Clinical history correlates with lateral atlantoaxial (C1-2) joint edema. A pilot study

Background

Clinical evaluation in the determination of the etiology of axial spine pain is limited.

Objective

To determine if a set of three features of the clinical history are indicative of C1-2 joint edema on MRI.

Methods

All patients from one physician's practice who had axial cervical spine pain from 2021 to 2023 were evaluated. Cases were defined as those with all 3 of the ASL criteria, defined as Age >65, Superior cervical/suboccipital pain, and exacerbation of pain primarily by Lateral cervical spine rotation. Age-matched controls had axial cervical spine pain without meeting the ASL criteria. Edema around the atlantoaxial joint and/or odontoid was evaluated by STIR MR sequences.

Results

The ASL criteria had a sensitivity of 82 % [95 % CI: 64-100 %], specificity of 79 %, [95 % CI: 63-95 %], positive predictive value of 74 % [95 % CI: 54-94 %], and negative predictive value of 86 % [95 % CI: 72-100 %] in diagnosing C1-2 joint edema.

Conclusion

A positive ASL criteria is sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of C1-2 joint edema, which may have clinical implications.

Reporting of Facet Joint Inflammation in Lumbar Spine MRI Studies in Patients With Low Back Pain

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the frequency of facet joint inflammatory features noted in routine radiology reports of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies among patients with chronic low back pain.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Facet joint arthropathy is one of the most common causes of chronic low back pain. It may encompass various inflammatory imaging characteristics, such as facet joint effusion, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue edema. The extent to which radiology reports mention inflammatory features of the lumbar facet joints and the accuracy of these reports have not been investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors performed a chart review on 49 subjects with previous facet-related interventions ( i.e . medial branch blocks or intra-articular facet joint injection) and MRI available in the medical record. One senior musculoskeletal radiologist and a musculoskeletal radiology fellow graded the inflammatory features using a published facet joint inflammation grading system [Gold Standard (GS)]. The authors identified the inflammatory markers mentioned in the radiology reports and calculated the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the radiology reports compared with GS readings.

RESULTS

Compared with the GS, the sensitivity of radiology reports for facet joint effusion, bone marrow, and soft tissue edema ranged from 6% to 22%, and the positive predictive value ranged from 25% to 100%. L4/5 had the highest number of cases with inflammatory features noted on the reports.

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory findings, such as facet joint effusion, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue edema, are not commonly identified in radiology reports. Further investigations are needed to determine the clinical importance of MRI-detected lumbar facet joint inflammatory features as a potential mechanism of nociception and as a predictor of outcomes following injections or other therapies.

Comprehensive Grading System of Inflammatory Features of the Lumbar Facet Joints on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based grading system of inflammatory features of the lumbar facet joints using an atlas and assess its reliability.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Chronic low back pain is often caused by facet joint arthropathy. Inflammatory features are often evident on MRI. While several grading systems of facet arthropathy have been described, there is scant data on the reliability of these systems, and none focus exclusively on inflammatory features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We describe a grading system that assesses facet joint effusion, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue edema. Each feature was graded from 0 to 3 (facet edema) or 0 to 2 (bone marrow edema intensity and extent, soft tissue edema intensity and extent). Four spine experts graded MRIs of 50 subjects at the bilateral L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 levels. All subjects had symptomatic facet arthropathy and received therapeutic facet joint injections. We assessed the intra-reader and inter-reader reliability of each feature at each joint and summarized across all six joints.

RESULTS

The mean age of subjects was 56 years (SD = 17), and 48% were female. The injections occurred at the L3/4 level in 12% of cases, at L4/5 in 88%, and at L5/S1 in 80% of cases. The intra-reader reliability kappa's for each feature ranged from 0.42 to 0.81. In contrast, the inter-reader reliability kappa values for each feature ranged from 0.37 to 0.54.

CONCLUSION

MRI inflammatory features of the lumbar facet joints are often noted in patients with low back pain. The proposed grading system is reliable and could serve as a research tool for studies assessing the clinical relevance and prognostic value of these features.

Predictors of Outcomes After Lumbar Intra-Articular Facet Joint Injections and Medial Branch Blocks: A Scoping Review

STUDY DESIGN

A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify and describe the factors associated with the patient-reported response after lumbar intra-articular facet joint (FJ) injections or medial branch blocks (MBBs).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

FJ osteoarthritis is among the most common causes of chronic low back pain. Management often includes FJ intra-articular injection and MBBs (which may be followed by radiofrequency ablation of the nerves innervating these joints). However, the success of these approaches is variable, prompting interest in identifying patient characteristics (imaging features, clinical signs, and among others) associated with response to these types of facet injections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a literature search on factors associated with patient-reported outcomes after lumbar FJ intra-articular injections or MBBs for patients with low back pain published in English or Spanish between 2000 and 2023. We excluded duplicate papers that did not describe factors associated with outcomes or those describing other interventions. We collected data on the association of these factors with patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. These studies evaluated factors, such as age, depression, and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and among variables. Age and imaging findings of facet arthropathy were the most frequently described factors. Imaging findings of FJ arthropathy and positive SPECT were often associated with positive results after intra-articular FJ injections or MBBs. In contrast, younger age and smoking were frequently associated with less favorable clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Numerous factors were considered in the 37 studies included in this review. Imaging findings of facet arthropathy, duration of pain, and positive SPECT were consistently associated with favorable results after facet interventions.

Symptom-imaging correlation in lumbar spine pain

Lumbar spine MRI is associated with a high prevalence of morphological abnormalities in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. A difficult challenge, therefore, is distinguishing the relevant findings causing symptoms from incidental findings. The accurate diagnosis of pain generator is important because misdiagnosis can negatively impact patient management and outcome. Spine physicians use clinical symptoms and signs to interpret lumbar spine MRI and make treatment decisions. Symptom-MRI correlation enables the targeted inspection of images for pain generator. Radiologists can also use clinical information to improve diagnostic confidence and the value of dictated reports. Because high-quality clinical information may be difficult to obtain, radiologists often generate lists of lumbar spine abnormalities that are otherwise difficult to rank as pain generators. Based on the literature review, this article attempts to distinguish the MRI abnormalities that may represent incidental findings from the abnormalities that are more commonly associated with lumbar spine-related symptoms.

