Intra-articular Pathology In Patients Research Articles

Poster 244: Magnetic Resonance Imaging versus Diagnostic Arthroscopy to Identify Intraarticular Pathology Associated with Patellar Instability: A High Rate of Discordant Findings Altering Surgical Treatment

Objectives: While uncommon, acute traumatic patellar dislocations can lead to recurrent symptoms of patellar instability in 15% to 45% of patients. Patellar stability is an interplay of bony and soft tissue restraints as well as anatomic factors, however, a mainstay of treatment remains reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Instability events can lead to intra-articular derangements of the knee, both in the acute and chronic patellar instability setting. These findings may not always be appropriately identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The incidence of these “surprise” injuries have not been previously reported. The purpose of this study is to determine the rates of coexisting intra-articular pathology in patients with patellar instability requiring MPFL reconstruction and elucidate any discordance between preoperative MRI findings and diagnostic arthroscopy findings. Methods: All patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction at a single institution between 2010 and 2023 were identified and preoperative MRI reports, defined as the most recent MRI report to the date of surgery with no interval traumatic events, were queried. Records without full MRI reports as read by a radiologist or cases in which a diagnostic arthroscopy was not conducted were excluded. MRI findings were discordant from arthroscopic findings if a lesion identified on diagnostic arthroscopy was not present in the full MRI report. Procedures that were undertaken because of these missed pathologies on MRI were recorded. Results: A total of 640 patients were identified during the study period, and 507 complete records were ultimately included. Preoperative MRI identified patellar osteochondral lesions or cartilage fissures in 333 patients (66%), loose bodies in 119 patients (24%), lateral femoral condyle osteochondral lesions or fissures in 97 patients (19%) and meniscus tears in 47 patients (9%). Among these patients, 172 (34%) had a diagnosis at the time of arthroscopy which was not identified on the preoperative MRI. These arthroscopic findings resulted in 75 loose body removals, 74 patellar shaving chondroplasties, 16 partial meniscectomies, 3 microfractures, 3 osteochondral lesion open reduction internal fixation, and 2 meniscal repairs which would have been missed without diagnostic arthroscopy due to discordant MRI findings. Conclusions: Over one-third of patients at a single institution who underwent diagnostic arthroscopy in the setting of patellar instability surgery had pathology identified which required surgical intervention that was not reported on a preoperative MRI. A comparison of MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy has been extensively reported on for other knee pathologies including ACL tear and lateral meniscal tear; however, there has been no similar investigation of the reliability of MRI for identification of concomitant pathology in the setting of patellar instability to date. The findings of this study highlight the importance of diagnostic arthroscopy in the treatment of patellar instability, the frequency with which this altered treatment, and the high preponderance of discordant MRI findings.

Intra-articular pathologies detected by magnetic resonance imaging in patients with temporomandibular disorders undergone successful non-surgical treatments

ObjectiveThis study aimed to study on the MRI findings suggesting intra-articular pathologies in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) undergone successful non-surgical treatments, and to discuss on their intra-articular pathological conditions with clinical symptoms. Patients and methodsOne-hundred eleven TMJs of the consecutive 80 TMD patients were enrolled in this study. These TMJs were classified into the following 3 Groups, Group I: Bilateral 62 TMJs of the 31 patients with masticatory-muscle (MM) symptoms without functional pain, Group II: Affected-side TMJs of the 31 patients with unilateral functional MM pain, Group III: Affected-side TMJs of the 18 patients with unilateral functional TMJ pain. The detection rates of joint effusion (JE), osteoarthritis (OA), and disc displacement (DD) on the MR images were investigated. The correlations of JE, OA, DD, age, and gender were also analyzed. ResultsIn each Group, the detection rates of JE, OA, and DD were more than 70%, and no findings of them were sometimes observed. The detection ratio of moderate/marked JE in Group II was significantly higher among the 3 Groups. The significant correlation of JE, OA, and DD was found, and that of OA and age was also observed. ConclusionsOur results suggest that intra-articular pathologies often occur even in the painless TMJs, and functional TMJ pain sometimes appear even in the TMJs with early-stage OA, which cannot be detected by MRI. Furthermore, the TMJ synovitis occurred in patients with functional MM pain may be more severe than that in the painful TMJ.

Relationship between pain and intra-articular pathology in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability.

Repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). It is unclear whether CLAI causes pain unless complicated by intra-articular lesions. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of pain and the relationship between pain and intra-articular pathology in patients with CLAI. Fifty-three ankles in 46 patients with CLAI who had undergone surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) was given to patients the day before surgery. Intra-articular lesions were assessed using arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, the Hounsfield Unit (HU) on computed tomography (CT) of the medial gutter was measured. The relationship between pain and intra-articular findings was also analyzed. The pain and pain-related scores in the SAFE-Q were significantly correlated with synovitis in 96.3% (rs = - 0.532). HU ratios in the tibia and talus were also significantly correlated with pain (rs = - 0.603, - 0.534, respectively). The arthroscopic synovitis score and HU ratios in patients with high pain scores were significantly higher than those in patients with low pain scores. Forty ankles (75.5%) had synovitis and articular cartilage injuries were observed in 22 ankles (41.5%). Patients with fluid collection or bone marrow lesions (BML) scored significantly lower in pain than those without, but there was no significant difference between patients with and without cartilage injury. Multiple regression analysis revealed that a high synovitis score and HU ratio of the talus were significantly associated with high pain. Intra-articular lesions such as synovitis and BML were associated with pain in patients with CLAI. Osteosclerotic changes in the medial gutter also induced ankle pain, indicating that osteoarthritic changes had already begun. Therefore, lateral ankle ligament injuries after ankle sprain should be appropriately treated to avoid secondary degenerative changes.

Arthroscopic assessment of concomitant intraarticular pathologies in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

ABSTRACT This study's purpose is to arthroscopically assess the occurrence of intraarticular pathologies in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OFNH) and to compare arthroscopic with radiologic findings. In a retrospective cohort analysis of ONFH patients undergoing combined core decompression (CD) and hip arthroscopy, concomitant intraarticular pathologies were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed by means of arthroscopy. Intraoperative findings were compared with preoperative radiodiagnostics. Descriptive statistics were performed with results displaying type, degree and prevalence of co-pathologies. Based on a cohort of 27 hips with ONFH at ARCO stages II and III, 26 (96.3%) presented with concomitant intraarticular findings. Cam-deformity (n = 22; 81.5%), labral defects (n = 23; 85.2%) and chondral defects (n = 20; 74.1%) were the most frequent. Four hips (14.8%) had foveal ligament anomalies. Intraoperative detection of cam-deformity positively correlated with radiologically assessed pathologic α angles (p = 0.09). Radiologic evaluation of the acetabular labrum distinctly differed from arthroscopic findings. Reliable statements concerning the cartilage status were not possible due to the great difference in quality of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs). The results of this study revealed an arthroscopically proven prevalence of co-pathologies in >95% of patients with ONFH. Cam-type deformity, labral anomalies and chondral defects were the most frequent. Comparison of arthroscopic and radiologic findings showed coherent results regarding cam-deformity but revealed distinct difficulties in the assessment of the labral and chondral status emphasizing the need for standardization of preoperative radiodiagnostics. Moreover, it still has to be evaluated whether combined CD and arthroscopy can improve on the overall outcomes achieved by performance of CD only.

Do intra-articular pathologies accompanying symptomatic acromioclavicular joint degeneration vary across age groups?

This study aims to evaluate the accompanying intra-articular pathologies in patients who underwent arthroscopic distal clavicle resection (DCR) for symptomatic acromioclavicular (AC) joint degeneration based on age groups and to reveal which additional pathologies should be considered across different age groups during physical examination of patients suspected of AC joint degeneration. The study included 156 patients (55 males, 101 females; mean age 57.2±10.0 years; range, 35 to 80 years) who underwent arthroscopic DCR between January 2006 and December 2017 and had at least one clinical positive test for AC joint degeneration during the preoperative physical examination. The patients were divided into three groups as those aged <50 years (group 1), between 50-65 years (group 2), and >65 years (group 3). The concomitant intra-articular pathologies were evaluated across different age groups and compared between the groups. Concomitant intra-articular pathologies were detected in 117 (75%) of a total of 156 patients. Additional pathology rate increased with increasing age (p=0.002). More than one concomitant intra-articular pathologies were detected in 37 patients (23.7%). This rate increased with increasing age (p=0.002). The number of patients with superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion as the only additional pathology was 33 (21.2%). This rate decreased with increasing age (p=0.015). In group 1, the rate of concomitant SLAP lesion was 44.1%. The high incidence of intra-articular pathologies accompanying symptomatic AC joint degeneration raises the importance of careful physical examination, detailed imaging, and arthroscopic surgery to obtain good results in patients scheduled for DCR. The frequency of AC joint degeneration and concomitant SLAP lesions, particularly in younger patients, should be considered during clinical examinations.

