The evaluation of hip muscles in patients treated with one-stage combined procedure for unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip: part I: MRI evaluation

Towards defining muscular regions of interest from axial magnetic resonance imaging with anatomical cross-reference: a scoping review of lateral hip musculature

Background

Measures of hip muscle morphology and composition (e.g., muscle size and fatty infiltration) are possible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Standardised protocols or guidelines do not exist for evaluation of hip muscle characteristics, hindering reliable and valid inter-study analysis. This scoping review aimed to collate and synthesise MRI methods for measuring lateral hip muscle size and fatty infiltration to inform the future development of standardised protocols.

Methods

Five electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Embase, SportsDISCUS and AMED) were searched. Healthy or musculoskeletal pain populations that used MRI to assess lateral hip muscle size and fatty infiltration were included. Lateral hip muscles of interest included tensor fascia late (TFL), gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Data on MRI parameters, axial slice location, muscle size and fatty infiltrate measures were collected and analysed. Cross referencing for anatomical locations were made between MRI axial slice and E-12 anatomical plastinate sections.

Results

From 2684 identified publications, 78 studies contributed data on volume (n = 31), cross sectional area (CSA) (n = 24), and fatty infiltration (n = 40). Heterogeneity was observed for MRI parameters and anatomical boundaries scrutinizing hip muscle size and fatty infiltration. Seven single level axial slices were identified that provided consistent CSA measurement, including three for both gluteus maximus and TFL, and four for both gluteus medius and minimus. For assessment of fatty infiltration, six axial slice locations were identified including two for TFL, and four for each of the gluteal muscles.

Conclusions

Several consistent anatomical levels were identified for single axial MR slice to facilitate muscle size and fatty infiltration muscle measures at the hip, providing the basis for reliable and accurate data synthesis and improvements in the validity of future between studies analyses. This work establishes the platform for standardised methods for the MRI assessment of lateral hip musculature and will aid in the examination of musculoskeletal conditions around the hip joint. Further studies into whole muscle measures are required to further optimise methodological parameters for hip muscle assessment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-05439-x.

Quantitative Evaluation of Hip Muscle Atrophy in Patients with Unilateral Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Hip muscle atrophy commonly occurs in patients with unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), its effect in patients with unilateral SCFE is worthy of further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hip muscle cross-sectional area (M-CSA) and unilateral SCFE using magnetic resonance imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall, 32 unilateral SCFE patients (SCFE group) and 15 asymptomatic subjects (control group) were evaluated. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging and frog-leg lateral radiograph examinations. M-CSA and Southwick angle were evaluated to calculate the M-CSA ratio of the affected side over the healthy side (A/H) ratio in the SCFE group and the control group. Associations between the A/H ratio, Southwick angle, and the disease time course were investigated with Spearman correlation test. An independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance tests, and intraclass correlation coefficients were also applied.

RESULTS

A/H ratios of the control group were significantly higher than those of the SCFE group (anterior muscles group: 1.09 ± 0.14 vs 0.86 ± 0.12, medial muscles group: 1.02 ± 0.15 vs 0.82 ± 0.18, posterior muscles group: 1.03 ± 0.07 vs 0.84 ± 0.11, all p < 0.01). A/H ratios of the medial and posterior muscle groups were significantly correlated with severity of SCFE (r = -0.504, p = 0.003, and r = -0.438, p = 0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Hip muscle atrophy is associated with SCFE severity in patients with unilateral SCFE. The A/H ratio can reflect the patients' prognosis and rehabilitation status. Maintenance of hip muscle morphology and function may be beneficial to clinical performance and prognosis of patients with unilateral SCFE.

Arthroscopic versus open, medial approach, surgical reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip in patients under 18 months of age

Background and purpose - The value of arthroscopic surgical reduction in developmental hip dysplasia is poorly known. We compared the clinical and radiographic efficacy of arthroscopic and medial open surgical reduction in patients less than 18 months of age with developmental hip dysplasia. Patients and methods - 54 patients with a mean age of 11 months who were treated by Ludloff's medial open reduction technique (28 hips, Group L) or arthroscopic surgical reduction technique (26 hips, Group A) were evaluated in this case series. Data on age, sex, preoperative Tönnis grade, operative time, estimated blood loss, residual leg length discrepancy, range of motion (ROM), acetabular index (AI) angle, coverage ratio of the femoral head, continuity of Menard-Shenton line, re-dislocation rate, McKay classification, and Kalamchi-MacEwen avascular necrosis (AVN) classification were collected. Results - Preoperatively, the mean AI angle was 39° in Group L and 37° in Group A. At the latest follow-up, the mean AI was 26° in both groups. The mean femoral head coverage ratio was 79% in Group L and 80% in Group A. The Menard-Shenton line was intact in all patients. Residual leg length discrepancy or limited ROM was not detected in any patients. 4 patients in Group L and 2 in Group A were diagnosed with type 2 AVN. Interpretation - Arthroscopic surgical reduction in patients aged 6-18 months revealed promising clinical and radiographic outcomes similar to medial open reduction using Ludloff's technique.

