Joint Image Research Articles

XLPE cable joint defects measurement method based on point cloud remapping

For the problems of low detection accuracy caused by weak texture and strong reflection on the surface of Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) high-voltage cable joint, this paper proposed a joint point cloud remapping and image segmentation method for the cable joint defects measurement, which improved the defects measurement accuracy from the correlation of the disordered point cloud and the salience of defects. Firstly, the discrete noise in the joint point cloud is removed using a modified radius filtering algorithm. Secondly, for the problems of disorderliness and weak association of the cable joint point cloud, we utilized Rodrigues' rotation formula (RRF) to correct the position of the XLPE cable joint point cloud. Then, for the demand of improving feature expression of non-significant defects, a point cloud remapping method is proposed, which remapping insignificant defects point cloud into saliency image for more effective detection. Lastly, an image segmentation method based on 8-neighborhood growth is applied for explicit defects detection, and the detected defects are quantified by the proposed measurement approach. Extensive experiments are conducted on the collected cable joints' point cloud and simulated cable joints' point cloud. With the help of the proposed method, we can achieve the best effects in DE, FR quantitative comparison, and the measurement inaccuracies are less than 4.5%. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method enjoys state-of-the-art performance in cable joint defects measurement.

Comparison of CBCT radiation doses with conventional radiographs in TMJ imaging using Monte Carlo simulations.

Three-dimensional imaging methods are widely used for evaluation of bony changes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Besides, lateral and posterio-anterior TMJ projections in both closed- and open-jaw positions for each temporomandibular joint are used as two-dimensional diagnostic tools. The purpose of the present study was to compare effective and mean organ absorbed doses of plain radiography techniques with those of different modalities of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning of an adult's temporomandibular joint. PCXMC 2.0 software was used to calculate mean organ and effective doses. A NewTom CBCT device (Newtom 5G XL; QR systems; Verona, Italy) was simulated at 360° rotation using a 6 × 6cm2 FOV in standard and high-resolution modes. Lateral and posterio-anterior TMJ plain projections were simulated according to recommendations of the manufacturer of the Planmeca ProMax® 2D S3 device. Doses for both projections were simulated with Monte Carlo methods and the International Commission on radiological protection adult reference computational phantoms. The highest mean organ absorbed doses occurred in bone surfaces, salivary glands, and skull for posterio-anterior TMJ and lateral TMJ, and for CBCT scanning in all examinations. The effective doses of posterio-anterior and lateral TMJ plain radiographs were found to be higher than those of the Standard Mode-Eco Scan CBCT. Therefore, the lowest effective dose was calculated in Standard Mode-Eco Scan CBCT. It is concluded that NewTom 5G XL Standard Mode-Eco Scan CBCT can be used instead of plain radiographs (lateral and posterio-anterior TMJ) in temporomandibular joint imaging as it allows visualizing the three-dimensional structure of the temporomandibular joint as an advantage.

Real-time monitoring of the corrosion behaviour of the 304SS in HCl solution using BPNN with joint image recognition and electrochemical noise

Electrochemical noise has an important reference role in the study of early corrosion; however, a direct correlation between the microscopic morphology and the electrochemical noise of the corrosion process is lacking. This study uses a back propagation artificial neural network (BPNN) optimized by three intelligent optimization algorithms to real-time monitor the local corrosion of 304 stainless steel in HCl solution with joint recognition and feature extraction of corrosion images and electrochemical noise. The results show that the corrosion monitoring model established by optimized BPNN with genetic algorithms exhibits the highest convergence speed and accuracy.

Comparison of 3D Gradient-Echo Versus 2D Sequences for Assessing Shoulder Joint Image Quality in MRI.