Assessment of 3-T MRI using susceptibility-weighted imaging to detect and evaluate intra- or periarticular blood metabolites and meniscal tears of the knee.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the suitability of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequences using the 3T MRI-unit for assessment of potential intraarticular pathologies in patients with acute and chronic torsion trauma of the knee joint.Material and methodsSixty-three patients with subacute and chronic rotary knee joint trauma of either the left or right knee were studied using an Achieva MRI 3T device (Philips, Amsterdam, Netherlands). Ground truth was set by two expert radiologists with seven and 10 years of experience in musculoskeletal imaging. Readings were performed separately for meniscus and joint space including synovia, ligaments, and periarticular soft tissue. Haemorrhage was defined as any lesion that was either T1 or SWI positive, without proton density (PD)-hypointensity (calcification). A lesion was defined as any pathology/variant with any signal positivity of either T1, PD, or SWI.ResultsA total of 63 patients were included (F : M = 22 : 41). The median age of the cohort was 29 years (range 13 to 71 years). Thirty-nine patients showed a meniscal tear, and only three of them (7.7%) demonstrated a meniscal haemorrhage. A total of 18 patients suffered from a periarticular injury, and 16 patients (88.9%) demonstrated a concomitant periarticular haemorrhage.ConclusionsThese data suggest that SWI can be used for the diagnosis of intra- or periarticular blood metabolites because their potential have an impact on mechanical conflict with the surface of the knee joints, in particular the cartilage and their effect on malacic lesions, but it performs poorly in the detection of meniscal pathologies.

Treatment Algorithm for Patients with Non-arthritic Hip Pain, Suspect for an Intraarticular Pathology.

Background:The amount of patients referred with longstanding, non-arthritic hip pain is increasing, as are the treatment options. Left untreated hip dysplasia, acetabular retroversion and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) may lead to osteoarthritis (OA). Finding the right treatment option for the right patient can be challenging in patients with non-arthritic hip pain.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to categorize the radiographic findings seen in patients with longstanding hip pain, suspect for an intraarticular pathology, and provide a treatment algorithm allocating a specific treatment option for each clinical condition.Material and Methods:A review of the literature was performed using Public Medline searches of MeSH terms combined with synonyms for femoroacetabular impingement, acetabular retroversion, periacetabular osteotomy and hip arthroscopy.Results:Radiographic findings associated with acetabular retroversion described in the literature were the crossover sign, the posterior wall sign and the ischial spine sign, while Wiberg’s lateral center-edge angle (CE-angle) together with Leqeusne’s acetabular index indicate hip dysplasia. A Tönnis index >2 indicates osteoarthritis, however unsatisfying results are documented following joint preserving surgery with a Tönnis index >1. Furthermore, ischial spine sign in combination with the posterior wall sign indicates total acetabular retroversion prone to periacetabular osteotomy in contrast to focal retroversion prone to hip arthroscopy. These findings were used creating a treatment algorithm for intraarticular pathologies in patients with longstanding hip pain.Conclusion:Based on the radiographic findings, the algorithm presented in this study can be a helpful tool in the decision-making for the treatment of patients with non-arthritic hip pain, suspect for intraarticular pathologies.

Response to: Comment on Intra-articular hip injections for lateral hip pain.

We appreciate the thoughtful insights of the reader and the questions regarding our study that these bring to light. We hope to provide some clarity with regard to our methodology. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results were available during the evaluation of a majority of our cohort, it is important to remember that greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a clinical diagnosis that encompasses a number of disease processes and pain generators [1, 2]. It was our belief that the patients in the cohort should be diagnosed and treated based on their clinical symptomatology rather than their MRI findings, especially given the high rates of incidental findings in asymptomatic, middle-aged adults [3]. Given the proximity of targeted intra-articular and symptomatic extra-articular structures, it is feasible that some of the therapeutic effect of the injections was derived from local corticosteroid spread. On the other hand, previous reports cite a high prevalence of intra-articular pathology in patients with symptomatic extra-articular findings, which was confirmed by our own data [4]. Evidence would suggest that intra- and extra-articular pathologies are more interrelated than commonly believed and are likely concurrently present in many patients [5]. The modality of pain resolution in our study may therefore be multifactorial. It is also possible that a course of hip-specific physical therapy (PT) and anti-inflammatory medications were primarily responsible for the benefits attributed to the injections. Along these same lines, one could also postulate that the intra-articular injections improved outcomes via a ‘placebo effect’. Without comparison groups, it is not possible to derive these answers from our data. Patients with refractory GTPS are often given few options when PT, trochanteric injections and time fail to provide relief. This can be difficult to accept for both the patient and the physician. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intra-articular injections when other non-surgical options had been exhausted. Although few conclusions can be drawn, our study shows that intra-articular injections may offer another potential treatment option for this difficult problem.