Sequential one-stage combined procedure for treating bilateral developmental hip dysplasia after walking age

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of the sequential one-stage combined procedure for treating bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) that was diagnosed after walking age.

Methods

Thirty-five patients (70 hips) with late-presenting bilateral DDH were treated with the sequential one-stage combined procedure. Hips were reclassified according to the operative time and divided into the first and the second operated hips. The outcomes were compared clinically and radiographically between the two sides preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

The mean interval time between the two procedures was 5.9 months (range: 2–9 months). The first operated hip achieved better results than did the second operated hip. A total of 68.6% (24/35) of the patients in our series had an asymmetric outcome.

Conclusions

The sequential one-stage combined procedure is a challenge, but a reasonable alternative surgery for bilateral DDH in children after walking age. An asymmetric outcome is a special complication of this procedure.

The Fate of Iliopsoas Muscle in the Long-term Follow-up After Open Reduction of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip by Medial Approach. Part 1: MRI Evaluation

BACKGROUND

There has been little information about the long-term status of the iliopsoas, which is the main flexor of the hip, after iliopsoas tenotomy in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The aim of this study was to assess the status of the iliopsoas muscle and other flexors and extensors of the hip in long-term follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging after complete iliopsoas tenotomy in patients with unilateral DDH treated with open reduction with a medial approach.

METHODS

The study included 20 patients who underwent open reduction with a medial approach for unilateral DDH and had long-term follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fasia lata, sartorius, and gluteus maximus muscles was applied and the muscles of the hip that was operated on were compared with the unoperated hip. In addition, the iliopsoas muscle was examined for reattachment and the effect of reattachment was evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of operation was 10.53±3.61 months (range, 5 to 18 mo), and mean follow-up was 16.65±2.16 years (range, 13 to 20 y). Spontaneous reattachment of the iliopsoas was observed in 18 patients (90%), either in the lesser trochanter (65%) or the superior part of it (25%). There was no significant difference between the hips that were operated on and those that were not with regard to the mean cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the tensor fascia lata, rectus femoris, sartorius, and gluteus maximus muscles. The CSA of the tensor fascia lata, rectus femoris, sartorius, and gluteus maximus muscles showed no significant difference (P>0.05); however, CSA of iliopsoas muscle was significantly reduced in the operated hip (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the iliopsoas tendon was atrophied after complete iliopsoas tenotomy, it was reattached in 90% of the patients spontaneously in long-term follow-up. There was no statistically significant compensatory hypertrophy in any muscles in response to iliopsoas atrophy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-Therapeutic.

The Fate of the Iliopsoas Muscle in Long-term Follow-up After Open Reduction With a Medial Approach in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. Part 2: Isokinetic Muscle Strength Evaluation

BACKGROUND

The impact on long-term weakness of hip flexion of complete iliopsoas tenotomy during open reduction of developmental hip dysplasia with a medial approach has not yet been fully clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the isokinetic muscle strength (IMS) of hip flexor and extensor muscles in these patients and also to analyze the effect of spontaneous reattachment of the iliopsoas muscle on IMS measurements.

METHODS

The study included 20 patients. Earlier magnetic resonance imaging examination of all the patients revealed spontaneous reattachment of the iliopsoas in 18 (90%) patients. IMS measurements were performed at 60 and 150 degrees/s. The peak torque, total work (TW), average power (AP), work fatigue, and agonist to antagonist muscle ratio of the operated and nonoperated hips were recorded separately for flexors and extensors. The effect of iliopsoas reattachment on IMS was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 16.65±2.16 (13 to 20) years. Total work (P=0.013) and average power (P=0.009) of the flexor muscles and work fatigue of the extensor muscles (P=0.030) of the operated hip were significantly decreased when compared with the nonoperated hips at 150 degrees/s. There was no significant difference between the flexor muscles of the operated and nonoperated hips (P<0.05) at 60 degrees/s and extensor muscles (P<0.05) at 150 degrees/s. In addition, patients without reattachment had lower IMS in the operated hips.

