Bone Marrow Edema Research Articles

Comparison of Spectral CT and MRI in Pelvic Ring Fragility Fractures: A Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

Background/Objectives: Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are characterized by inadequate trauma to a structurally compromised bone, primarily in osteoporosis. Conventional CT studies can be inadequate in identifying FFPs. An MRI of the pelvis is considered the gold standard in diagnosing FFPs. Spectral CT or Dual-Energy CT may have comparable diagnostic accuracy. It provides additional insights into associated bone marrow edema. The aim of this prospective monocentric study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Spectral CT compared to the gold standard MRI in diagnosing FFP. Methods: Over a 2-year period, patients presenting in the emergency department with clinical suspicion of an FFP were consecutively included. They underwent Spectral CT (GE Revolution 16 cm GSI) upon admission, followed by an MRI. The gold standard for diagnosing FFP is pelvic MRI, showing sensitivity and specificity ranging from 97% to 100%. The acquired images were evaluated and classified using the osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis (OFP) classification. Results: Compared to the reference test, which was the MRI pelvis, the sensitivity of the CT pelvis was determined to be 86.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 71.9-95.6%) with a specificity of 84.6% (95% CI: 54.6-98.1%, p = 0.453). Spectral CT could identify an additional FFP correctly, exhibiting a sensitivity of 89.5% (95% CI: 75.2-97.1%, p = 0.688), while maintaining the same specificity as the conventional CT. The inter-rater reliability assessment for Spectral CT, conducted by four independent raters, resulted in a Fleiss' Kappa value of 0.516 (95% CI: 0.450-0.582, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The sensitivity of Spectral CT in the detection of pelvic ring fragility fractures shows a slightly lower sensitivity compared to MRI. There were no statistically significant differences observed when compared to conventional CT or MRI. In conclusion, Spectral CT may be beneficial in distinguishing FFP, particularly in cases where a definitive diagnosis is uncertain. Level of Evidence: II.

The role of sacro-iliac joint magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis: focus on differential diagnosis in women.

To review the role of sacro-iliac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), with a focus on gender differences. The experience of the authors and the results of an informal literature review are reported. Inflammatory changes of the sacro-iliac joint are the hallmark of AxSpA. Early, non-radiographic sacroiliitis may be diagnosed with MRI through the assessment of bone marrow edema (BMO) as well as concomitant structural damage. The MRI protocol should include three necessary sequences, i.e., fat-saturated T2-weighted sequences on two orthogonal planes, T1-weighted semi-coronal sequence, and fat-suppressed T1-weighted semi-coronal sequence. Inflammatory changes comprise required signs (BMO and/or osteitis) and additional signs, including synovitis (better defined as joint space enhancement), enthesitis, and capsulitis. Structural changes consist of erosions, sclerosis, fat metaplasia, and ankylosis. Due to mechanical axial strain, inflammatory changes in the sacro-iliac joint can be found in healthy individuals, runners, and patients with nonspecific low back pain. The prevalence of BMO is higher in women during pregnancy and postpartum, even 12 months after childbirth, but the extent and distribution of MRI findings may help in the differential diagnosis. Other challenges in the MRI diagnosis of sacroiliitis are subchondral T2 hyperintensity during developmental age, periarticular sclerosis in healthy subjects, or osteitis condensans ilii, and several pathological conditions that may mimic AxSpA, some of which are more frequently found in women. The described diagnostic challenges impose a multidisciplinary approach combining imaging findings with clinical and laboratory data.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Topography of Bone Marrow Edema in the Sacroiliac Joint of Postpartum Women.

