Conventional Anteroposterior Radiographs Research Articles

The co-occurrence of calcaneal spur and hallux valgus: A radiological evaluation.

Calcaneal spur and hallux valgus are common foot deformities and both conditions have been shown to disrupt foot biomechanics. This study aimed to investigate the association between calcaneal spur and hallux valgus using radiographic and demographic data. A total of 1375 patients (1083 women; mean age: 45.5years) with standard ankle lateral and foot conventional anteroposterior radiographs were evaluated. The following data were obtained: age, gender, laterality, hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and calcaneal spur. Patients with a HVA of 15∘ and above were considered to have hallux valgus. Patients with hallux valgus were classified into three different groups according to the HVA. The prevalence of calcaneal spur was higher in older age and women (45.8%, 30.2%; p< 0.01, p< 0.01, respectively). Subjects with and without calcaneal spurs had similarities in terms of their laterality, having a HVA of ⩾ 15∘ and an IMA of ⩾ 11∘ (p> 0.05). Hallux valgus severity was not associated with calcaneal spur (p> 0.05). In addition, the hallux valgus prevalence was higher in patients who were over 50years old (58.2%, p= 0.046). The presence of calcaneal spurs does not affect the prevalence of hallux valgus. The severity of hallux valgus determined according to the HVA was similar in patients with and without calcaneal spurs. In addition, female gender and older age were identified as risk factors for calcaneal spurs, while only older age was a risk factor for hallux valgus.

Etoricoxib is safe and effective in preventing heterotopic ossification after primary total hip arthroplasty

BackgroundHeterotopic ossifications are a common complication after total hip arthroplasty. Low-dose radiation therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have proven to effectively reduce the rate of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty. However, a low number of studies describe an equal efficiency of etoricoxib. This work shows first results on the examination of a larger group with 194 subjects to analyze efficiency and rate of side effects under treatment with etoricoxib.MethodsClinical examinations were performed the day before surgery and after at least 12 months. The survey of clinical and functional outcome was done with Harris Hip Score (HHS). Conventional antero-posterior radiographs and second plane in frog leg position were assessed.ResultsIn total, 14 undesirable side effects (7.4%) and only four early terminations of therapy (2.1%) were documented. A complete 1-year follow-up examination including radiographs could be done in 143 subjects (79.4%). Only 28 subjects (19.6%) developed heterotopic ossifications from which 92.9% were classified in type 1 and 7.1% in type 2 using the method described by Brooker. The results do not show correlations with body mass index, extended treatment (more than ten days), or clinical and functional outcome (measured by “Harris Hip Score”). However, male subjects show a significantly higher rate of heterotopic ossifications.ConclusionsThe investigations presented in this study confirm a good efficiency of etoricoxib for the prevention of heterotopic ossifications in comparison with classical methods such as radiation or drug therapy and show a low rate of undesirable side effects.

Is the EOS imaging system as accurate as conventional radiography in grading osteoarthritis of the knee?

The EOS imaging system allows for the acquirement of long-leg radiographic images in a standing position without stitching artifacts or projection bias and at a comparatively low-radiation-dose exposure. The aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of EOS images of the lower limb to conventional radiographs (CR) of the knee in a.p. view for the grading of osteoarthritis (OA). One hundred forty-two patients who had undergone EOS of the lower limb and radiography of the knee on the same day were included. For the grading of OA, the Kellgren and Lawrence score (KL) score and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) system were used. Additionally, the joint space was measured and compared between the two techniques. EOS images were compared to conventional anteroposterior radiographs of the knee which constitute the gold standard. Measurements of the joint space showed very good intra-class correlation. The calculated weighted kappa for the KL score of EOS versus CR was excellent. The comparison of the different parameters of the OARSI score showed superb weighted kappa scores between 0.9 and 0.96 (α < 0.001) for the parameters osteophytes and joint space narrowing. The parameter deformity showed a good agreement between EOS and radiographs (sensitivity 93.6%; specificity 100%). For the sclerosis parameter, an overall sensitivity of 71.3% and a specificity of 99.3% were calculated. The grading of OA using the KL score as well as the quantitative assessment of joint space width can be performed on EOS images in a.p. view as reliably as on CR. Subchondral sclerosis of the lateral and medial femur condyle or tibia is sometimes not as evident on EOS images. • Grading of OA may be performed as reliably with EOS images in a.p. view as with conventional radiographs in a.p. view. • EOS can be safely used for primary assessment of osteoarthritis of the knee. • In the preoperative setting for knee replacement surgery, conventional radiographs in two or three planes of the knee should still be acquired in addition to long-leg EOS images.