Grading Systems of Lumbar Facet Joint Inflammatory Changes on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Scoping Review

STUDY DESIGN

A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify and characterize grading systems of the inflammatory features of the lumbar facet joints (FJs) noted on magnetic resonance imaging and summarize their reliability.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide and is frequently accompanied by FJ osteoarthritis. Inflammatory changes in the lumbar FJs are commonly noted in imaging studies of patients with FJ osteoarthritis and low back pain. Several grading systems for these inflammatory changes have been developed. However, these grading system's features and reliability have yet to be reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a literature search of studies reporting grading systems for FJ inflammatory changes published in English or Spanish between 1985 and 2022. We collected data on reported interreader reliability measures of each grading system. Finally, we compared the features of inflammation described by each system.

RESULTS

Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were used in our analysis. Features commonly graded in these systems are the hyperintensity signal noted within the FJ, bone marrow edema, and the extent of the soft-tissue edema surrounding the FJs. We found that the interreader reliability measures ranged from 0.56 to 0.96.

CONCLUSIONS

Only 6 studies have reported methods for documenting inflammation in the FJs. Studies varied in the precise tissues and phenomena included in the grading systems. However, the systems were generally reliable. Future studies should document the reliability of these methods when independent investigators are not involved in developing the classification schemes. Further work might combine one or more of these measures to establish a standard and reliable grading system for inflammatory changes in the FJs, including signal intensity within the joint, bone marrow edema, and soft-tissue inflammation.

The origin of lumbar subcutaneous edema: two case reports

Since magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used to evaluate complaints of low back pain, there have been many reports of lumbar subcutaneous edema (LSE). However, the mechanism underlying its development is unknown. We herein report 2 cases that showed the reduction of LSE. These cases suggest details concerning the mechanism underlying the development of LSE. The first case was an obese 70-year-old woman with a history of chronic back pain due to lumbar canal stenosis. MRI revealed LSE extending from the level of the L2 vertebral body to the sacrum. However, LSE was reduced following weight loss due to a stomach ulcer. This case clearly indicated obesity as the cause of LSE. The second case was a nonobese 31-year-old woman with acute excruciating low back pain due to thoracolumbar fascia strain. LSE was observed at the level of the L3-L4 vertebral body. Two weeks later, her low back pain and LSE were reduced. This case suggests that the origin of LSE was impairment of the thoracolumbar fascia due to strain. We hypothesize that the mechanism underlying the development of LSE may be lymphatic or interstitial fluid pooling due to disturbance of the lumbar fascia.

Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease: Imaging and Biomechanics

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common diagnoses encountered when considering years lived with disability. The degenerative changes of the lumbar spine include a wide spectrum of morphological modifications visible on imaging, some of them often asymptomatic or not consistent with symptoms. Phenotyping by considering both clinical and imaging biomarkers can improve the management of CLBP. Depending on the clinical presentation, imaging helps determine the most likely anatomical nociceptive source, thereby enhancing the therapeutic approach by targeting a specific lesion. Three pathologic conditions with an approach based on our experience can be described: (1) pure painful syndromes related to single nociceptive sources (e.g., disk pain, active disk pain, and facet joint osteoarthritis pain), (2) multifactorial painful syndromes, representing a combination of several nociceptive sources (such as lumbar spinal stenosis pain, foraminal stenosis pain, and instability pain), and (3) nonspecific CLBP, often explained by postural (muscular) syndromes.

Non-Specific Low Back Pain, Dietary Salt Intake, and Posterior Lumbar Subcutaneous Edema

Low back pain is the world’s leading disability, but the etiology of the majority of low back pain is non-specific with no known cause. Moreover, overuse of opioids to treat low back pain is a widespread problem. This paper proposes that non-specific low back pain may be associated with excessive intake of dietary salt, potentially mediated by posterior lumbar subcutaneous edema. In addition to pain, symptoms of edema include swelling, tightness, and stiff joints, which are common complaints of people with low back pain, along with restricted lumbar range of motion and impaired mobility. Many global populations consume excess sodium chloride, which can lead to fluid overload in hypervolemia, and cause swelling and temporary weight gain associated with low back pain. Numerous conditions comorbid with low back pain are also potentially mediated by excessive salt intake, including migraine headache, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, venous thromboembolism, liver disease, respiratory disorders, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy complications, and multiple sclerosis. Novel approaches to identify and prevent the cause of non-specific low back pain have potential to reduce disability worldwide by reducing low back pain prevalence. More research is needed to confirm the involvement of dietary salt and posterior lumbar subcutaneous edema in non-specific low back pain.

The value of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in the study of spinal disorders

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have replaced conventional radiography in the study of many spinal conditions, it is essential to know when these techniques are indicated instead of or as complementary tests to radiography, which findings can be expected in different clinical settings, and their significance in the diagnosis of different spinal conditions. Proper use of CT and MRI in spinal disorders may facilitate diagnosis and management of spinal conditions. An adequate clinical approach, a good understanding of the pathological manifestations demonstrated by these imaging techniques and a comprehensive report based on a universally accepted nomenclature represent the indispensable tools to improve the diagnostic approach and the decision-making process in patients with spinal pain. Several guidelines are available to assist clinicians in ordering appropriate imaging techniques to achieve an accurate diagnosis and to ensure appropriate medical care that meets the efficacy and safety needs of patients. This article reviews the clinical indications of CT and MRI in different pathologic conditions affecting the spine, including congenital, traumatic, degenerative, inflammatory, infectious and tumor disorders, as well as their main imaging features. It is intended to be a pictorial guide to clinicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders.

Subcutaneous edema on back detected by MRI in hospitalized patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture

Objectives

Almost all hospitalized patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture are given an MRI. At that time, subcutaneous edema on their back is often identified. It is empirically known that patients with subcutaneous edema on their back have a history of compression fracture and vertebral kyphotic deformity. In this study, we examined whether there were any differences between patients who had subcutaneous edema on their back and those who did not; those with a history of compression fractures would be especially assessed.

Materials and methods

The observation period was between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2020. All patients were on the ward, and there were a total of 375 patients (male: 114; female: 261) aged 66-98 years old (mean: 81.1 years).Patients who had subcutaneous edema on their back and those who did not were compared in terms of sex, age, osteoporosis diagnosis by DEXA and X-ray imaging, body mass index (BMI), serum total protein and albumin, Japanese senile independence score, presence of decubitus, history of vertebral compression fracture and incidents of compression fracture during the observation period.

Results

Significant differences were not observed for sex, osteoporosis diagnosis by DEXA, BMI, blood serum total protein and albumin, or the presence of decubitus. However, age, osteoporosis diagnosis by X-ray imaging, Japanese senile independence score, history of vertebral compression fracture, and incidents of another vertebral compression fracture during the observation period were significantly different between those with and without edema.