DISCUSSION

Flexor muscle strength was decreased in the operated hip against low resistance in long-term follow-up after iliopsoas tenotomy. This may reflect that hip muscle strength was decreased after prolonged activities such as sports. However, in forceful activities flexor muscle strength was retained due to iliopsoas reattachment. On the basis of this study we thought that spontaneous reattachment of the iliopsoas tendon substantially preserves muscle strength. Nonetheless possible efforts should be made to surgically reattach the psoas tendon to preserve strength of the muscle.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic level IV.

Sagittal patellar tilt and concomitant quadriceps hypotrophy after tibial nailing

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to analyse the patellofemoral alignment in the sagittal plane following tibial fracture surgery with intramedullary nailing and its relationship to parapatellar muscle status.

METHODS

The patellofemoral MRI results of 27 patients (15 males and 12 females) treated with locked intramedullary nailing following tibia shaft fracture were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 41.8 (±15) years. The patella-patellar tendon angle (P-PT) and the distance between the inferior patellar pole and the tibial tubercle (DP-TT) were evaluated for both the operated extremity and the contralateral normal side. MRI assessment of the infrapatellar fat pad, quadriceps, sartorius, gracilis, semi-membranosus muscles and biceps muscles was also carried out. The correlation between the changes in skeletal muscle mass, the volume of the infrapatellar fat pad and the alterations in the DP-TT distances and P-PT angles were analysed.

RESULTS

The quadriceps muscle cross-sectional diameter had a mean of 157.2 mm(2) (115.6/319.5) in the operated extremity, and it was 193 mm(2) (77.6/282.2) in the non-operated normal side (p = 0.001). For the Gracilis muscle, the mean was 84.4 mm(2) (19.7/171) at the operated extremity and 75.7 mm(2) (26.9/238.2) on the normal side (p = 0.05). The cross-sectional areas of the semi-membranosus, sartorius and biceps muscles in the operated and non-operated extremity were not noticeably different (n.s). The P-PT angle was 153° (129.7/156.4) in the operated extremity and 145.7° (137.6/163.4) in the non-operated normal extremity (p < 0.05). While DP-TT distance was 11.4 mm (9.4/20.4) in the operated extremity, it was 14.1 mm (7.3/17.1) in the non-operated extremity (p = 0.001). The correlation analyses revealed that the quadriceps hypotrophy negatively correlated (r = -0.4, p = 0.02) with the P-PT angle but positively correlated with the increase in gracilis muscle volume (r = 0.4, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that patellofemoral joint kinematics in the operated extremity was diminished in the sagittal plane correlating with the quadriceps muscle volume loss and gracilis muscle hypertrophy. The modalities focused on both preventing and treating the hypotrophy of the quadriceps muscle following the surgical treatment of tibial fracture, which may help to overcome this quite common pathology.

Evolution of the human hip. Part 2: muscling the double extension

Part 1 of this article outlined the extensive osseous adaptations around the hip that occurred in the development of a habitual bipedal gait in modern humans. The shortest summary of these osseous changes is 'double extension', i.e. extension of both the hip joint and the lumbar spine. Not surprisingly, these osseous changes went hand in hand with major muscular changes. The primary changes that accompanied the double extension were changes in relative muscle volume for the quadriceps, gluteus maximus and hamstrings, changes in moment arms for the iliopsoas, gluteus maximus and hamstrings, a change in function for the gluteus medius and minimus, while the functional anatomy of the adductors and hip rotators changed only slightly. The effect of these osseous and muscular changes was improved energy efficiency of human bipedal walking and (long distance) running. However, this occurred at the expense of maximum power, characteristic for activities such as tree climbing (in the apes), but equally so for sprinting. Recognizing these changes and their consequences may help us better understand and treat soft-tissue disorders around the hip.

Utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip

PURPOSE

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been successfully used in the determination of the adequacy of the surgical reduction of congenitally dislocated hips in children. We present the results of a prospective series of patients treated conservatively. MRI was performed in all hips after positioning was deemed adequate on radiographs after spica cast application. The goal of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of MRI in this indication.

METHODS

After the study was approved by our local ethics committee, 31 patients for a total of 36 dislocated hips were included. After the traction period, hip testing was performed and a hip spica cast was applied under general anaesthesia. All children had MRI within 1 week of reduction, without the need for contention or general anaesthesia. Hip reduction was assessed on axial and coronal MRI images.

RESULTS

The concentric reduction of the hip was confirmed in 30 cases out of 36. In three cases, the dislocation was retrospectively suspected on radiographs and then confirmed. In the three remaining cases, hip dislocation was only diagnosed on MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI screening of congenitally dislocated hips after reduction procedures is a safe and reliable procedure to assess the concentric reduction of the hip. Even in doubtful cases, MRI detected persistent hip dislocations and was conducive to iterative reduction and satisfactory outcome and result.