A traditional monoplanar semicoronal and a biplanar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment method were used to compare the topographical distribution of postpartum strain-related bone marrow edema (BME) at the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). The presence and topographical location of SIJ BME were assessed independently by three readers in 71 women 12 months postpartum. A traditional monoplanar semicoronal and a biplanar BME evaluation by 8 (upper and lower) and 12 joint (upper, middle, and lower) regions, respectively, was performed with >4 weeks between the two assessments. Descriptive results were reported as mean ± SD and ranges, and interreader agreement by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). By semicoronal assessment, 38 (53.5%) women had BME with a mean ± SD SPARCC score of 2.3 ± 4.0 (range 0-22; ICC 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-0.94). Forty-one (57.8%) had BME by biplanar assessment with a mean ± SD sum score of 2.9 ± 5.8 (range 0-32.7; ICC 0.89, 95% CI 0.88-0.91). By semicoronal assessment, the highest frequency and mean SPARCC scores were in the anterior upper regions of ilium (24%, mean 0.6) and sacrum (21%, mean 0.3) followed by the posterior upper sacral (20%, mean 0.4) and posterior lower iliac (20%, mean 0.3) regions. By biplanar assessment, the anterior middle joint regions had highest BME frequency and sum scores, sacral side (32%, mean 1.9) and iliac side (27%, mean 2.0), respectively; frequencies and sum scores were generally higher in the anterior compared to the posterior joint regions. The 12-region biplanar assessment revealed a predominantly anterior middle location of postpartum SIJ BME whereas the 8-region monoplanar approach did not demarcate distinct strain-prone SIJ regions. Complementing traditional monoplanar semicoronal SIJ MRI evaluation by a semiaxial assessment may facilitate discrimination of strain-related conditions from early axial spondyloarthritis.

Managing Psoriatic Arthritis With Different Types of Physical Activity: A Literature Review

Up to 30% of people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a complicated inflammatory disease characterized by skin signs, joint discomfort, and swelling. Although pharmaceutical therapies have been the primary component of traditional PsA care, the advantages of physical activity are becoming more widely acknowledged. This review looks at how exercise can help manage PsA, with particular emphasis on several types of exercise, including resistance training, functional training, aerobic training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Research indicates that resistance training increases muscle strength and functional ability while aerobic exercise lessens tiredness and musculoskeletal pain. Without escalating disease activity, HIIT reduces fatigue and enhances cardiorespiratory fitness. The review also looks at the relationship between physical activity and PsA symptoms including enthesitis and bone marrow edema (BME). Research shows that exercise does not worsen BME, and even if it can cause enthesitis, the advantages of exercise in terms of lowering overall disease activity and enhancing quality of life exceed the dangers. To sum up, customized exercise regimens are crucial for PsA management and have a major positive impact on patient well-being and disease control.

Diagnostic Value of Whole-Body MRI in Pediatric Patients with Suspected Rheumatic Diseases.

Background and Objectives: The diagnosis of rheumatic diseases in children is challenging and requires the use of advanced imaging examinations such as whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Whole-body MRI allows visualization of bone marrow edema (BME), muscle edema, joint effusion and changes in the soft tissues surrounding the joints. The aim of this study was to collect and compare whole-body MRI findings, laboratory results and clinical manifestations of pediatric patients with suspected rheumatic disease. Materials and methods: In this retrospective single-center study, 33 patients who underwent whole-body MRI were included. Their age ranged from 9 to 17 years, and 24 (72.73%) of the patients were female. Patients were diagnosed as follows: juvenile idiopathic arthritis (27.27%), juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (21.21%), chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (21.21%) and other medical conditions (30.30%), such as arthritis associated with infection, scleroderma, Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa and joint damage. Results: The most common symptom reported by 26 (79.79%) patients was pain. On physical examination, the limitation of joint mobility was examined in 17 (51.51%), swelling of the joints was observed in 12 (36.36%) patients and decreased muscle strength was noticed in 11 (33.33%) patients. An increase in the C-reactive protein (12%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (9%), leukocyte count (9%) and creatine kinase (CK) (18%) was observed. Whole-body MRI revealed myositis (30%), joint effusion (27%) and BME (24%). The statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between myositis and the elevated CK level (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The most common symptom in the studied population was pain, while the limitation of joint mobility was found in more than half of patients. Myositis was the most commonly imaged lesion on the whole-body MRI and it was related to an increase in the CK level.

