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Powell GM, Murthy NS, Johnson AC. Radiographic and MRI Assessment of the Thrower's Elbow. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2021; 14:214-223. [PMID: 33864627 PMCID: PMC8137781 DOI: 10.1007/s12178-021-09702-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Throwing athletes are vulnerable to elbow injuries, especially in the medial elbow, related to high stress and valgus load in both acute and chronic settings as a result of this complex biomechanical action. This current review details the relevant anatomy and imaging features of common elbow pathology identified with radiographs and MRI in throwing athletes. RECENT FINDINGS Although elbow pathology in throwing athletes is well documented, advances in imaging technology and technique, particularly with MRI, have allowed for more detailed and accurate imaging description and diagnosis. Pathology of thrower's elbow occurs in predictable patterns and can be reliably identified radiologically. Clinical history and physical examination should guide radiologic evaluation initially with radiographs and followed by an MRI optimized to the clinical question. Constellation of clinical, physical, and radiologic assessments should be used to guide management.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. M. Powell
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - N. S. Murthy
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - A. C. Johnson
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The anterior humeral line (AHL) is considered a valuable radiographic tool in the assessment of pediatric elbow sagittal plane alignment following injury. However, few studies exist that examine the validity of the AHL. The purpose of this study is to report the variability of the AHL in skeletally immature children with normal elbows. METHODS A total of 124 true lateral elbow radiographs of normal pediatric elbows were retrospectively identified and examined for the relationship of the AHL to the capitellum. The percentage of AHLs falling outside the middle third of the capitellum was compared among different age and sex groups using Fisher exact tests. RESULTS In 100% of patients, the AHL touched the ossific nucleus of the capitellum. In 100% (52/52) of patients ≥5 years the AHL goes through the middle third of the capitellum, but this is significantly different from patients less than 5 years of age in whom 25% (18/72) of patients the AHL fell outside of the middle third of the capitellum (P<0.001). In children less than 2 years of age, the AHL was in the anterior third in 30% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS Traditional teaching that the AHL touches the capitellum on a lateral radiograph of a normal elbow in a child is correct, so if the AHL does not touch the capitellum it is appropriate to look for pathology. Similarly, in children 5 years and older the AHL goes through the middle third of the capitellum in all patients, so if it does not, it is appropriate to look for pathology. However, with decreasing age variability increases, with the AHL touching the anterior third of the capitellum in almost 1/3 of children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Merolla G, Buononato C, Chillemi C, Paladini P, Porcellini G. Arthroscopic joint debridement and capsular release in primary and post-traumatic elbow osteoarthritis: a retrospective blinded cohort study with minimum 24-month follow-up. Musculoskelet Surg 2015; 99 Suppl 1:S83-S90. [PMID: 25957550 DOI: 10.1007/s12306-015-0365-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elbow osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition which in the advanced stage can severely impair joint mobility. Conservative treatment remains the first choice; surgery should be considered in case of failure in patients prepared to adhere to a demanding rehabilitation protocol. We assess the effectiveness of arthroscopic joint debridement and capsular release in a series of patients with primary and post-traumatic elbow arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight subjects (40 males, eight females; mean age 48 years) with a preoperative diagnosis of primary (19, 40 %) or post-traumatic OA (29, 60 %) were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 44 months. Outcome measures were active range of motion (ROM), pain score, Oxford elbow score (OES), and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). OA severity was graded into three classes (I-III) based on X-ray findings. Statistical significance was set at 5 %. RESULTS At the final follow-up evaluation, active flexion/extension increased significantly (p < 0.01); pronation and supination improved, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The pain score improved from 7.2 to 4.3 (p < 0.01). Both OES and MEPS improved significantly (p < 0.001). Patients with post-traumatic OA had better ROM (p = 0.0391) and clinical scores (OES, p = 0.011; MEPS, p = 0.010). ROM and clinical scores were lower but not significantly so in class II than in class I patients. A smooth coronoid and olecranon fossa was found in 38 (79 %) patients and a preserved ulnotrochlear joint space in 40 (80 %). CONCLUSIONS Elbow OA has become more common as a result of earlier diagnosis and an increased number of acute injuries involving the joint. Arthroscopy is an effective technique to treat OA which provides the best results with the correct indications. Prospective studies are needed to help develop guidelines enabling selection of the best treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Merolla
- Unit of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, "D. Cervesi" Hospital, Cattolica - AUSL della Romagna Ambito Territoriale di Rimini, 47841, Cattolica, Italy.
