 10.1177/0363546519836087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) augmented with a tissue engineered scaffold to facilitate ligament healing is a technique under development for patients with ACL injuries. The size (the amount of tissue) and signal intensity (the quality of tissue) of the healing ligament as visualized on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been shown to be related to its strength in large animal models. HYPOTHESIS Both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors could influence the size and signal intensity of the repaired ligament in patients at 6 months after surgery. STUDY DESIGN Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS 62 patients (mean age, 19.4 years; range, 14-35 years) underwent MRI of the knee 6 months after ACL repair augmented with an extracellular matrix scaffold. The signal intensity (normalized to cortical bone) and average cross-sectional area of the healing ligament were measured from the MRI stack obtained by use of a gradient echo sequence. Associations between these 2 measures and patient characteristics, which included demographic, clinical, and anatomic features, were determined by use of multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS A larger cross-sectional area of the repaired ligament at 6 months was associated with male sex, older age, and the performance of a larger notchplasty ( P < .05 for all associations). A lower signal intensity at 6 months, indicating greater similarity to normal ligament, was associated with a smaller tibial slope and greater side-to-side difference in quadriceps strength 3 months after surgery. Other factors, including preoperative body mass index, mechanism of injury, tibial stump length, and Marx activity score, were not significantly associated with either MRI parameter at 6 months. CONCLUSION Modifiable factors, including surgical notchplasty and slower recovery of quadriceps strength at 3 months, were associated with a larger cross-sectional area and improved signal intensity of the healing ACL after bridge-enhanced ACL repair in this preliminary study. Further studies to determine the optimal size of the notchplasty and the most effective postoperative rehabilitation strategy after ACL repair augmented by a scaffold are justified. REGISTRATION NCT02664545 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M. Murray
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, MA 02115
| | - Ata M. Kiapour
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, MA 02115
| | - Leslie A. Kalish
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, MA 02115
| | - Kirsten Ecklund
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
| | | | - Braden C. Fleming
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence RI 02818
| | - Rachael Henderson
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dennis Kramer
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lyle Micheli
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yi-Meng Yen
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Braden C Fleming
- Investigation performed at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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