Diagnostic features of osteitis condensans ilii by MRI-a systematic literature review.

To describe and evaluate the current knowledge of MRI characteristics of osteitis condensans ilii (OCI) in the diagnostics and differentiation of OCI from other conditions. The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from their inception to March 2024 using the search terms "Magnetic Resonance Imaging" (MESH term in PubMed) and "osteitis condensans ilii" and limited to English language. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text eligibility and assessed the risk of bias according to Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies, QUADAS-2. The search identified 53 records. Case reports, letters/notes, and conference abstracts were excluded, resulting in 24 reports assessed by full-text, 9 research articles, 14 reviews, and a book chapter. Five retrospective research studies were found eligible for the review. Detailed MRI features of OCI were only described in two studies of patients with pain where they encompassed manifest subchondral iliac sclerosis often accompanied by bone marrow edema (BME) located peripheral to the sclerosis and displaying a continuous distribution and frequently accompanied by sacral BME. Erosions were rare and ankylosis did not occur. Fat deposition in the bone marrow was frequent and similar to BME often located to anterior strain-related joint areas. The QUADAS-2 assessments revealed risks of bias in all studies analyzed, especially regarding general applicability of the MRI features. There is a lack of valid data describing characteristic MRI features in general groups of OCI patients with and without pain.

Identifying enthesitis in the sacroiliac joints in patients with axial spondyloarthritis by readers of varying experience: impact of the learning progress

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the accuracy of identifying enthesitis along with other inflammatory lesions and structural lesions on the MRI of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) by readers of varying experience and how training sessions and workshops could help improve the accuracy.MethodsA total of 224 patients with clinical diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis who underwent SIJ MRI examinations were retrospectively included in this study. Three readers with 5 years, 3 years and 1 year of experience in musculoskeletal imaging were invited to review the SIJ MRI images independently, while the imaging reports of a senior radiologist (> 10 years’ experience) were used as reference. After the first round of image review, a training session and a workshop on the imaging of SIJ in spondyloarthritis were held and the three readers were asked to review the images in the second round. We calculated the accuracy of identifying inflammatory and structural lesions of the three readers as well as the intra-reader agreement.ResultsEnthesitis could be observed in 52.23% of the axial spondyloarthritis patients, while 81.58% of the patients with enthesitis were accompanied with bone marrow edema. All the three readers showed better accuracy at identifying structural lesions than inflammatory lesions. In the first round of image review, the three readers only correctly identified 15.07%, 2.94% and 0.74% of the enthesitis sites. After the training session and workshop, the accuracy rose to 61.03%, 39.34% and 20.22%. The intra-reader agreement of enthesitis calculated as Cohen’s kappa was 0.23, 0.034 and 0.014, respectively.ConclusionReaders with less experience in musculoskeletal imaging showed lower accuracy of identifying inflammatory lesions, notably enthesitis. Training sessions and workshops could help improve the diagnostic accuracy of the junior readers.

Evaluation of Femoral Head Avascular Necrosis With Virtual Noncalcium Dual-Energy Computed Tomography.

Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of the dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) virtual noncalcium (VNCa) technique in avascular necrosis (AVN) for detecting bone marrow edema (BME) and staging. This prospective study included adult patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral femoral head AVN between January 2023 and December 2023, who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DECT. Two participants were excluded from the study due to undergoing surgical procedures during the period between the scans. Two reviewers, blinded to MRI images and clinical data, visually examined color-coded VNCa pictures to assess BME using a binary classification (0 = normal bone marrow, 1 = BME). Same 2 reviewers also used color-coded and nonmapped images to stage AVN in accordance to the "Association for Research on Osseous Circulation" (ARCO) staging system. Interobserver agreements for the visual evaluation and staging were calculated with κ coefficient. Following a visual assessment of BME and the staging of AVN, same 2 reviewers conducted CT density measurements on regions of BME regions utilizing DECT noncalcium images. An independent third investigator (reference standard) utilized MRI, x-ray, and clinical data to confirm the definitive diagnosis and staging of AVN. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Fifty patients (28 men, 22 women, mean age: 44.2 ± 13.1 years, range: 25-75 years) were included in the final analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the VNCa technique in detecting BME were 96.0%, 94.4%, 97.9%, 89.4%, and 95.6%, respectively, for reviewer 1; and 96.0%, 88.9%, 96.0%, 88.9%, and 94.1%, respectively, for reviewer 2. Interobserver agreement was almost perfect ( κ = 0.84). Both reviewer 1 and reviewer 2 accurately classified 92.7% of the AVNs. The density measurements showed a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.001) between the edema regions and the normal marrow regions. No statistically significant difference was observed in the density measurements of edema regions at different stages ( P = 0.13). DECT VNCa technique exhibits excellent performance in detecting BME in hip AVN cases, as well as accurately determining the stage of AVN.