Background: Three-dimensional gradient-echo (3D-GRE) sequences provide isotropic or nearly isotropic 3D images, leading to better visualization of smaller structures, compared to two-dimensional (2D) sequences. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare 2D and 3D-GRE sequences in terms of key imaging metrics, including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), glenohumeral joint space, image quality, artifacts, and acquisition time in shoulder joint images, using 1.5-T MRI scanner. Methods: Thirty-five normal volunteers with no history of shoulder disorders prospectively underwent a shoulder MRI examination with conventional 2D sequences, including T 1- and T 2-weighted fast spin echo (T1/T2w FSE) as well as proton density-weighted FSE with fat saturation (PD-FS) followed by 3D-GRE sequences including VIBE, TRUEFISP, DESS, and MEDIC techniques. Two independent reviewers assessed all images of the shoulder joints. Pearson correlation coefficient and intra-RR were used for reliability test. Results: Among 3D-GRE sequences, TRUEFISP showed significantly the best CNR between cartilage-bone (31.37 ± 2.57, p < 0.05) and cartilage-muscle (13.51 ± 1.14, p < 0.05). TRUEFISP also showed the highest SNR for cartilage (41.65 ± 2.19, p < 0.01) and muscle (26.71 ± 0.79, p < 0.05). Furthermore, 3D-GRE sequences showed significantly higher image quality, compared to 2D sequences (p < 0.001). Moreover, the acquisition time of the 3D-GRE sequences was considerably shorter than the total acquisition time of PD-FS sequences in three orientations (p < 0.01). Conclusions: 3D-GRE sequences provide superior image quality and efficiency for evaluating articular joints, particularly in shoulder imaging. The TRUEFISP technique offers the best contrast and signal quality, making it a valuable tool in clinical practice.

Proposals for talonavicular joint assessment using ultrasound imaging and its reliability and validity.

[Purpose] We aimed to develop a noninvasive specific ultrasonographic assessment of the talonavicular joint during loading to facilitate the analysis of treatment of flatfoot. [Participants and Methods] Sixty healthy participants underwent ultrasound imaging of the talonavicular joint while sitting and standing. The talonavicular angle was defined as the intersection of the line connecting the navicular and talar heads and the line connecting the talar head and sustentaculum tali. Talonavicular coverage was assessed using X-ray images of 15 participants. [Results] Ultrasonographic assessment of the talonavicular joint showed a lateral shift of the navicular relative to the head of the talus from sitting to standing. The talonavicular angle was significantly larger when standing than in the sitting position. The difference in talonavicular angle values between sitting and standing significantly correlated with the differences in the talonavicular coverage values. [Conclusion] We showed that ultrasonographic talonavicular angle assessment has good reliability and moderate validity for detecting significant alignment changes in the talonavicular joints due to loading. In the future, this evaluation method should be performed before and after exercise therapy to assess and develop appropriate exercise therapy for flatfoot.

Can a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint predict disc perforation?

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing internal derangement; however, its accuracy in detecting disc perforations varies. Objectives: 1) identify MRI features correlating with disc perforation, 2) identify preoperative variables correlating with disc perforation, and 3) develop a predictive model to ascertain the presence of disc perforation. Materials and Methods This cohort study involved 92 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery to identify associated variables. Arthroscopically verified disc perforation was considered the primary predictor variable, while MRI interpretation of disc perforation served as the primary outcome variable. Demographic data, patient signs, and symptoms were treated as covariates. Statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level of 5%. Logistic regression models were employed to predict disc perforation, and diagnostic accuracy was assessed using ROC curves. Results Among the 155 joints analyzed (92 patients: 135 females, 20 males), MRI interpretations did not significantly correlate with verified disc perforation (p &lt; 0.218), demonstrating 14.3% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity. Age, symptomatic onset, joint noise type, osteoarthritis diagnosis, altered disc shape, and Wilkes classification exhibited significant associations (p &lt; 0.05). A logistic regression model utilized associated variables for predicting disc perforation. Risk factors included symptom onset time, joint crepitus, osteoarthrosis diagnosis by MRI; joint click was considered protective. Conclusion The model demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.836, 95% CI 0.76–0.91). While MRI interpretation was unreliable, our model accurately predicted disc perforation. Identification of these factors could inform surgical decisions

Comparative Study on Ultrasonic C-Scan Imaging of Composite Lap Joints Using Piezoelectric Transducer: Pulse-Echo and Pitch-Catch Configurations

Comparative Study on Ultrasonic C-Scan Imaging of Composite Lap Joints Using Piezoelectric Transducer: Pulse-Echo and Pitch-Catch Configurations