Conclusion

It has been suggested that hospitalized patients with subcutaneous edema on their back often have a history of vertebral compression fracture and experience another vertebral compression fracture during the observation period. Hospitalized patients with subcutaneous edema on their back should have their osteoporosis treated more carefully.

[Non-specific low back pain: interpretation of North American Spine Society (NASS) guidelines for evidence-based medicine]

Low back pain is a common disease. In 2020, the North American Spine Society (NASS) formulated an evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of non-specific low back pain. The guidelines mainly addressed five aspects of non-specific low back pain: diagnosis, imaging examination, conservative treatment, interventional treatment, and surgical treatment. Based on an in-depth understanding of the guidelines, this article gives a brief explanation of the diagnosis and treatment of non-specific low back pain, so as to provide references for clinicians.

Comparison of lumbar degenerative disc disease using conventional fast spin echo T2W MRI and T2 fast spin echo dixon sequences

OBJECTIVES

To compare the grading of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), Modic end-plate changes (MEPC) and identification of high intensity zones (HIZ) on a combination of sagittal T₁weighted turbo spin echo (T₁W TSE), T₂weighted fast spin echo (T₂W FSE) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences (routine protocol) with a single sagittal T₂W FSE Dixon MRI sequence which provides in-phase, opposed-phase, water only and fat only images in a single acquisition (Dixon protocol).

METHODS

50 patients underwent lumbar spine MRI using the routine protocol with the addition of a T₂W FSE Dixon sequence. DDD grade, MEPC and HIZ for each disc level were assessed on the routine and Dixon protocols. Each protocol was reviewed independently by three readers (consultant musculoskeletal radiologists with 26-, 8- and 4 years' experience), allowing assessment of inter-reader agreement and inter protocol agreement for each assessed variable.

RESULTS

The study included 17 males and 33 females (mean age 51 years; range 8-82 years). Inter-reader agreement for DDD grade on the routine protocol was 0.57 and for the Dixon protocol was 0.63 (p = 0.08). Inter-reader agreement for MEPC on the routine protocol was 0.45 and for the Dixon protocol was 0.53 (p = 0.02), and inter-reader agreement for identification of the HIZ on the routine protocol was 0.52 and for the Dixon protocol was 0.46 (p = 0.27). Intersequence agreement for DDD grade ranged from 0.61 to 0.97, for MEPC 0.46-0.62 and for HIZ 0.39-0.5.

CONCLUSION

A single sagittal T₂W FSE Dixon MRI sequence could potentially replace the routine three sagittal sequence protocol for assessment of lumbar DDD, MEPC and HIZ resulting in ~60% time saving.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Grading of lumbar DDD, presence of Modic changes and high intensity zones were compared on sagittal T₁W TSE, T₂W FSE and STIR sequences with a T₂W FSE Dixon sequence, with fair-to-good correlation suggesting that three conventional sequences could be replaced by a single Dixon sequence.

The Implications of Paraspinal Muscle Atrophy in Low Back Pain, Thoracolumbar Pathology, and Clinical Outcomes After Spine Surgery: A Review of the Literature

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review.

OBJECTIVES

Paraspinal muscle integrity is believed to play a critical role in low back pain (LBP) and numerous spinal deformity diseases and other pain pathologies. The influence of paraspinal muscle atrophy (PMA) on the clinical and radiographic success of spinal surgery has not been established. We aim to survey the literature in order to evaluate the impact of paraspinal muscle atrophy on low back pain, spine pathologies, and postoperative outcomes of spinal surgery.

METHODS

A review of the literature was conducted using a total of 267 articles identified from a search of the PubMed database and additional resources. A full-text review was conducted of 180 articles, which were assessed based on criteria that included an objective assessment of PMA in addition to measuring its relationship to LBP, thoracolumbar pathology, or surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies were included in this review. The literature on PMA illustrates an association between LBP and both decreased cross-sectional area and increased fatty infiltration of paraspinal musculature. Atrophy of the erector spinae and psoas muscles have been associated with spinal stenosis, isthmic spondylolisthesis, facet arthropathy, degenerative lumbar kyphosis. A number of studies have also demonstrated an association between PMA and worse postoperative outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

PMA is linked to several spinal pathologies and some studies demonstrate an association with worse postoperative outcomes following spinal surgery. There is a need for further research to establish a relationship between preoperative paraspinal muscle integrity and postoperative success, with the potential for guiding surgical decision making.

Guideline summary review: an evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The North American Spine Society's (NASS) Evidence Based Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain features evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating adult patients with nonspecific low back pain. The guideline is intended to reflect contemporary treatment concepts for nonspecific low back pain as reflected in the highest quality clinical literature available on this subject as of February 2016.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the guideline is to provide an evidence-based educational tool to assist spine specialists when making clinical decisions for adult patients with nonspecific low back pain. This article provides a brief summary of the evidence-based guideline recommendations for diagnosing and treating patients with this condition.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a guideline summary review.

METHODS

This guideline is the product of the Low Back Pain Work Group of NASS' Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline Development Committee. The methods used to develop this guideline are detailed in the complete guideline and technical report available on the NASS website. In brief, a multidisciplinary work group of spine care specialists convened to identify clinical questions to address in the guideline. The literature search strategy was developed in consultation with medical librarians. Upon completion of the systematic literature search, evidence relevant to the clinical questions posed in the guideline was reviewed. Work group members utilized NASS evidentiary table templates to summarize study conclusions, identify study strengths and weaknesses, and assign levels of evidence. Work group members participated in webcasts and in-person recommendation meetings to update and formulate evidence-based recommendations and incorporate expert opinion when necessary. The draft guideline was submitted to an internal and external peer review process and ultimately approved by the NASS Board of Directors.

RESULTS

Eighty-two clinical questions were addressed, and the answers are summarized in this article. The respective recommendations were graded according to the levels of evidence of the supporting literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence-based clinical guideline has been created using techniques of evidence-based medicine and best available evidence to aid practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with nonspecific low back pain. The entire guideline document, including the evidentiary tables, literature search parameters, literature attrition flowchart, suggestions for future research, and all of the references, is available electronically on the NASS website at https://www.spine.org/ResearchClinicalCare/QualityImprovement/ClinicalGuidelines.aspx.