Imaging of Sacroiliac Pain: The Current State-of-the-Art.

Pain in the sacroiliac (SI) region is a common clinical manifestation, often caused by diseases involving the SI joints. This is typically due to inflammation or degenerative changes, while infections or cancer are less frequent causes. The SI joint is challenging to image accurately because of its distinct anatomical characteristics. For an accurate diagnosis, conventional radiography often needs to be supplemented with more precise methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Sacroiliitis, a common presenting feature of axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA), manifests as bone marrow edema, erosions, sclerosis, and joint space narrowing. Septic sacroiliitis and repetitive stress injuries in sports can also cause changes resembling inflammatory sacroiliitis. Other conditions, such as osteitis condensans ilii (OCI), can mimic the radiologic characteristics of sacroiliitis. Inflammatory lesions are diagnosed by concurrent erosions, hyperostosis, and ankylosis. Ligament ossifications or mechanical stress can also result in arthritic disorders. Determining the exact diagnosis can be aided by the distribution of the lesions. Inflammatory lesions can affect any part of the articulation, including the inferior and posterior portions. Mechanical lesions, such as those seen in OCI, often occur in the anterior middle region of the joint. In cases of idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, ligament ossification is found at the joint borders. This pictorial essay describes common SI joint problems, illustrated with multimodal imaging data. We, also, discuss strategies for selecting the best imaging modalities, along with imaging pitfalls, key points, and approaches for treating patients with suspected inflammatory back pain.

Significant overlap of inflammatory and degenerative features on imaging among patients with degenerative disc disease, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and axial spondyloarthritis: a real-life cohort study

BackgroundDifferentiating between degenerative disc disease (DDD), diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) represents a diagnostic challenge in patients with low back pain (LBP). We aimed to evaluate the distribution of inflammatory and degenerative imaging features in a real-life cohort of LBP patients referred to a tertiary university rheumatology center.MethodsIn a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients referred for LBP, demographics, symptom information, and available imaging were collected. SpA-like changes were considered in the spine in the presence of one of the following lesions typically related to SpA: erosions, sclerosis, squaring, and syndesmophytes on conventional radiographs (CR) and bone marrow oedema (BMO), erosions, sclerosis, and fat lesions (FL) on MRI. SIJ CR were graded per New York criteria; on MRIs, SIJs were evaluated by quadrant for BMO, erosions, FL, sclerosis and ankylosis, similar to the approach used by the Berlin SIJ MRI scoring system. The final diagnosis made by the rheumatologist was the gold standard. Data were presented descriptively, by patient and by quadrant, and compared among the three diagnosis groups.ResultsAmong 136 referred patients, 71 had DDD, 38 DISH, and 27 axSpA; median age 62 years [IQR55-73], 63% males. On CR, SpA-like changes were significantly higher in axSpA in the lumbar (50%, vs. DDD 23%, DISH 22%), in DISH in the thoracic (28%, vs. DDD 8%, axSpA 12%), and in DDD in the cervical spine (67% vs. DISH 0%, axSpA 33%). On MRI, BMO was significantly higher in DISH in the thoracic (37%, vs. DDD 22%, axSpA 5%) and equally distributed in the lumbar spine (35-42%). FL were significantly more frequently identified in DISH and axSpA in the thoracic (56% and 52%) and DDD and axSpA in the lumbar spine (65% and 74%, respectively). Degenerative changes were frequent in the three groups. Sacroiliitis (NY criteria) was identified in 49% (axSpA 76%, DDD 48%, DISH 29%).ConclusionA significant overlap was found among DDD, DISH, and axSpA for inflammatory and degenerative imaging features. Particularly, SpA-like spine CR features were found in one-fourth of patients with DISH, and MRI BMO was found in one-third of those patients.