A Novel Method for Accurate Preoperative Templating for Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Biplanar Digital Radiographic (EOS) System.

Background:Accurate preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty (THA) relies on conventional anteroposterior radiographs. The difficulty of determining the magnification factor of radiographs is a major limitation. Despite the use of markers for calibration, identifying the plane of the hip joint is a major challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a novel method for image calibration and preoperative planning in THA involving the use of a biplanar radiographic (EOS imaging) system and a self-designed coin device.Methods:Biplanar radiographs (with the self-designed coin device) and a conventional anteroposterior radiograph (with a coin) were made for 26 patients after primary THA. The agreement between the actual and calculated diameters for each method was assessed using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland-Altman plots. In addition, 15 patients undergoing primary THA were prospectively enrolled to evaluate the EOS imaging-based method (EOS method), with biplanar radiographs made with use of the coin device. The accuracy of the preoperative predicted size of the implants was evaluated.Results:Both the EOS and conventional anteroposterior radiograph-based methods were reliable in repeated measurements of the diameter of the artificial femoral head in the reproducibility study, with the average CCCs for both methods >0.990. The agreement between the actual and EOS-based calculated diameters of the artificial femoral head was excellent, with a CCC of >0.990, while the agreement was poor between the actual and anteroposterior radiograph-based calculated diameters, with a CCC of <0.75. The EOS method exhibited a lower absolute difference (0.09 ± 0.07 mm) between the actual and calculated diameters compared with conventional anteroposterior radiography (1.26 ± 0.86 mm) (p < 0.001). EOS-based preoperative plans also exhibited excellent performance on the accuracy of the planning of the cups and stems; only 1 patient (6.7%) had a final implanted cup that differed by 1 size from the predicted size. Two patients (13.3%) had final implanted stems that differed by 1 size from the predicted size, and for 1 patient (6.7%), the stem size was off by ≥2 sizes.Conclusions:We describe a novel and easy-to-use method for the accurate calibration of radiographs and preoperative planning for THA. The EOS method evaluated in this study is an alternative method for preoperative planning in clinical practice.

Union of the ulnar styloid fracture as a function of fracture morphology on conventional radiographs

In a retrospective radiological study, the authors aimed to detect the influence of fracture morphology on the union rate of ulnar styloid fractures associated with distal radial fractures. Eighty-two out of 101 ulnar styloid fractures were included in the final statistical analysis. Initially, they were grouped into six different morphological types based on a novel classification system. They were also classified as per the established Fernández and Frykman classification systems. Furthermore, the initial ulnar styloid displacement was measured in conventional anteroposterior radiographs. Union of the ulnar styloid fracture was evaluated after at least 6months of follow-up. The current investigators demonstrated that the various ulnar styloid fracture patterns have no significant predictive value for ulnar styloid union. In contrast, it could be attested, that an initial fragment dislocation of greater than 2.4mm in the conventional AP radiographs has a significantly lower chance of successful union (p = 0.022). Initial displacement of the ulnar styloid should be measured in each distal radial fracture with a concomitant ulnar styloid fracture. This could be useful to inform the decision regarding surgical fixation of the ulnar styloid fragment in patients with an unstable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) or persistent symptoms at the ulnar aspect of the wrist.