Is Intraarticular Pathology Common in Patients With Hip Dysplasia Undergoing Periacetabular Osteotomy?

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) enables correction of bony acetabular deficiency in the setting of hip dysplasia. Patients with insufficient acetabular coverage often have intraarticular pathology, but the degree of this pathology has been incompletely characterized. We have used arthroscopy as an adjunct to PAO to further delineate intraarticular pathology in patients with hip dysplasia with mechanical symptoms. We documented the arthroscopic incidence of (1) femoral and acetabular chondral pathology, (2) femoral neck cam lesions, and (3) internal snapping or ligamentum teres pathology among patients having arthroscopy before PAO. We reviewed all 16 patients (17 hips; mean age at surgery, 21 years; range, 12-33 years) with hip dysplasia who underwent PAOs and concomitant hip arthroscopy at our institutions from October 2010 to March 2012. During this period, 80 patients underwent PAOs, making the arthroscopic cohort 21% of the total cohort. Indications for concomitant hip arthroscopy were mechanical symptoms consistent with labral pathology identified on MRI. We documented pathology involving the labrum, chondral surface, ligamentum teres, cam deformity, and psoas tendon. Arthroscopy revealed significant intraarticular pathology in all patients. Fourteen hips had anterosuperior labral tears, and three hips had preoperative findings of internal snapping hip. Eleven hips had femoral cam-type lesions in addition to dysplasia, and 16 hips had articular chondral injury. Two hips had full-thickness ligamentum tears, and 13 hips had partial-thickness tears. Intraarticular pathology at the time of PAO is common. Future studies are needed to rigorously address the use of arthroscopic intervention during PAO and the impact on clinical outcome compared to PAO alone.

Outlet Biceps Tenodesis: A New Technique for Treatment of Biceps Long Head Tendon Injury

Degeneration and tearing of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHBT) are common intra-articular findings, and surgical intervention including tenodesis or tenotomy is beneficial. A new arthroscopic shoulder technique may be performed through an anterior portal while one is viewing from a posterior portal: (1) Visualize the intra-articular biceps tendon. (2) Identify the segment of the LHBT to be enlarged. (3) Use a tissue modulation wand to enlarge the tendon. (4) Evaluate the diameter of the enlarged segment. It should be twice the original diameter. (5) Cut the biceps tendon at the proximal end of the enlarged segment. (6) View the tendon within the tunnel. (7) Identify and cut the remaining stump of the biceps tendon. Seventeen cadaveric shoulders were used to compare the pullout force, stiffness, and displacement of outlet tenodesis versus tenotomy. There was a significant increase in pullout force for the outlet tenodesis group when compared with tenotomy. This technique is used to operatively treat LHBT intra-articular pathology in patients who would benefit from tenotomy and traditional biceps tenodesis and may minimize the retraction of the biceps tendon distally.

Paper # 40: Relationship Between the Presence of a Rim Fragment and Intra-Articular Pathology in Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement

This study evaluated the presence of a rim fragment in pre-operative radiographs of FAI patients, and found that hips with a rim fragment were 3.7 times less likely to have femoral head's chondral defects compared to the hips without a rim fragment. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been recognized as a common cause of hip pain. Plain radiograph has been used to identify cam and pincer type of FAI. An acetabular rim fragment is frequently found in radiographs of FAI patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the presence of a rim fragment and intra-articular pathology in patients with FAI. Preoperative radiographs, an anteroposterior view of the pelvis and a lateral cross-table view of the affected hip, of 86 hips of FAI patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy were reviewed by a surgeon blinded to the patients' symptoms and intraoperative findings. An acetabular rim fragment was identified in 15 hips (17 %) with a median size of 2.5 mm (1.0 to 20.7 mm). There were no significant differences in radiographic measurements of minimum joint space, alpha angle, center edge angle, and Sharp angle between the patients with a rim fragment and those without a rim fragment. There was no association between the presence of an acetabular chondral defect and the presence of a rim fragment (p=0.579). Sixty-five percent of hips without a rim fragment had a chondral defect on the femoral head while 33% of hips with a rim fragment had it (p=0.025). Hips with no rim fragment were 3.7 (95CI 1.2 – 11.5) times more likely to have a chondral defect on the femoral head compared to those with a rim fragment. Hips with a rim fragment were less likely to have femoral head's chondral defects compared to the hips without a rim fragment. The presence of a rim fragment is an adaptive response to abnormal shearing forces in FAI, acting as a “natural rim trimming”.