Prevalence of Facet Effusion and Its Relationship with Lumbar Spondylolisthesis and Low Back Pain: The Wakayama Spine Study

Introduction

Facet effusion represents a magnetic resonance imaging finding suggesting accumulation of fluid in the facet joint, potentially predictive of lumbar spondylolisthesis and low back pain. However, its prevalence and epidemiological characteristics in the general population remain unclear, because previous studies only included patients or volunteers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of facet effusion in the general population and to describe its potential relationship with spondylolisthesis and low back pain.

Material and methods

Our study enrolled 808 participants from the Wakayama Spine Study who underwent magnetic resonance imaging investigations in supine position. Facet effusion was defined as a measurable, curvilinear, high-intensity signal within the facet joint, closely matching that of cerebrospinal fluid on the axial T2 images. We used standing lateral radiographs to diagnose L4 spondylolisthesis.

Results

We found that the prevalence of facet effusion in the lumbar spine was 34.3%, which did not differ significantly between men and women (p=0.13) and did not tend to increase with age, either in men (p=0.81) or in women (p=0.65). Additionally, we found no significant association between facet effusion and low back pain (odds ratio, 1.04–1.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–2.64; p=0.17–0.85), or between facet effusion and L4 spondylolisthesis (odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–2.86; p=0.17). In a subset of participants with L4 spondylolisthesis, we also noted that facet effusion was not significantly associated with low back pain (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–4.27; p=0.70).

Discussion

This is the first study of facet effusion employing a population-based cohort, and the findings are thus expected to accurately describe the relationship between facet effusion and low back pain in the general population. We are planning a follow-up survey of the Wakayama Spine Study cohort to clarify the natural history of facet effusion and its relationship with clinical symptoms.

Coronal STIR sequence, a simple adjustment to routine MRI protocol for extra-spinal sciatica and sciatica-like symptoms

Background

The value of adding coronal STIR images to MR imaging of sciatica aiming to detect extra-spinal abnormalities.

Results

Additional coronal STIR images detected extra-spinal abnormalities in 20% of the patients, thereby downgraded the normal studies from 21 to 13%. The extra-spinal abnormalities included bone abnormalities (36.4%), soft tissue abnormalities (4.5%), neurological abnormalities (2.3%), gynecological abnormalities (50%), and miscellaneous (6.8%). In 6.9% of patients, the extra-spinal abnormalities explained the patients’ pain and influenced their management. Extra-spinal causes of pain significantly correlated to positive trauma and neoplasm history, normal routine protocol images, and absent nerve root impingement. Extra-spinal abnormalities were more prevalent in age groups (20–39 years).

Conclusion

Coronal STIR images (field of view: mid abdomen to the lesser trochanters) identify extra-spinal abnormalities that maybe overlooked on routine MRI protocol. It is of additional value in young adults, trauma, neoplasm, and negative routine images.

When an incidental MRI finding becomes a clinical issue : Posterior lumbar subcutaneous edema in degenerative, inflammatory, and infectious conditions of the lumbar spine

Background

On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), posterior lumbar subcutaneous edema (PLSE) is a frequent incidental, yet unclear finding within the deep subcutaneous perifascial tissue. This study aimed to investigate PLSE in various pathological lumbar conditions.

Methods

This retrospective study included the MR images of the lumbar spine of 279 patients (age range 18–82 years) without cardiovascular, renal or hepatic diseases, 79 of whom had low-grade disc degeneration, 101 combined endplate and facet joint degeneration, 53 axial spondyloarthritis and 46 infectious spondylodiscitis. There were 232 patients with a body mass index (BMI) <30, and 47 with a BMI ≥30 (obese). For each group, the relationship between PLSE and BMI was analyzed using multiple logistic regression, and between PLSE extension and BMI using ordinal regression.

Results

A PLSE was found in 11/79 (13.9%) patients with disc degeneration, 37/101 (36.6%) with endplate and facet joint degeneration, 7/53 (13.2%) with spondyloarthritis, and 28/46 (60.9%) with spondylodiscitis. For each group, a statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between PLSE and BMI (P = 0.000–P = 0.031), except for spondylodiscitis (P = 0.054), as well as between PLSE extension and BMI (P = 0.000–P = 0.049). A PLSE was found in 21.1% of nonobese and 72.3% of obese patients (P = 0.000).

Conclusion

The presence of PLSE seems to be associated with various lumbar conditions, particularly in obese patients. Its perifascial location may suggest a potential fascial origin; however, PLSE should not to be confused with posttraumatic, postsurgical or infectious edema or edema associated with internal diseases.

Use of Hybrid Imaging Techniques in Diagnosis of Facet Joint Arthropathy: A Narrative Review of Three Modalities

Facet joint osteoarthritis/arthropathy of the spine is a common cause of back and neck pain that frequently overlaps clinically with other diseases of the spine. Because of the possible overlap, it is crucial to have an accurate diagnostic strategy, especially when determining the management approach. Various strategies have been suggested and adopted, with several these still being used in clinics. Over the years, because of the disadvantages of single-modality imaging methods (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography), the interest in radiologic examination started to move toward hybrid imaging techniques. Although the data are mixed, many initial studies have shown promise. However, there are relatively few data with comparative medial branch blocks, and further investigation is needed. Given the advantages and disadvantages of these new techniques, the imaging results have to be interpreted within clinical context and with consideration of the current state of knowledge in the decision-making process.

Comparison of [18F] FDG-PET/MRI and Clinical Findings for Assessment of Suspected Lumbar Facet Joint Pain: A Prospective Study to Characterize Candidate Nonanatomic Imaging Biomarkers and Potential Impact on Management

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Prior retrospective studies have suggested that both T2 hyperintensity and gadolinium enhancement on fat-suppressed MR imaging are associated with lumbar facet joint pain, but prospective evaluation of FDG-PET/MR imaging with a standardized protocol and correlation to clinical findings are lacking. The primary aim was to prospectively assess a standardized FDG-PET/MRI protocol in patients with suspected facetogenic low back pain, with determination of the concordance of imaging and clinical findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten patients with clinically suspected facetogenic low back pain were prospectively recruited with a designation of specific facet joints implicated clinically. Subsequently, patients underwent an FDG-PET/MR imaging examination with gadolinium. Each facet joint was graded for perifacet signal change on MR imaging and FDG activity. The frequency and correlation of MR imaging, FDG-PET, and clinical findings were determined.

RESULTS

FDG activity showed high concordance with high overall MR imaging scores (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.79). There was concordance of the clinical side of pain with the side of high overall MR imaging scores and increased FDG activity on 12/20 (60%) sides. Both a high overall MR imaging score (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.12) and FDG-PET findings positive for increased activity (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.10) had low concordance with the specific clinically implicated facet joints. Increased FDG activity or high MR imaging scores or both were present in only 10/29 (34%) facet joints that had been clinically selected for percutaneous intervention. Eleven (11%) facet joints that had not been selected for treatment demonstrated these imaging findings.