Controversies in conventional radiography in spondyloarthritis

Radiographic assessment of spondyloarthritis constitutes the primary imaging modality for diagnostic evaluation although it is insensitive in early disease. Several years are required before definite changes can be seen in the sacroiliac joints, and magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred imaging modality when theclinical presentation suggests spondyloarthritis but the pelvicradiograph is normal or equivocal. There is little evidence that special views of the sacroiliac joints or a series of views depicting the joint are superior to a conventional antero-posterior radiograph. Studies in early disease suggest that only 30-60% of patients diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis on clinical grounds have definite radiographic sacroiliitis. Prospective study is required for further clarity on the role of radiography in early disease. Several scoring methods have been described for the quantitative assessment of radiographic changes in the spine and hips. These methods can be used for staging of disease as well as for assessing progression in clinical trials and prognostic studies. The modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score is the preferred method for assessing progression because of its superior sensitivity to change. Nevertheless, the amount of change detected is limited, even after 2 years of follow-up, and this requires further standardisation of methodology before widespread implementation of this method.

Reliability of Hip Migration Index in Children with Cerebral Palsy: The Classic and Modified Methods

ObjectiveTo determine reliability and clinical use of two methods of migration index (MI) in CP patients with or without hip dysplasia.MethodThe materials included radiographs of 200 hips of children with cerebral palsy. Conventional anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis were taken with the child in the supine position with standardized methods. Two rehabilitation doctors measured the migration index using two methods. In the classic method, the lateral margin of the acetabular roof was used as a landmark and in the modified method the lateral margin of the sourcil was used as a landmark. Each rater measured the migration index at three separate times with a time interval of at least one week. Intraclass correlation (ICC) was used to test the inter- and intra-rater reliability.ResultsMI shows excellent intra-rater reliability in both the classic and modified methods, but the inter-rater reliability was higher in the classic method than in the modified method. When categorized according to the sourcil classification, inter-rater reliability was higher in the normal sourcil type and lower in the dysplastic sourcil types.ConclusionGenerally, the classic method showed higher reliability than the modified method, even though the reliability of the MI measurement was relatively high with both methods.

What do standard radiography and clinical examination tell about the shoulder with cuff tear arthropathy?

BackgroundThis study evaluates the preoperative conventional anteroposterior radiography and clinical testing in non-operated patients with cuff tear arthropathy. It analyses the radiological findings in relation to the status of the rotator cuff and clinical status as also the clinical testing in relation to the rotator cuff quality. The aim of the study is to define the usefulness of radiography and clinical examination in cuff tear arthropathy.MethodsThis study analyses the preoperative radiological (AP-view, (Artro-)CT-scan or MRI-scan) and clinical characteristics (Constant-Murley-score plus active and passive mobility testing) and the peroperative findings in a cohort of 307 patients. These patients were part of a multicenter, retrospective, consecutive study of the French Orthopaedic Society (SOFCOT-2006). All patients had no surgical antecedents and were all treated with prosthetic shoulder surgery for a painful irreparable cuff tear arthropathy (reverse-(84%) or hemi-(8%) or double cup-bipolar prosthesis (8%)).ResultsA positive significancy could be found for the relationship between clinical testing and the rotator cuff quality; between acromiohumeral distance and posterior rotator cuff quality; between femoralization and posterior rotator cuff quality.ConclusionA conventional antero-posterior radiograph can not provide any predictive information on the clinical status of the patient.The subscapular muscle can be well tested by the press belly test and the teres minor muscle can be well tested by the hornblower' sign and by the exorotation lag signs.The upward migration index and the presence of femoralization are good indicators for the evaluation of the posterior rotator cuff.An inferior coracoid tip positioning suggests rotator cuff disease.

Evaluation of acetabular versions after a curved periacetabular osteotomy for dysplastic hips

The purpose of this study is to investigate the early clinical and radiographic findings related to acetabular orientation after a curved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO). 106 dysplastic hips of 88 patients underwent CPO were investigated retrospectively with an average follow-up of 3.6 years. Conventional anteroposterior radiographs were used to measure the radiographic findings and range of motion were used for clinical evaluations. A significant improvement was noted in radiographic measurements including lateral centre-edge angle, acetabular index, and acetabular angle of Sharp. However, a high rate of postoperative acetabular retroversion was observed (62% hips) and a marked decrease in free flexion was noted. The Tönnis scale revealed a one-grade progression in most retroversion hips. Acetabular retroversion is a high risk factor leading to degenerative osteoarthritis of hip. Therefore, special consideration must be taken in surgical planning and careful intraoperative confirmation is required whilst manoeuvring the acetabular fragment in CPO.