- "Marco Simoncelli" Biomechanics Laboratory, "D. Cervesi" Hospital, Cattolica - AUSL della Romagna Ambito Territoriale di Rimini, Cattolica, Italy.
| | - C Buononato
- Unit of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, "D. Cervesi" Hospital, Cattolica - AUSL della Romagna Ambito Territoriale di Rimini, 47841, Cattolica, Italy
| | - C Chillemi
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico (ICOT), Latina, Italy
| | - P Paladini
- Unit of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, "D. Cervesi" Hospital, Cattolica - AUSL della Romagna Ambito Territoriale di Rimini, 47841, Cattolica, Italy
| | - G Porcellini
- Unit of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, "D. Cervesi" Hospital, Cattolica - AUSL della Romagna Ambito Territoriale di Rimini, 47841, Cattolica, Italy
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bin Mohd Fadil MF, Mahadev A, Gera SK. Radial head and neck injuries in children with elbow dislocations: a report of three cases. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2014; 22:252-6. [PMID: 25163968 DOI: 10.1177/230949901402200230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In children, traumatic elbow dislocations usually occur after the epiphysis has closed and with associated radial head and neck fractures and osteochondral fragments. The fragments are also usually interposed in the joint restricting complete congruent joint motion. We report on 3 children with traumatic elbow fracture-dislocation with associated radial head and neck injuries treated with open reduction and stabilisation. All patients achieved good outcomes and returned to pre-injury level of activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arjandas Mahadev
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Sumanth Kumar Gera
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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Elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction: clinical, radiographic, and ultrasound outcomes at a mean 3-year follow-up. Musculoskelet Surg 2014; 98 Suppl 1:87-93. [PMID: 24659202 DOI: 10.1007/s12306-014-0325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) has the main function to be stress-resistant to elbow valgus overload. Multilayer tears require a reconstruction with a tendon graft. In this study, we report the clinical, radiographic, and ultrasound outcomes after tendon graft reconstruction for symptomatic UCL insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS Among twenty-six subjects underwent elbow UCL reconstruction from 2006 to 2012, fifteen were available to be evaluated at a mean follow-up of 36 months. Preoperative assessment included clinical examination and MRI. The outcome measures were the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS); the Oxford Elbow Score (OES); the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); and the Conway-Jobe Scale. Overall population was postoperatively investigated with X-ray and ultrasound (US). Reconstruction was performed with autograft (palmaris longus) in five cases and allograft (semitendinosus) in ten cases using the figure-of-eight configuration (five cases), the docking technique (eight cases), or a fixation with screws (two cases). RESULTS We found a significant improvement in postoperative MEPS, OES, and DASH scores (p < 0.01). One case was unsatisfied and required an additional procedure of ulnar nerve transposition 12 months after the reconstruction. X-ray showed calcifications along the graft in ten cases. At US examination, all the grafts assessed appeared anatomically intact without structural changes, and the dynamic examination showed a slight medial laxity with the valgus stress maneuver without pain or other sign of medial instability. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the efficacy of the graft reconstruction for chronic UCL insufficiency and introduces fresh insight on the role of musculoskeletal ultrasound to evaluate the reconstructed UCL.
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Schreiber JJ, Potter HG, Warren RF, Hotchkiss RN, Daluiski A. Magnetic resonance imaging findings in acute elbow dislocation: insight into mechanism. J Hand Surg Am 2014; 39:199-205. [PMID: 24480682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify with magnetic resonance imaging the location and severity of ligamentous injury after acute elbow dislocations. Based on observations that many elbow dislocations arise from an initial acute valgus load, we hypothesized that all patients would have a high-grade medial injury but not all would demonstrate injury of the lateral ligaments. METHODS The medial collateral ligament was subdivided into anterior bands of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior bands of the anterior bundle of the MCL, whereas the lateral collateral ligament was divided into the lateral ulnar collateral ligament and the radial collateral ligament. Distinction on magnetic resonance imaging was made between normal morphology and low-grade partial tear (< 50% of the ligament fibers), high-grade partial tear (≥ 50%), and full-thickness disruption. The site of disruption was also characterized. RESULTS Acute magnetic resonance imaging studies for 16 patients were included. No low-grade tears or intact evaluations of either the anterior or posterior bands of the anterior bundle of the MCL were observed; most demonstrated complete tears. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament most frequently showed complete disruption but was occasionally intact. The radial collateral ligament infrequently showed full disruption. Complete tears involving either the anterior or posterior portions of the anterior band of the MCL were significantly more common than complete tears involving the ligaments on the lateral side. CONCLUSIONS After elbow dislocation, complete ligamentous tears were more common on the medial versus the lateral side. Whereas the lateral ligaments were occasionally preserved, this was never observed on the medial side. These data suggest a sequence of failure starting on the medial side with subsequent variable energy dissipation laterally. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Schreiber
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Hollis G Potter
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Russell F Warren
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Robert N Hotchkiss
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
| | - Aaron Daluiski
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY.