CONCLUSIONS

There was low concordance of perifacet signal change and FDG activity with clinically implicated facet joints. This could indicate either the potential to change patient management or a lack of biomarker accuracy. Therefore, additional larger randomized studies with the use of comparative medial branch blocks would be useful to further investigate the clinical utility of these findings.

Prevalence of inflammatory posterior arch abnormalities on lumbar spine MRI in spondyloarthritis patients compared with low back pain patients

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted in order to compare the prevalence of inflammatory posterior arch abnormalities on lumbar spine MRI between axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients and low back pain (LBP) patients.

METHODS

Patients-axSpA patients meeting the 2009 ASAS criteria and chronic LBP patients who had a lumbar spine MRI were selected. MRI-STIR and T1 sagittal images up to T8-T9 were reviewed by two experienced rheumatologists blinded to the diagnosis and clinical data to identify inflammatory posterior arch abnormalities. Analyses-The prevalence of inflammatory posterior arch abnormalities between axSpA and LBP patients was compared. Clinical data were compared in the axSpA group depending on whether or not inflammatory posterior arch abnormalities were present.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients were enrolled in each group. The prevalence of all inflammatory posterior arch abnormalities was the same in the axSpA and LBP groups (58% in the SpA group versus 70% in the LBP group, p = 0.1). However, differences in terms of the prevalence of costotransverse joint arthritis, pedicle oedema above L3 and transverse and spinous process oedema were observed between the two groups (axSpA 27% versus LBP 6%, p = 0.0004). Patients with inflammatory posterior arch abnormalities in the axSpA group had a longer disease duration (11 versus 8 years, p = 0.02), higher CRP levels (median 11 versus 3 mg/l, p = 0.0002) and higher prevalence of radiographic sacroiliitis (84 versus 47%, p = 0.001) compared to patients without inflammatory posterior arch abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Costotransverse arthritis, pedicle oedema and transverse process oedema are more frequent in axSpA patients than LBP patients, on lumbar spine MRI depicting TH9-S1.

KEY POINTS

• MRI pedicle oedema above L3, transverse process oedema, spinous process oedema or costotransverse arthritis is more frequently observed in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). • SpA patients with at least one MRI inflammatory lesion on the posterior arch had higher clinical activity scores and biological inflammation. • Facet joint arthritis was more common in patients with chronic low back pain.

Clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with extreme low back pain or sciatica referred for spinal injection

PURPOSE

To analyze the causes of pain, imaging characteristics, and therapeutic effect of spinal injection in patients with extreme low back pain or sciatica.

METHODS

We analyzed 381 consecutive patients with extreme low back pain or sciatica visiting our spinal intervention center between January and December 2017. Clinical and imaging characteristics were analyzed. The treatment response, defined as a numerical pain rating scale decrease of ≥ 30%, was measured. Fisher's exact test was performed to identify the association between the injection response and subsequent lumbar surgery rate.

RESULTS

The most frequent cause of pain was spinal stenosis, followed by herniated intervertebral disc, facet osteoarthritis, and osteoporotic compression fracture. A herniated intervertebral disc was the most common disorder in patients < 50 years of age, while spinal stenosis was the most common in patients ≥ 50 years of age. Women comprised 66.4% of the study population. The majority of lumbar pathologies occurred below L3/4. Spinal injection was found to be effective in 44.2% of cases. Those who responded to the injection showed a significantly lower rate of lumbar surgery within 6 months (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Those with extreme low back pain or sciatica had clinical and imaging characteristics similar to those with typical low back pain referred for spinal injection. Spinal injection could be an effective method of pain control for patients with extreme low back pain or sciatica.

Informed appropriate imaging for low back pain management: A narrative review

Most patients with acute low back pain (LBP), with or without radiculopathy, have substantial improvements in pain and function in the first 4 weeks, and they do not require routine imaging. Imaging is considered in those patients who have had up to 6 weeks of medical management and physical therapy that resulted in little or no improvement in their LBP. It is also considered for those patients presenting with suspicion for serious underlying conditions, such as cauda equina syndrome, malignancy, fracture and infection. In western country primary care settings, the prevalence has been suggested to be 0.7% for metastatic cancer, 0.01% for spinal infection and 0.04% for cauda equina syndrome. Of the small proportion of patients with any of these conditions, almost all have an identifiable risk factor. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (4%) and inflammatory spine disease (<5%) may cause LBP, but these conditions typically carry lower diagnostic urgency. Imaging is an important driver of LBP care costs, not only because of the direct costs of the test procedures but also because of the downstream effects. Unnecessary imaging can lead to additional tests, follow-up, referrals and may result in an invasive procedure of limited or questionable benefit. Imaging should be delayed for 6 weeks in patients with nonspecific LBP without reasonable suspicion for serious disease.

The translational potential of this article: Diagnostic imaging studies should be performed only in patients who have severe or progressive neurologic deficits or are suspected of having a serious or specific underlying condition. Radiologists can play a critical role in decision support related to appropriateness of imaging requests, and accurately reporting the potential clinical significance or insignificance of imaging findings.

Facet joint syndrome: from diagnosis to interventional management

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common pain syndrome, and is an enormous burden and cost generator for society. Lumbar facet joints (FJ) constitute a common source of pain, accounting for 15–45% of LBP. Facet joint degenerative osteoarthritis is the most frequent form of facet joint pain. History and physical examination may suggest but not confirm facet joint syndrome. Although imaging (radiographs, MRI, CT, SPECT) for back pain syndrome is very commonly performed, there are no effective correlations between clinical symptoms and degenerative spinal changes. Diagnostic positive facet joint block can indicate facet joints as the source of chronic spinal pain. These patients may benefit from specific interventions to eliminate facet joint pain such as neurolysis, by radiofrequency or cryoablation. The purpose of this review is to describe the anatomy, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and radiologic findings of facet joint syndrome. Specific interventional facet joint management will also be described in detail.

Teaching points

• Lumbar facet joints constitute a common source of pain accounting of 15–45%.

• Facet arthrosis is the most frequent form of facet pathology.

• There are no effective correlations between clinical symptoms, physical examination and degenerative spinal changes.

• Diagnostic positive facet joint block can indicate facet joints as the source of pain.

• After selection processing, patients may benefit from facet joint neurolysis, notably by radiofrequency or cryoablation.