Bone marrow edema detection for diagnostic support of axial spondyloarthritis using MRI.

This study proposes a process for detecting slices with bone marrow edema (BME), a typical finding of axSpA, using MRI scans as the input. This process does not require manual input of ROIs and provides the results of the judgment of the presence or absence of BME on a slice and the location of edema as the rationale for the judgment. First, the signal intensity of the MRI scans of the sacroiliac joint was normalized to reduce the variation in signal values between scans. Next, slices containing synovial joints were extracted using a slice selection network. Finally, the BME slice detection network determines the presence or absence of the BME in each slice and outputs the location of the BME. The proposed method was applied to 86 MRI scans collected from 15 hospitals in Japan. The results showed that the average absolute error of the slice selection process was 1.49 slices for the misalignment between the upper and lower slices of the synovial joint range. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the BME slice detection network were 0.905, 0.532, and 0.974, respectively. This paper proposes a process to detect the slice with BME and its location as the rationale of the judgment from an MRI scan and shows its effectiveness using 86 MRI scans. In the future, we plan to develop a process for detecting other findings such as bone erosion from MR scans, followed by the development of a diagnostic support system.

Foot and Ankle MRI Findings in Asymptomatic Professional Ballet Dancers.

Previous research in sport populations has demonstrated that abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may be present in individuals without symptoms or known pathology. Extending this understanding to ballet, particularly in relation to the foot and ankle, is important to guide medical advice given to dancers. To assess foot and ankle MRI scans in asymptomatic ballet dancers focusing on bone marrow edema and the posterior ankle and to investigate whether these MRI findings would become symptomatic within 1 year. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. In total, 31 healthy dancers (62 feet/ankles; 15 male and 16 female; age, 26.5 ± 4.3 years) who were dancing in full capacity were recruited from an elite professional ballet company. Orthogonal 3-plane short tau inversion recovery imaging of both feet and ankles was obtained using 3T MRI and the images were reviewed using a standardized evaluation form by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Injuries in the company were recorded and positive MRI findings were assessed for correlation with any injuries requiring medical attention during the subsequent 12 months. A total of 51 (82%) of the 62 feet and ankles had ≥1 area of bone marrow edema. The most common locations of bone marrow edema were the talus (n = 41; 66%), followed by first metatarsal (n = 14; 23%). Os trigonum and Stieda process were seen in 5 (8%) and 8 (13%) ankles, respectively. Among them, 2 os trigona showed bone marrow edema. Fluid in the anterior and posterior talocrural joints and the subtalar joint was observed in 48%, 63%, and 63% of these joints, respectively. Fluid around foot and ankle tendons was observed, with the most prevalent being the flexor hallucis longus tendon (n = 13; 21%). Two dancers who had positive findings on their MRI subsequently developed symptoms during the next 12 months. Positive MRI findings are commonplace in the foot and ankle of asymptomatic professional ballet dancers. The majority do not result in the development of symptoms requiring medical attention within 12 months. Careful interpretation of MRI findings with the dancer's clinical picture is required before recommending activity modification or further intervention.

Adenosine triphosphate: a new player in complex regional pain syndrome type 1.

The complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) is one of the most discussed painful syndromes due to the variability and severity of its symptoms. CRPS-1 generally occurs after a trauma, a fracture or a sprain followed by an immobilization. Classical diagnostic criteria are not always clear; hence, the diagnosis is difficult. The definition of CRPS itself defines and considers the pain as key symptom neglecting the bone damage. Early CRPS involves the activation of the innate cutaneous immune system with altered sensory and sympathetic signaling, activation and proliferation of keratinocytes and mast cells in addition to the release of inflammatory mediators and pain. The role of the immune system and the response to the disease is becoming clearer as the microglia is activated as a result of injury and can induce a central sensitization while astrocytes can maintain the process. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) exerts a fundamental role in the activation of innate cutaneous immune system, in the proliferation of keratinocytes and mast cells, in the release of several proinflammatory cytokines and in the microglia activation. It is essential to intervene on this pathology as soon as possible with drugs, as clodronate, able to reduce bone marrow edema and pain through the inhibition of the primary inflammatory process and the immune reaction, limiting the activation of macrophages and the release of cytokines activating nuclear growth factor (NGF). In this review the role of ATP, bisphosphonates and rehabilitation are discussed.

Prevalence and location of inflammatory and structural lesions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with chronic neck pain evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging

ObjectiveDefine the prevalence and location of inflammatory and structural lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) with neck pain as leading clinical symptom.MethodsPatients with diagnosis of RA and r-axSpA were consecutively included if they had chronic (> 3 months) neck pain. Clinical assessment, neck pain questionnaires and MRIs of the cervical spine (CS) were performed.Results107 patients (59 RA and 48 r-axSpA) were included. While there was no difference in the Northwick-Park-Neck-Pain-questionnaire, patients with RA reported higher neck pain compared to r-axSpA on a numeric rating scale (5.0 ± 3.6 vs. 3.0 ± 3.1; p = 0.003). Inflammatory lesions occurred predominantly in the craniocervical area in RA and in the lower CS segments in r-axSpA. Bone marrow edema (BME) was more frequent in axSpA (BME-score axSpA/RA: 0.35vs0.17; p < 0.001) while synovitis was visible in both but was more prevalent in RA (synovitis-score axSpA/RA: 0.02vs0.1; p < 0.001). BME was found in 8 (13.6%) vertebral corner vs. 9 (18.8%), in 2 (3.4%) facet joints vs. 7 (14.6%) and in 1 (1.7%) spinous processes vs. 9 (18.8%) in patients with RA/r-axSpA. In contrast, more patients with RA (30.5% vs6.3%) showed erosive osteochondrosis with endplate BME (p = 0.002).ConclusionWhile involvement of upper cervical inflammation was typically present in RA, r-axSpA patients showed more BME in lower CS segments, vertebral corners, facet joints and spinous processes. Neck pain is linked to upper and lower inflammatory and structural lesions of the CS in both diseases.

Ribbing disease of the femur: a rare entity.

Ribbing disease is a rare benign bone dysplasia characterized by progressive cortical thickening of the diaphyses of long bones in adult patients. The literature provides limited insight into its natural radiological progression and anatomical distribution. Single-bone involvement is particularly uncommon, with prior cases exclusively affecting the tibia. This case report outlines the unique presentation of Ribbing disease in a 20-year-old male, localized to the left femur. The patient's history revealed intermittent left thigh pain persisting for more than 2 years, with no identifiable triggers or relief factors. Early radiographic imaging revealed no significant abnormalities, but subsequent imaging, conducted 1 year after the initial presentation, revealed focal fusiform widening and cortical thickening of the mid-diaphysis of the left femur. MRI further revealed circumferential cortical thickening with bone marrow edema, corroborated by CT, which revealed cortical thickening with near-complete obliteration of the intramedullary cavity. The patient was managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and activity modifications. Misinterpretation of the radiographic findings of the osteoid osteoma led the patient to undergo radiofrequency ablation. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing Ribbing disease and emphasizes the importance of considering it in the differential diagnosis of chronic limb pain. Continued reporting of cases contributes to enhancing our understanding and management of this rare skeletal dysplasia.