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Frick MA. Reprint of imaging of the elbow: a review of imaging findings in acute and chronic traumatic disorders of the elbow. J Hand Ther 2007; 20:186-200; quiz 201. [PMID: 17533097 DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2007.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic injuries of the elbow are frequent in patients of all ages but are particularly common in young children and adolescents engaged in normal play and athletic competition. Injury may result primarily due to direct trauma or may be secondary to transmission of forces through the elbow following a fall on an outstretched hand. In middle-aged and older individuals, chronic repetitive injuries tend to predominate. In all patients, radiographs remain the initial imaging study of choice. Many patients, however, may need advanced cross-sectional imaging (i.e. MRI, CT, or ultrasound) either at presentation or during the course of their treatment and follow-up. This article reviews the imaging appearance of common acute and chronic traumatic disorders of the elbow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Frick
- Department of Radiology, Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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Frick MA. Imaging of the elbow: a review of imaging findings in acute and chronic traumatic disorders of the elbow. J Hand Ther 2006; 19:98-112. [PMID: 16713859 DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2006.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic injuries of the elbow are frequent in patients of all ages but are particularly common in young children and adolescents engaged in normal play and athletic competition. Injury may result primarily due to direct trauma or may be secondary to transmission of forces through the elbow following a fall on an outstretched hand. In middle-aged and older individuals, chronic repetitive injuries tend to predominate. In all patients, radiographs remain the initial imaging study of choice. Many patients, however, may need advanced cross-sectional imaging (i.e. MRI, CT, or ultrasound) either at presentation or during the course of their treatment and follow-up. This article reviews the imaging appearance of common acute and chronic traumatic disorders of the elbow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Frick
- Department of Radiology, Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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Abstract
The ligamentous, osseous, musculotendinous, and neural structures at the postero-medial side of the elbow are at risk for various injuries in overhead athletes. The combination of valgus and extension overload during overhead activities results in tensile forces along the medial stabilising structures, with compression on the lateral compartment and shear stress posteriorly. The combination of tensile forces medially and shear forces posteriorly can result in ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears, flexor-pronator mass injuries, neuritis of the ulnar nerve, posterior impingement, and olecranon stress fractures. Most symptomatic conditions of the overhead athlete can be treated conservatively initially. In cases where conservative treatment is unsuccessful surgical intervention is indicated. Recent advances in arthroscopic surgical techniques and ligamentous reconstruction ensure that the prognosis for return to pre-injury level is good.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Eygendaal
- Amphia Hospital, Orthopaedic Surgery, Teteringen, Netherlands.
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Abstract
Orthopedic injuries are common reasons for visits to primary care physicians. Careful history and physical examination with intelligent use of imaging technology will arrive at the correct diagnosis in most patients. Many conditions may be definitively managed by the office internist. Others maybe initially stabilized and referred to orthopedic surgeons for definitive care. Nondisplaced fractures, tendon injuries, sprains, and overuse syndromes are entities within the purview of the primary care physician. Familiarity and confidence with diagnosis and management of these conditions in the office is optimal for the care of the adult patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pimentel
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Grayson
- Musculoskeletal Section, Department of Radiology-Wilford Hall Medical Center, 759 MDTS/MTRD, 2200 Bergquist Drive, Suite 1, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5300, USA.
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Kijowski R, Tuite M, Sanford M. Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow. Part I: normal anatomy, imaging technique, and osseous abnormalities. Skeletal Radiol 2004; 33:685-97. [PMID: 15480641 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-004-0853-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2004] [Revised: 07/30/2004] [Accepted: 08/03/2004] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Part I of this comprehensive review on magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow discusses normal elbow anatomy and the technical factors involved in obtaining high-quality magnetic resonance images of the elbow. Part I also discusses the role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating patients with osseous abnormalities of the elbow. With proper patient positioning and imaging technique, magnetic resonance imaging can yield high-quality multiplanar images which are useful in evaluating the osseous structures of the elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect early osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum and can be used to evaluate the size, location, stability, and viability of the osteochondritis dissecans fragment. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect early stress injury to the proximal ulna in athletes. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect radiographically occult fractures of the elbow in both children and adults. Magnetic resonance imaging is also useful in children to further evaluate elbow fractures which are detected on plain-film radiographs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kijowski
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging, with its multiplanar imaging capability and superior soft-tissue contrast, has become the preferred method for imaging sports-related injuries. Advances in gradient technology, receiver coils, and imaging software have allowed the imaging of the injured athlete to take place quickly and at high resolution. Understanding the tissues being imaged, the underlying anatomy, and the capabilities of today's scanners is crucial to the design of intelligent and efficient protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garry E Gold
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, California, USA.
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