The Interface of Mechanics and Nociception in Joint Pathophysiology: Insights From the Facet and Temporomandibular Joints

Chronic joint pain is a widespread problem that frequently occurs with aging and trauma. Pain occurs most often in synovial joints, the body's load bearing joints. The mechanical and molecular mechanisms contributing to synovial joint pain are reviewed using two examples, the cervical spinal facet joints and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Although much work has focused on the macroscale mechanics of joints in health and disease, the combined influence of tissue mechanics, molecular processes, and nociception in joint pain has only recently become a focus. Trauma and repeated loading can induce structural and biochemical changes in joints, altering their microenvironment and modifying the biomechanics of their constitutive tissues, which themselves are innervated. Peripheral pain sensors can become activated in response to changes in the joint microenvironment and relay pain signals to the spinal cord and brain where pain is processed and perceived. In some cases, pain circuitry is permanently changed, which may be a potential mechanism for sustained joint pain. However, it is most likely that alterations in both the joint microenvironment and the central nervous system (CNS) contribute to chronic pain. As such, the challenge of treating joint pain and degeneration is temporally and spatially complicated. This review summarizes anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of these joints and the sensory pain relays. Pain pathways are postulated to be sensitized by many factors, including degeneration and biochemical priming, with effects on thresholds for mechanical injury and/or dysfunction. Initiators of joint pain are discussed in the context of clinical challenges including the diagnosis and treatment of pain.

Is There an Association Between Pain and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective multicenter cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify an association between pain and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

At present, the relationship between abnormal MRI findings and pain in patients with LSS is still unclear.

METHODS

First, we conducted a systematic literature search. We identified relationships of relevant MRI parameters and pain in patients with LSS. Second, we addressed the study question with a thorough descriptive and graphical analysis to establish a relationship between MRI parameters and pain using data of the LSS outcome study (LSOS).

RESULTS

In the systematic review including four papers about the associations between radiological findings in the MRI and pain, the authors of two articles reported no association and two of them did. Of the latters, only one study found a moderate correlation between leg pain measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the degree of stenosis assessed by spine surgeons. In the data of the LSOS study, we could not identify a relevant association between any of the MRI parameters and buttock, leg, and back pain, quantified by the Spinal Stenosis Measure (SSM) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Even by restricting the analysis to the level of the lumbar spine with the most prominent radiological "stenosis," no relevant association could be shown.

CONCLUSION

Despite a thorough analysis of the data, we were not able to prove any correlation between radiological findings (MRI) and the severity of pain. There is a need for innovative "methods/techniques" to learn more about the causal relationship between radiological findings and the patients' pain-related complaints.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Lumbar subcutaneous edema and degenerative spinal disease in patients with low back pain: a retrospective MRI study

PURPOSE

This study was designed to determine the association between LSE, spondylolisthesis, facet arthropathy, lumbar canal stenosis, BMI, radiculopathy and bone marrow edema at conventional lumbar spine MR imaging.

METHODS

This is a retrospective radiological study; 441 consecutive patients with low back pain (224 men and 217 women; mean age 57.3 years; mean BMI 26) underwent conventional lumbar MRI using a 1.5-T magnet (Avanto, Siemens). Lumbar MR images were reviewed by consensus for the presence of LSE, spondylolisthesis, facet arthropathy, lumbar canal stenosis, radiculopathy and bone marrow edema. Descriptive statistics and association studies were conducted using STATA software 11.0. Association studies have been performed using linear univariate regression analysis and multivariate regression analysis, considering LSE as response variable.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of LSE was 40%; spondylolisthesis (p = 0.01), facet arthropathy (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.008) and lumbar canal stenosis (p < 0.001) were included in the multivariate regression model, whereas bone marrow edema, radiculopathy and age were not.

CONCLUSIONS

LSE is highly associated with spondylolisthesis, facet arthropathy and BMI, suggesting underestimation of its clinical impact as an integral component in chronic lumbar back pain. Longitudinal simultaneous X-ray/MRI studies should be conducted to test the relationship of LSE with lumbar spinal instability and low back pain.

Is thoracolumbar fascia injury the cause of residual back pain after percutaneous vertebroplasty? A prospective cohort study

Some patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures still suffer from back pain after percutaneous vertebroplasty. We have found that osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with thoracolumbar fascia injury are common and that thoracolumbar fascia injury may account for the residual pain after percutaneous vertebroplasty.

PURPOSE

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are successfully treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). However, some patients still suffer from back pain after the procedure. We hypothesized that there is a relationship between thoracolumbar (TL) fascia injury and residual postoperative pain.

METHODS

This prospective study included 133 elderly patients (age range 55 - 92 years) with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treated with PVP from February 2010 to March 2012 in our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of TL fascia injury. A visual analog scale (VAS) and the Chinese modified Oswestry Disability Index were used to evaluate the pain before and after PVP.

RESULTS

The mean VAS score and the Chinese modified Oswestry Disability Index in the patients with TL fascia injury were reduced from 9.11 ± 0.76 to 6.4 ± 1.1 and 73.93 ± 1.46% to 44.6 ± 3.1%, respectively, and in the patients without TL fascia injury from 9.26 ± 0.82 to 8.0 ± 1.3 and 73.96 ± 1.38% to 51.7 ± 1.8%, respectively. Pain and disability were reduced more in patients without TL fascia injury than in those with TL fascia injury (both p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There may be a relationship between TL fascia injury and residual back pain after PVP.

Comparing T1-weighted and T2-weighted three-point Dixon technique with conventional T1-weighted fat-saturation and short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) techniques for the study of the lumbar spine in a short-bore MRI machine

AIM

To compare T1-weighted (W) fat-water separation (Dixon's technique) with T1W fat-saturation (FS) and T2W Dixon with short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) images for fat suppression in a short-bore MRI machine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients with lumbar disease were studied on using 1.5 T MRI machine. The protocol included T1 FS (with contrast medium administration) and/or STIR and T1W and/or T2W Dixon, for comparison. Three neuroradiologists scored the images from the two-pairs of techniques for fat suppression uniformity and lesion conspicuity. Clinical usefulness of fat-only images was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Regarding uniformity of fat suppression, mean scores were 2.28 (±0.49), 3.06 (±0.49), 2.39 (±0.49), and 3.15 (±0.35) for T1W FS, T1W Dixon, STIR, and T2W Dixon sequences, respectively. For the same pulse sequences, lesion conspicuity scores were 2.78 (±0.50), 2.78 (±0.27), 2.76 (±0.47), and 2.91 (±0.4), respectively. Both T1W and T2W Dixon sequences showed more homogeneous fat-suppression when compared to T1W FS (p = 0.026) and STIR (p = 0.008) techniques, but no significant difference was found for lesion conspicuity. Mean scores for the diagnostic utility of fat-only maps were, respectively, 1.72 (±0.39) and 2.48 (±0.50) for T1W and T2W Dixon.