The severity of preoperative bone marrow oedema negatively influences short-term clinical outcomes following arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

The purpose of this study was to study the effects of the severity of preoperative bone marrow oedema (BME) on the postoperative short-term outcomes following bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and to propose a new metric that combines volume and signal density to evaluate BME. Sixty-five patients with symptomatic OLTs (<100 mm2) and preoperative BME, who received BMS in our institution from April 2017 to July 2021 with follow-ups of 3, 6and 12 months, were analysed retrospectively. The area, volumeand signal value of the BME were collected on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The enroled patients were divided into two groups according to the BME index (BMEI), which was defined as the product of oedema relative signal intensity and the relation of oedema volume to total talar volume. Visual analogue scale,American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Tegner, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)-activities of daily living (ADL) and Sports scores were assessed before surgery and at each follow-up. The relationship between the scores and the volume, relative signal intensityand BMEI was explored. Sixty-five patients with preoperative BME were divided into the mild (n = 33) and severe (n = 32) groups based on the BMEI. A significant difference was found for each score with the general linear model for repeated measures through all follow-up time points (p < 0.001). For the preoperative and 12-month postoperative changes of the enroled patients, 53 patients (81.5%) exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of AOFAS and 26 (40.0%) exceeded that of FAAM-sports in this study. The mild group showed significantly more improvement in AOFAS scores at 12 months (89.6 ± 7.0 vs. 86.2 ± 6.2) and FAAM-ADL scores at 6 months (83.6 ± 7.6 vs. 79.7 ± 7.7) and 12 months (88.5 ± 8.5 vs. 84.4 ± 7.7) than the severe group (p < 0.05). No significant difference of all the scores between the groups was found at 3 months. No significant correlation was found in each group between BMEI and clinical outcomes. The severity of the preoperative BME negatively affected short-term clinical outcomes following arthroscopic BMS for OLTs. Worse clinical outcomes were shown at postoperative 6 and 12 months in patients with a high preoperative BMEI, which could be a favourable parameter for assessing the severity of BME and assist in developing personalised rehabilitation plans and determining the approach and timing of surgery. Level III.

Parotid saliva and blood biomarkers in juvenile idiopathic arthritis in relation to temporomandibular joint magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) often affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) caused by an abnormal immune system that includes overactive inflammatory processes. Salivary biomarkers may be a powerful tool that can help establishing diagnosis, prognosis and monitor disease progress. The objective was to investigate biomarkers in parotid saliva and blood plasma in relation to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with JIA and healthy individuals. Forty-five children aged 6 to 16 years with JIA and 16 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were included. Unstimulated parotid saliva samples and venous blood were collected. Biochemical analyses were performed for the cytokine biomarkers. The participants underwent MR imaging of the TMJs, where changes in the inflammatory and the damage domains were assessed. In the JIA patients, lower concentrations of IL-6R and gp130 were found in parotid saliva than in plasma. Higher concentrations of IL-6 were found in parotid saliva than in plasma. IL-6, IL-6R and gp130 in parotid saliva explained the presence of bone marrow oedema and effusion in the JIA patients. This study suggests that the IL-6 family in parotid saliva is associated with TMJ bone marrow oedema and effusion in patients with JIA, suggesting that IL-6 has promising properties as a parotid saliva biomarker for TMJ inflammatory activity.

MRI analysis of and factors related to knee injuries in amateur marathon runners.