Towards On-demand Transmission: Joint Feature and Image Coding with Reversible Neural Networks

Towards On-demand Transmission: Joint Feature and Image Coding with Reversible Neural Networks

A Joint Image Reconstruction Method for Capacitively Coupled Electrical Impedance Tomography

A Joint Image Reconstruction Method for Capacitively Coupled Electrical Impedance Tomography

Effect of Gonadal Protection on Image Quality in Frontal Hip Radiography

In recent years, there has been a growing movement in Western countries toward the abolition of gonadal protection during radiography. The reasons for this recommendation are that there are few reports of increased risk of genetic effects, that the ovarian dose is not due to direct X-rays but due to internally scattered X-rays that cannot be shielded, and that the presence of gonadal protection may adversely affect the automatic exposure control mechanism and may mask important findings. In addition, the gonadal protection is a large high absorber of X-rays, and its presence in the irradiation field may have some effect on image quality, but the effect of the gonadal protection on image quality has not been clarified. In addition, after the abolition of gonadal protection, the optimal irradiation field setting is expected to become even more important to avoid unnecessary exposure. In this study, we investigated the effect of gonadal protection on image quality in frontal hip radiographs of adults with different radiation qualities and clarified the image quality under conditions in which the irradiation field is appropriately narrowed. Frontal hip radiographs were taken using a human phantom as the subject, and the image quality of the femoral head was evaluated. Two irradiation fields were used: (a) 14×17 inch field and (b) an appropriate field (11.6×15 inch) that does not impair the reference line and image information necessary for reading hip joint images. The imaging tube voltage was set at 70 kV, and conditions for adding a copper filter were also considered. The incident surface air kerma was set to 1.25 mGy. The incident surface dose at this time was sufficiently lower than the diagnostic reference level (2.5 mGy) in Japan and was judged to be appropriate for imaging using an indirect conversion flat panel detector. The image quality evaluation item was the signal difference to noise ratio (SdNR) including scatterers. The SdNR decreased by 4.6% when a gonadal shield was placed, indicating that the gonadal shield reduced image quality. When the irradiation field size was appropriately narrowed down, SdNR slightly increased or decreased depending on the quality of the imaging material, but the change was small compared to the change in SdNR with and without the gonadal protection shield. The results of this study confirm that the elimination of gonadal protection in hip radiography has significant advantages, such as reducing unnecessary X-ray exposure while ensuring image quality, when the irradiation field is set appropriately.

Neuromorphic Imaging With Joint Image Deblurring and Event Denoising.

Neuromorphic imaging reacts to per-pixel brightness changes of a dynamic scene with high temporal precision and responds with asynchronous streaming events as a result. It also often supports a simultaneous output of an intensity image. Nevertheless, the raw events typically involve a large amount of noise due to the high sensitivity of the sensor, while capturing fast-moving objects at low frame rates results in blurry images. These deficiencies significantly degrade human observation and machine processing. Fortunately, the two information sources are inherently complementary - events with microsecond-level temporal resolution, which are triggered by the edges of objects recorded in a latent sharp image, can supply rich motion details missing from the blurry one. In this work, we bring the two types of data together and introduce a simple yet effective unifying algorithm to jointly reconstruct blur-free images and noise-robust events in an iterative coarse-to-fine fashion. Specifically, an event-regularized prior offers precise high-frequency structures and dynamic features for blind deblurring, while image gradients serve as a kind of faithful supervision in regulating neuromorphic noise removal. Comprehensively evaluated on real and synthetic samples, such a synergy delivers superior reconstruction quality for both images with severe motion blur and raw event streams with a storm of noise, and also exhibits greater robustness to challenging realistic scenarios such as varying levels of illumination, contrast and motion magnitude. Meanwhile, it can be driven by much fewer events and holds a competitive edge at computational time overhead, rendering itself preferable as available computing resources are limited. Our solution gives impetus to the improvement of both sensing data and paves the way for highly accurate neuromorphic reasoning and analysis.

Effect of detector placement on joint estimation in X-ray fluorescence emission tomography.