Resonancia magnética artrografía de cadera con énfasis en el atrapamiento femoroacetabular

Hip pain is a common complaint in patients of all ages. Recent advances in imaging and treatment are changing the approach to the evaluation and management of hip pain. Abnormal femoral and acetabular morphology and lesions of the acetabular labrum and cartilage are increasingly recognized as crucial in the development of degenerative changes. In addition, femoroacetabular impingement is increasingly recognized as an etiologic factor in hip pain. This article discusses techniques for MR arthrography of the hip, normal anatomy at hip MR arthrography, common intra-articular pathologies in patients with hip pain, and imaging findings of femoroacetabular impingement.

The Value of Arthroscopy Before an Open Modified Latarjet Reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to identify the presence of intra-articular pathology in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy immediately before modified Latarjet reconstruction for recurrent anterior instability with bone deficiency. The records of 33 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy immediately before the modified Latarjet reconstruction were analyzed. Arthroscopy was performed just before the open procedure to identify and treat intra-articular pathology that would otherwise have been missed or not well treated during the routine open anterior approach to the shoulder. In 24 of 33 cases (73%) associated pathologic lesions were identified and addressed arthroscopically (lesions not likely to have been discovered and treated optimally during the open deltopectoral approach). We identified and addressed 21 type 2 SLAP lesions (64%) as well as 1 posterior Bankart lesion, 2 loose bodies, 2 rotator cuff tears, and 2 localized areas of grade 4 chondromalacia. Arthroscopic examination before modified Latarjet reconstruction is recommended because it allows the surgeon to identify and arthroscopically address associated pathologic entities that are present in over two thirds of the cases. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Hip MR Arthrography and Femoroacetabular Impingement

Hip pain is a common complaint among athletes of all ages. Advances in imaging and treatment are changing the paradigm of evaluation and management of hip pain. The role of abnormal femoral and acetabular morphology and lesions of the acetabular labrum and cartilage is increasingly recognized as being crucial in the development of degenerative change. In addition, femoroacetabular impingement is increasingly recognized as an etiologic factor in hip pain. This article discusses techniques of hip magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography, normal anatomy seen at hip MR arthrography, common intra-articular pathologies in patients with hip pain, and imaging findings of femoroacetabular impingement.

Arthroscopic findings in atraumatic shoulder instability

Purpose The goal of this study was to evaluate the intra-articular pathology in patients with atraumatic shoulder instability who did not respond to conservative treatment. Type of study Prospective case series. Methods Of 226 patients treated for shoulder instability over a 2-year-period, 43 patients (average age, 27.5 years; 26 men and 17 women) were classified as having atraumatic instability. None had responded to physiotherapy. The intra-articular pathology was documented during diagnostic arthroscopy before the definitive surgical procedure. Results Three types of lesions of the capsulolabral complex were defined: incomplete labral lesions, pathologic elongation of the capsule or “non-Bankart lesions” (type I), classic Bankart lesions (type II), and complex lesions of the labrum and capsule (type III). Type I was found in 19 patients (44.2%); type II lesions were seen in 13 (30.2%); and type III in 11 (25.6%) patients. Hill-Sachs lesions were found in 26 shoulders (60.5%). Chondral lesions of the glenoid were seen in 10 shoulders (23%); SLAP lesions in 5 (11.7%); and partial, articular-side defects of the supraspinatus tendon in 3 (6.9%) patients. Conclusions Atraumatic onset of shoulder instability does not imply the absence of intra-articular lesions, at least in patients not showing a response to physiotherapy. Arthroscopy is helpful to diagnose the definite intra-articular pathology. Level of evidence Level IV.