Effective radiation dose from semicoronal CT of the sacroiliac joints in comparison with axial CT and conventional radiography.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiation dose given by semicoronal CT of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) in comparison with axial CT and conventional radiography. The total effective radiation doses given by serial contiguous semicoronal and axial CT, using 5-mm slices, 120 kV and 330 mAs, were determined by measurement of organ doses using an anthropomorphic Rando Alderson phantom paced with thermoluminescence dosimeters. The doses given by conventional antero-posterior (AP) and oblique projections of the SIJs were determined similarly. In a female the total effective dose by semicoronal CT was found to be more than six times lower than by axial CT and 2.5 times lower than the dose use to obtain a conventional AP radiograph, the values being 102, 678, and 255 micro Sv, respectively. The effective dose by semicoronal CT was only a little higher than the dose given to obtain two oblique radiographs. In a male with lead protection of the gonads the dose by semicoronal CT was four times lower than by axial CT, but higher than by conventional radiography. In conclusion, the effective dose by semicoronal CT of the SIJs is lower than by axial CT, and in females a semicoronal CT implies a lower effective radiation dose that used to obtain an AP radiograph.

Three-dimensional displacement of the hip joint after triple pelvic osteotomy. A postmortem radiostereometric study.

Triple pelvic osteotomy reorients the acetabulum relative to the pelvis in order to improve acetabular coverage of the femoral head in cases of acetabular dysplasia. We undertook a radiostereometric analysis (RSA) on 6 osteotomized cadaver hips to determine the actual three-dimensional reorientation obtained. The centers of the femoral head were all translated posteriorly between 11 and 41 mm, and distally up to 13 mm. 4 were lateralized up to 8 mm, and 2 were medialized up to 5 mm. All acetabuli rotated anteriorly about the lateral to medial axis (X-axis), and 4 rotated outwards around the distal to proximal axis (Y-axis). The correlations between measurements performed on conventional anteroposterior radiographs and the RSA measurements were poor: variations in the lateral-medial direction ranged from -16 to +6 mm, and in the distal-proximal direction between -10 and +12 mm. The changes in orientations measured will significantly affect the load across the hip joint, since the dimensions of the pelvis change and the moment arms of the muscles, their lengths and lines of action are changed as well. We conclude that, with the procedures presently performed, the loads across the hip joint are bound to change, and that the reorientation can hardly be checked with conventional radiographs.

A computer simulation study of normal and abnormal hip joint contact pressure.

The contact pressure on 112 normal hip joints and 66 acetabular dysplastic hip joints was analysed using a three-dimensional rigid body spring model. Geometric models were made from conventional anteroposterior radiographs, with the assumption that the acetabular surface was spherical. In normal hips, the distribution of contact pressure was almost even over the joint surface, and the maximum contact pressure was relatively low. However, in a dysplastic hip joint, the pressure was concentrated on the anterolateral edge of the acetabulum and increased enormously not only with the reduction in lateral coverage but also with the reduction in the anterior coverage of the acetabulum. This result indicates that a three-dimensional analysis is indispensable for estimating the mechanical effect on acetabular cartilage.

Conventional Radiography in Transient Synovitis of the Hip in Children

Conventional radiography was performed at diagnosis and at follow-up 5 to 9 months later in 70 children with transient synovitis of the hip. Twenty-four of the patients also had CT examination at diagnosis. The cartilaginous and osseous reaction in the conventional antero-posterior radiographs was studied as was the relation between the radiographic and CT findings concerning fat planes, joint effusion, and position of the hip joint. At diagnosis there was significant increase in the medial joint space and at follow-up examination there was significant increase in medial and cranial joint space, metaphyseal width and acetabular roof width. There was a correlation of a bulging lateral 'capsular fat plane' to the position of abduction in the affected hip which explains the asymmetry in the lateral fat plane observed in these patients.