Marathons are the most challenging form of running, and amateur athletes may be more prone to injury due to a lack of professional knowledge and instruction in running. To analyze the MRI manifestations of and factors related to knee injuries in amateur marathon runners. Data were collected from a hospital database of 105 qualified amateur marathon athletes (65 males,40 females), between May 2018 and December 2021. 1.5T MR: sagittal fs-PDWI, sagittal T1WI and sagittal 3D-DESS sequence. The MRI manifestations of knee joint injury were analyzed and evaluated by two radiologists. The inter-observer agreement on MRI readings was analyzed using the kappa coefficient, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with knee injuries. The overall prevalence of knee cartilage lesions, meniscus lesions and bone marrow edema among amateur marathon runners was 45.7%, 72.4%, and 49.5% respectively. Our analysis revealed that older age (OR = 1.135, P<0.001), higher BMI (OR = 1.236, P = 0.044), and slower pace (OR = 2.305, P = 0.017) were associated with increased risk of articular cartilage disease. Furthermore, older age (OR = 1.425, P<0.001) was identified as a risk factor for meniscal lesions, while older age (OR = 1.088, P = 0.002) was bone marrow edema. Notably, no significant correlation was observed between knee joint injuries of amateur marathon athletes and gender or the monthly running distance (P>0.05). The occurrence of knee injuries among amateur marathon athletes was highly prevalent, with the patellofemoral joint cartilage and posterior horn of medial meniscus being frequently affected areas. Moreover, age, BMI, running years and pace were significant risk factors of knee joint injury.

CT in musculoskeletal imaging: still helpful and for what?

Computed tomography (CT) is a common modality employed for musculoskeletal imaging. Conventional CT techniques are useful for the assessment of trauma in detection, characterization and surgical planning of complex fractures. CT arthrography can depict internal derangement lesions and impact medical decision making of orthopedic providers. In oncology, CT can have a role in the characterization of bone tumors and may elucidate soft tissue mineralization patterns. Several advances in CT technology have led to a variety of acquisition techniques with distinct clinical applications. These include four-dimensional CT, which allows examination of joints during motion; cone-beam CT, which allows examination during physiological weight-bearing conditions; dual-energy CT, which allows material decomposition useful in musculoskeletal deposition disorders (e.g., gout) and bone marrow edema detection; and photon-counting CT, which provides increased spatial resolution, decreased radiation, and material decomposition compared to standard multi-detector CT systems due to its ability to directly translate X-ray photon energies into electrical signals. Advanced acquisition techniques provide higher spatial resolution scans capable of enhanced bony microarchitecture and bone mineral density assessment. Together, these CT acquisition techniques will continue to play a substantial role in the practices of orthopedics, rheumatology, metabolic bone, oncology, and interventional radiology.

Microscopic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Comparing Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Baseball Players.

The relationship between abnormalities of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and elbow symptoms in baseball players remains unclear. This study aimed to compare findings of the UCL on microscopic MRI between asymptomatic and symptomatic elbows in baseball players. We hypothesized that the MRI grade of UCL injuries would exhibit no correlation with medial elbow symptoms in baseball players. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. The study participants were skeletally mature baseball players who underwent high-resolution microscopic MRI of the medial elbow including for medical checkups. Elbows with previous surgical treatment or traumatic UCL injuries were excluded. The patients were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. The UCL appearance on microscopic MRI was categorized into 4 grades and compared between the groups. Abnormal findings in the medial elbow including bony fragments at the medial epicondyle, osteophytes or bony fragments in the sublime tubercle, and bone marrow edema (BME) in the sublime tubercle were also evaluated. A total of 426 baseball players (426 elbows) with a mean age of 20 years (range, 14-41 years) were included. The asymptomatic and symptomatic groups included 158 and 268 elbows, respectively. In the asymptomatic group, based on MRI grading of the UCL, 46 (29%) elbows were rated as grade I, 64 (41%) as grade II, 40 (25%) as grade III, and 8 (5%) as grade IV. In the symptomatic group, 75 (28%) elbows were rated as grade I, 118 (44%) as grade II, 61 (23%) as grade III, and 14 (5%) as grade IV. There was no significant difference in the MRI grades between the groups (P = .9). BME in the sublime tubercle was more frequently seen in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group (P < .001). There was no difference in MRI grades of the UCL between symptomatic and asymptomatic elbows in baseball players; approximately 30% of elbows demonstrated high-grade UCL injuries in both groups. BME in the sublime tubercle was more frequently seen in symptomatic elbows than in asymptomatic elbows. BME in the sublime tubercle was a better indicator of symptoms than was MRI grading of the UCL.