Imaging the spatial distribution of low concentrations of metal is a growing problem of interest with applications in medical and material sciences. X-ray fluorescence emission tomography (XFET) is an emerging metal mapping imaging modality with potential sensitivity improvements and practical advantages over other methods. However, XFET detector placement must first be optimized to ensure accurate metal density quantification and adequate spatial resolution. In this work, we first use singular value decomposition of the imaging model and eigendecomposition of the object-specific Fisher information matrix to study how detector arrangement affects spatial resolution and feature preservation. We then perform joint image reconstructions of a numerical gold phantom. For this phantom, we show that two parallel detectors provide metal quantification with similar accuracy to four detectors, despite the resulting anisotropic spatial resolution in the attenuation map estimate. Two orthogonal detectors provide improved spatial resolution along one axis, but underestimate the metal concentration in distant regions. Therefore, this work demonstrates the minor effect of using fewer, but strategically placed, detectors in the case where detector placement is restricted. This work is a critical investigation into the limitations and capabilities of XFET prior to its translation to preclinical and benchtop uses.

Simultaneous Audio Recording and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorder is a complex disease requiring multimodal treatment and often a delayed diagnosis. Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of simultaneously recording joint sounds while obtaining 3-tesla cine-magnetic resonance imaging (3T cine-MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A secondary objective pertains to optimization of a dynamic TMJ imaging protocol to maximize image quality and speed while maintaining synchronicity. Methods: Investigators enrolled four subjects (August 2018 to August 2019) eliciting audible joint sounds during continuous open-close jaw movements during clinical evaluation at the New York University College of Dentistry. A contact fiber-optic microphone (OptiRhythm 4130, Optoacoustics, Yehuda Israel) was utilized to record joint sounds elicited with functional movements during MR dynamic imaging at NYU Langone Health and all data was recorded appropriately. Results: Results of this feasibility study demonstrate the successful integration of audio and 3-Tesla MR imaging for the TMJ in all subjects. This protocol was shown to be well-tolerated by the subjects. A precise correlation of the movement of TMJ structures within cine-MRI images and with audible observations was achieved and assessed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an experienced radiologist. Conclusion: This protocol for simultaneous audio/cine-MRI is a viable tool for studying TMJ health and disease. In future studies, we anticipate this protocol will ultimately refine our understanding of TMJ sounds and their relation to anatomy, physiology, and pathology. In addition, we hope to establish a diagnostic aid to guide surgical and non-surgical decision-making more precisely.

Experience of Avascular Necrosis of Hip Joint due to Unjustified Use of Steroid: A Case Series Study

The use of steroids, whether in herbal or synthetic form, for purposes such as weight gain, appetite enhancement, and pain relief is a prevalent practice in Bangladesh. Lacking adherence to pharmacological guidelines, such as those outlined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) poses a significant health risk. Steroid-induced osteonecrosis is one in many adverse effects that consuming OTC steroid causes. AVN is characterized by the death of bone tissue due to the prolonged use or high-dose administration of corticosteroids. Commonly affected areas include the hip joints, knees, and shoulders. However, this seemingly innocuous trend has prompted concern, particularly at the Dhaka Specialized Pain Management and Research Centre, where a notable pattern has emerged. From July 2022 to June 2023, a total of six reported cases highlighted a worrisome trend of individuals encountering health issues due to the misuse or prolonged use of over-the-counter (OTC) steroids. The majority of the reported cases were male, predominantly in their 2nd to 3rd decade of life. The common thread among these cases was the history of oral steroid ingestion, either in the form of herbal or synthetic compounds. The patients presented with complaints of pain in the hip and groin area, particularly during walking. Diagnostic imaging, including X-ray and MRI of the hip joints, consistently revealed a classical picture of Avascular Necrosis (AVN), underlining the potential association between steroid use and this debilitating condition. The cases reported at the Dhaka Specialized Pain Management and Research Centre serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences, such as AVN, that can arise from the uninformed or unsupervised use of steroids.