CONCLUSION

Fat suppression quality was superior with Dixon when compared to the conventional sequences, but not lesion conspicuity, suggesting that both techniques are reliable for diagnosis. Dixon may be advantageous in cases where inhomogeneity artefacts are an issue. Water-only maps appear to be useful in the clinical setting.

Traps in spinal MR imaging

There are many traps in spinal MRI in part related to the technique but also due to the existence of anatomical variations, lesions which are difficult to confirm because of non-specific signs, and sometimes rare conditions.

Osteoarthritis of the spine: the facet joints

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the spine involves the facet joints, which are located in the posterior aspect of the vertebral column and, in humans, are the only true synovial joints between adjacent spinal levels. Facet joint osteoarthritis (FJ OA) is widely prevalent in older adults, and is thought to be a common cause of back and neck pain. The prevalence of facet-mediated pain in clinical populations increases with increasing age, suggesting that FJ OA might have a particularly important role in older adults with spinal pain. Nevertheless, to date FJ OA has received far less study than other important OA phenotypes such as knee OA, and other features of spine pathoanatomy such as degenerative disc disease. This Review presents the current state of knowledge of FJ OA, including relevant anatomy, biomechanics, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations. We present the view that the modern concept of FJ OA is consonant with the concept of OA as a failure of the whole joint, and not simply of facet joint cartilage.

Osteoarthritis of the spine: the facet joints

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the spine involves the facet joints, which are located in the posterior aspect of the vertebral column and, in humans, are the only true synovial joints between adjacent spinal levels. Facet joint osteoarthritis (FJ OA) is widely prevalent in older adults, and is thought to be a common cause of back and neck pain. The prevalence of facet-mediated pain in clinical populations increases with increasing age, suggesting that FJ OA might have a particularly important role in older adults with spinal pain. Nevertheless, to date FJ OA has received far less study than other important OA phenotypes such as knee OA, and other features of spine pathoanatomy such as degenerative disc disease. This Review presents the current state of knowledge of FJ OA, including relevant anatomy, biomechanics, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations. We present the view that the modern concept of FJ OA is consonant with the concept of OA as a failure of the whole joint, and not simply of facet joint cartilage.

Atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation (AARD) in pediatric age: MRI study on conservative treatment with Philadelphia collar--experience of nine consecutive cases

PURPOSE

Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation and atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation are the most frequent manifestations of atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation (AARD) in pediatric population and are often treated conservatively. The objective of this study is to correlate the changes highlighted on MRI T2-weighted and STIR sequences with the duration of conservative treatment.

METHODS

We analyzed nine consecutive patients treated surgically between 1 Jan 2006 and 1 Jan 2010 at the Policlinico Umberto I of Rome. All patients underwent cervical X-ray, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (T1 and T2-weighted, STIR, angio MRI). All patients were treated with bed rest, muscle relaxants and cervical collar, and radiological follow-up with MRI and cervical X-ray was performed.

RESULTS

According to Fielding's classification, we observed seven patients with a type 1 subluxation and two patients with a type II subluxation. In type 1, STIR and T2 sequences showed a hyperintensity in the alar and capsular ligaments and in the posterior ligamentous system, with integrity of the transverse ligament (LTA). In type 2, the hyperintensity also involved the LTA. During the follow-up, MRI showed a progressive reduction until the disappearance of the hyperintensity described, which was followed by a break with orthotic immobilization.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI with STIR sequences appears to be useful in addressing the duration of conservative treatment in AARD.

Non-specific low back pain

Non-specific low back pain has become a major public health problem worldwide. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is reported to be as high as 84%, and the prevalence of chronic low back pain is about 23%, with 11-12% of the population being disabled by low back pain. Mechanical factors, such as lifting and carrying, probably do not have a major pathogenic role, but genetic constitution is important. History taking and clinical examination are included in most diagnostic guidelines, but the use of clinical imaging for diagnosis should be restricted. The mechanism of action of many treatments is unclear, and effect sizes of most treatments are low. Both patient preferences and clinical evidence should be taken into account for pain management, but generally self-management, with appropriate support, is recommended and surgery and overtreatment should be avoided.

Pedicle marrow signal hyperintensity on short tau inversion recovery- and t2-weighted images: prevalence and relationship to clinical symptoms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Lumbar pedicle marrow hyperintense signal on T2- and STIR-weighted images is not an uncommon finding. We hypothesize that these marrow signal intensity changes and their behavior within the pedicle are associated with clinical symptoms and that their improvement or resolution correlates with clinical improvement. We investigated the prevalence of these pedicle marrow changes, associated morphologic abnormalities, and the relationship to symptoms over time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prevalence was evaluated prospectively in 246 patients and retrospectively in 400 patients. To analyze the relationship between changes in signal intensity over time and symptoms, a third group of 30 patients was followed clinically for assessment of pain and functional limitation and with MR studies for 18 months or until signal intensity changes resolved.

RESULTS

The prevalence of pedicle marrow hyperintensity on T2 and STIR-weighted sequences was 1.7%. Associated morphologic abnormalities were pars interarticularis and pedicle fractures and degenerative facets. In the longitudinal study, pedicle marrow signal hyperintensity on T2- and STIR-weighted images resolved in 17 patients and persisted in 5 patients. The extent, intensity, and resolution of signal intensity changes significantly related to the degree of functional limitation (P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Resolution of pedicle marrow hyperintensity on T2 and STIR-weighted images was associated with improved functional testing and a trend toward decreased pain.

[Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for painful spinal column: contributions and controversies]

The use of tomographic imaging techniques, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to complement or replace plain-film radiography in the study of spine pain is becoming more and more common. The aim of this paper is to provide a general review of the CT and MRI manifestations of the wide spectrum of lesions that can cause pain in the spinal column. This spectrum includes degenerative disease, malalignment, tumors, inflammatory processes, and infectious processes. Precise knowledge and accurate reporting of the findings at CT and MRI are fundamental for clinical decision making in patients with spine pain.

