Magnetic resonance imaging of shoulder arthropathies

MRI in shoulder arthropathies: A short review

Arthropathies are a frequent cause of shoulder pain and comprise of a wide range of clinical entities that may pose a diagnostic challenge. Though history and clinical examination remain vital, imaging plays a pivotal role in accurate diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains an invaluable tool for imaging evaluation of shoulder involvement by various arthropathies. With attention to characteristic imaging features, radiologist may be able to differentiate between various disease processes affecting the shoulder joint. In this article, we have provided a brief review of common and uncommon MRI manifestations of various arthropathies affecting the shoulder joint.

Upper extremity infection: imaging features with focus on magnetic resonance imaging

Upper extremity infections are frequently seen, especially in individuals with weakened immune system, posttraumatic events, and after surgery procedures. If not properly treated, such conditions can lead to serious consequences, such as movement impairment, amputation, and even mortality. These infections have the potential to spread extensively from their initial site of entry, traversing interconnected spaces either intra or extra-compartmental. Understanding the relevant anatomy is crucial to assess location and stage of infection, since surgical intervention and intravenous antibiotics are usually required. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive review of the imaging findings of upper extremity infection, focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, this article sheds light on the pivotal role of radiology in managing hand, elbow, and shoulder infections offering an overview of available treatment options. KEY FINDINGS: Various types of infections affecting the upper extremity will be discussed, including infectious tenosynovitis, deep space infections, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Authors also highlight anatomical spaces, common pathogens, spread routes, and key radiological features of these conditions.

Treatment of acute shoulder infection: can osseous lesion be a rudder in guideline for determining the method of débridement?

BACKGROUND

There is no standard to determine the most appropriate method of operation for the treatment of acute septic arthritis of the shoulder joint.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 57 patients who underwent arthroscopic or open débridement for acute shoulder infection between 2001 and 2015. Arthroscopic débridement was performed in 27 patients, and open débridement in 30 patients. According to the presence of bone erosion and/or marginal erosion of cartilage of the humeral head on plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, the cases were classified into 3 groups (group 1, n = 23, without erosions in x-ray and MRI; group 2, n = 21, erosions seen in MRI but not in x-ray; and group 3, n = 13, with erosions seen in both x-ray and MRI).

RESULTS

The arthroscopic group had a reinfection rate of 55.6% (15/27), and the open group had a reinfection rate of 16.7% (5/30). The reinfection rates in the arthroscopic and the open groups were 10% (1/10) and 15.4% (2/13) in group 1; 75% (9/12) and 11.1% (1/9) in group 2; and 100% (5/5) and 25% (2/8) in group 3, respectively. At the last follow-up, the mean University of California at Los Angeles score and the average time until normalization of white blood cell, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein in the open group showed superior results in the open group (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

When preoperative MRI showed bone and/or cartilage erosion of humeral head, the reinfection rate after arthroscopic débridement was above 75%. Therefore, if preoperative MRI showed erosions, open débridement is more likely to be appropriate than arthroscopic débridement.

Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder with intraosseous extension: outcomes of ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation

OBJECTIVES

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) with intraosseous extension is a rare complication of tendinous and peritendinous involvement. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the outcome of ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT) in patients with intraosseous involvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2011 to June 2014, patients with a clinical and imaging diagnosis of RCCT were prospectively categorised in two groups based on imaging findings: group A (10 patients) with intraosseous RCCT and group B (control group 35 patients) without osseous involvement. US-PICT followed by subacromial injection was applied to all patients in groups A and B. During a 1-year follow-up, treatment outcome in terms of pain and functional improvement was evaluated at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, with the use of a four-grade scale. The study has been approved by our hospital's ethics committee.

RESULTS

Mean improvement scores of group A were significantly lower than those of group B at all time points (p < 0.0001). Improvement of group B was noted mainly within the first 3 months post-treatment (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Outcomes of ultrasound-guided treatment in cases of RCCT with intraosseous extension are significantly less favourable than in purely tendinous or peritendinous disease.