Edge Detection and Defects Checking of Binder Clip and Welded Joint using a Python-Based Algorithm: Applications in Quality Inspection

Machine vision is a computer vision system that enables a computer to work on image-based inspection and analysis for different applications. In this computer vision, a camera and sensor were used to view an image for its analysis with the help of some sort of algorithms, then processed to infer the image-based data. Machine vision systems along with Python programs can be used for many interdisciplinary applications like weld inspection, online monitoring in manufacturing auto components etc. In this study, the “Edge detection python algorithm” was developed and run through “Google Colab” notebook to inspect the edges and the boundaries of samples like faying surface-modified friction welded dissimilar joints and a binder clip (paper clamp) to check any defects or cracks and straightness etc. With the help of this Python algorithm, the edge detection was done by Sobel, Scharr, and Prewit operators. An input image of the weld joint and the binder clip were converted into Otsu’s binary threshold image. The matrix vision camera and the CMOS sensor were used in the machine vision set-up to take the images. This written algorithm is helpful to trace the edges of any kind of solids components. The edges of the binder clips and the weld joint/zone were detected. The binder clips were inspected under two different cases namely the clip in folding condition (Case I) and the binder clip in unfolding condition (Case II). The results showed a defect that was identified in the weld zone and no bending was in the binder clips. This kind of study is useful in manufacturing industries for quality inspection purposes with a new machine vision set up for online inspection of fabricated components like nuts and bolts etc.

Autoencoder-based joint image compression and encryption

Recently, learning-based methods have developed rapidly, with promising results in many areas. And deep learning models are expected to be the next-generation optimal image compression solutions. This paper proposes a new image compression and encryption framework that integrates encryption algorithms with a deep-learning compression network. Our work employs Auto-Encoder (AE) based compression network as the backbone. After extracting semantic features from the learning network, encryption layers are added to introduce end-to-end learning to image encryption. And for a higher level of visual security, the parameters of the synthesis network are replaced by a new parameter matrix based on a logistic map controlled by a secret key. The encryption key of the system is derived from the image content, which will be embedded in the deep feature vectors to save the cost of sending the key for different images. Another secret key, which will be shared among other images, is used for controlling the embedding process. And to learn the entropy model from the scrambled feature maps, an attention scheme is exploited in estimating parameters to achieve more effective compression. Experimental results and the security analysis using Kodak dataset show that the proposed scheme can achieve a sufficiently high-security level with high compression efficiency.

Dissociation of clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging data in axial psoriatic arthritis

Currently, there is no generally accepted definition of axial lesions in psoriatic arthritis (axPsA), and the diagnostic criteria are extrapolated from the recommendations for ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis.Objective: To evaluate data of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of spine and sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in patients with psoriasis complaining of chronic back pain of any cause.Material and methods. 143 patients were enrolled to the study, including 57 (39.9%) men and 86 (60.1%) women, median age – 47 [36; 57] years, mean duration of psoriasis was 17.4±13.4 years. In all patients, the agreement of the existing symptoms with the inflammatory back pain (IBP) criteria of A. Calin et al., M. Rudwaleit et al. and ASAS was checked. All patients underwent MRI of the spine and SIJ, determination of ESR, CRP levels, HLA-B27 and consultations with a dermatologist and a rheumatologist.Results and discussion. An association of bone marrow edema (BME) in the spine and SIJ with nail involvement (odds ratio, OR 2.32; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.12–4.81; p=0.035), palmoplantar psoriasis (OR 3.85; 95% CI 1.43–10.41; p=0.054) and a weak correlation with PASI (r=0.329, p=0.034) was found. There were no statistically significant differences in PASI between patients with BME and without BME. In patients with IBP who fulfilled the criteria of A. Calin et al., osteitis in the SIJ was present in 19 (34.5%; OR 2.79; 95% CI 1.26–6.19; p=0.01); Berlin criteria of 4 signs – 25 (28.7%; OR 2.42; 95% CI 1.00–5.84; p=0.045); Berlin criteria of 3 signs – in 18 (24.0%; OR 1.12; 95% CI 0.51–2.44; p=0.783); ASAS criteria – in 17 (34.0%; OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.12–5.49; p=0.023). In almost half of the patients with BME in the spine or SIJ, the symptoms did not fulfil the criteria for IBP. Signs such as the presence and duration of morning stiffness had a high prognostic value. Isolated spondylitis (presence of BME in vertebrae and absence of BME in SIJ) was rarely found in patients with IBP fulfilling various criteria (in 4.0–8.1% of cases).Conclusion. Considering the existing discrepancy between symptoms and MRI results, it is necessary to develop independent tools for screening and early diagnosis of axPsA.