Role of imaging in spine, hand, and wrist osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the wrist is mainly secondary to traumatic ligamentous or bone injuries. Involvement of the radiocarpal joint occurs early on in the disease, whereas the mediocarpal joint is involved at a later stage. Metabolic diseases may also involve the wrist and affect specific joints such as the scapho-trapezio-trapezoid joint. Although OA of the wrist is routinely diagnosed on plain films, a thorough assessment of cartilage injuries on computed tomographic arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or MR arthrography remains necessary before any surgical procedure. OA of the fingers is frequently encountered in postmenopausal women. Distal interphalangeal joints and trapezio-metacarpal joint are the most frequently involved joints. Whereas the clinical diagnosis of OA of the wrist and hand is straightforward, the therapeutic management of symptomatic forms remains unclear, with no clear guidelines. OA of the spine is related to degenerative changes of the spine involving the disc space, vertebral endplates, the facet joints, or the supportive and surrounding soft tissues. The sequelae of disc degeneration are among the leading causes of functional incapacity in both sexes, and are a common source of chronic disability in the working years. Disc degeneration involves structural disruption and cell-mediated changes in composition. Radiography remains usually the first-line imaging method. MRI is ideally suited for delineating the presence, extent, and complications of degenerative spinal disease. Other imaging modalities such as computed tomography, dynamic radiography, myelography, and discography may provide complementary information in selected cases, especially before an imaging-guided percutaneous treatment or spinal surgery. The presence of degenerative changes on imaging examinations is by no means an indicator of symptoms, and there is a high prevalence of lesions in asymptomatic individuals. This article focuses on imaging of OA of the wrist and hand, as well as lumbar spine OA, with an emphasis on current MRI grading systems available for the assessment of discovertebral lesions.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the lumbar spine in elite horseback riders: correlations with back pain, body mass index, trunk/leg-length coefficient, and riding discipline

BACKGROUND

Most orthopaedic problems experienced by competitive horseback riders are related to pain in the lower back, hip joint, and hamstring muscles. Riders-especially, show jumpers-are frequently hampered in their performance because of lumbar pain. To date, there has been no research into lumbar disk degeneration in elite competitive riders.

HYPOTHESIS

Competitive horseback riding accelerates lumbar disk degeneration.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Fifty-eight elite riders (18 men, 40 women; mean age, 32.4 years) and a control group of 30 nonriding volunteers (17 men, 13 women; mean age, 28.7 years) were evaluated for lumbar disk degeneration, cross-sectional area of paraspinal muscles, spondylolysis, and spondylolisthesis, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The prevalence of disk degeneration between the 2 groups was compared, and the relationship was investigated between low back pain (LBP), riding discipline, body mass index (BMI), trunk/leg-length coefficient, and MRI results.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight percent of elite riders (n = 51) had a history of LBP, versus 33% of the controls (P < .05). There was no statistical difference for the prevalence of LBP among the different riding disciplines. However, there was a high rate of pathologic T2 signal intensity of the lumbar intervertebral disk among riders-specifically, dressage riders-yet no significant increase when compared with controls. History of LBP symptoms, riding discipline, BMI, and trunk/leg-length ratio had no significant effect on the development of lumbar disk degeneration. Occult fractures of the pars interarticularis and manifest spondylolysis were not seen for any rider. Two controls had spondylolisthesis Meyerding grade 1 not associated with back pain.

CONCLUSION

Although riders have a high prevalence of LBP, there is no conclusive MRI evidence to suggest that the cause lies in undue disk degeneration, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, or pathologic changes of the paraspinal muscles of the lumbar spine.

Muscle biopsy substantiates long-term MRI alterations one year after a single dose of botulinum toxin injected into the lateral gastrocnemius muscle of healthy volunteers

Despite numerous clinical and experimental studies on botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A), long-term alterations of muscle texture and fine structure following BoNT/A treatment have thus far not been studied in normal human skeletal muscle. After obtaining institutional review board approval, we performed a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blinded follow-up study on two healthy adults using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and muscle biopsy to visualize long-term alterations after a single BoNT/A injection into the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. MRI disclosed a high-signal-intensity pattern in short tau inversion recovery sequences, and a reduction of the cross-sectional area in the BoNT/A-injected, but not in the saline-injected contralateral control muscle (at 6 to 9 months in volunteer A: 73%, in B: 62%; at 12 months in A: 88%, and in B: 78%). Enzyme histochemistry, 12 months after injection, confirmed neurogenic atrophy of muscle fibers only in the BoNT/A-injected muscle. Electron microscopy revealed additional degenerative changes at the neuromuscular junction. The data confirm that MRI is a suitable tool to monitor the long-term effect of BoNT/A on skeletal muscle. Neurogenic muscle atrophy following a single BoNT/A injection should be taken into consideration when repeated BoNT/A injections into the same muscles are proposed.

The clinical aspects of the acute facet syndrome: results from a structured discussion among European chiropractors

Background

The term 'acute facet syndrome' is widely used and accepted amongst chiropractors, but poorly described in the literature, as most of the present literature relates to chronic facet joint pain. Therefore, research into the degree of consensus on the subject amongst a large group of chiropractic practitioners was seen to be a useful contribution.

Methods

During the annual congress of The European Chiropractors Union (ECU) in 2008, the authors conducted a workshop involving volunteer chiropractors. Topics were decided upon in advance, and the participants were asked to form into groups of four or five. The groups were asked to reach consensus on several topics relating to a basic case of a forty-year old man, where an assumption was made that his pain originated from the facet joints. First, the participants were asked to agree on a maximum of three keywords on each of four topics relating to the presentation of pain: 1. location, 2. severity, 3. aggravating factors, and 4. relieving factors. Second, the groups were asked to agree on three orthopaedic and three chiropractic tests that would aid in diagnosing pain from the facet joints. Finally, they were asked to agree on the number, frequency and duration of chiropractic treatment.

Results

Thirty-four chiropractors from nine European countries participated. They described the characteristics of an acute, uncomplicated facet syndrome as follows: local, ipsilateral pain, occasionally extending into the thigh with pain and decreased range of motion in extension and rotation both standing and sitting. They thought that the pain could be relieved by walking, lying with knees bent, using ice packs and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and aggravated by prolonged standing or resting. They also stated that there would be no signs of neurologic involvement or antalgic posture and no aggravation of pain from sitting, flexion or coughing/sneezing.

Conclusion

The chiropractors attending the workshop described the characteristics of an acute, uncomplicated lumbar facet syndrome in much the same way as chronic pain from the facet joints has been described in the literature. Furthermore, the acute, uncomplicated facet syndrome was considered to have an uncomplicated clinical course, responding quickly to spinal manipulative therapy.