Head-to-head comparison of ultrasound and 99mTc-glucosamine SPECT/CT imaging of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a single center prospective study

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that can lead to progressive joint damage. Early identification of synovitis is key in the management of patients with RA. The aim of this study was to assess synovitis in patients with RA using 99mTc-glucosamine single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging and compare this radiopharmaceutical's diagnostic performance with ultrasound (US) imaging. This prospective study included 22 participants with active RA and 380 joints were assessed with SPECT/CT and US imaging. SPECT/CT imaging of the joints of interest was performed in each participant three hours after injection of 99mTc-glucosamine, with US imaging of the same joints performed on the same day. The affected joints were qualitatively assessed for 99mTc-glucosamine uptake and compared with the findings on US imaging.ResultsAbnormal increased uptake of 99mTc-glucosamine, localized specifically to the synovial space, was noted in the affected joints. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of 99mTc-glucosamine SPECT/CT imaging were 86%, 60%, 61%, 85% and 73%, respectively. A sensitivity of 100% was noted in the identification of synovitis in the carpal and knee joints. Disease activity in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints was not observed with either SPECT/CT or US.ConclusionsSPECT/CT imaging with 99mTc-glucosamine is a valuable tool for assessing disease activity in the joints of patients with RA. It has a very high sensitivity in detecting synovitis and it correlates very well with US imaging in this regard.

“Rice bodies” symptoms on magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

The “rice bodies” symptom on magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is a rare but specific finding characterized by the presence of multiple small, round, rice-grain-like structures in the synovial fluid of the joint, synovial pouches, or sheaths. The etiology of the “rice bodies” is still not fully understood. They are suggested as the result of microinfarcts of the synovial membrane in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint diseases. Clinically, the “rice bodies” symptom may cause pain, but not in every case. Among radiological diagnostic methods, magnetic resonance imaging is the leading method for the detection of rice bodies. This article presents a clinical case of “rice bodies” symptoms diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with a long history of rheumatoid arthritis who presented with a painless enlargement in the left shoulder. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the left shoulder could detect “rice bodies” as a manifestation of an underlying disease and determine further treatment techniques.

CT-guided lumbar facet cyst rupture and corticosteroid injection: technique, approach, and procedural and clinical success rates.

To evaluate success rates of computed tomography (CT)-guided lumbar facet synovial cyst (LFC) rupture. We retrospectively reviewed all LFC ruptures performed by a single musculoskeletal radiologist with > 10years of experience, using posterior facet approach and/or direct puncture by ipsilateral/contralateral interlaminar, or transforaminal approach. All patients also received a corticosteroid injection. Rupture rates were calculated, and clinical success rate was determined through medical record review. Pre-procedure magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images and CT procedure images were also reviewed for LFC and facet joint imaging features that may predict rupture. There were 37 patients, 17 (46%) female and 20 (54%) male, ages 62 ± 12 (range 39-87) years. Thirty-four (92%) of LFC were successfully ruptured, 17 (50%) by facet approach and 17 (50%) by direct cyst puncture. At least one direct puncture approach was possible in 35 (95%) patients. No MRI or CT LFC or facet joint features predicted cyst rupture. Thirty-one (91%) of patients reported immediate pain relief, and 19 (53%) did not have further intervention for LFC-related pain. Sixteen (84%) of these patients remained pain-free for an average follow-up time period of 28months. Fourteen (39%) of patients required surgical intervention. There were no complications. Our systematic approach to CT-guided LFC rupture is safe and has high technical and clinical success rates similar to prior studies. Since there are no definitive imaging features that determine rupture success, this procedure can almost always be attempted as a first-line treatment for LFC.