Joint Space Volume Research Articles

Evaluating high-resolution computed tomography derived 3-D joint space metrics of the metacarpophalangeal joints between rheumatoid arthritis and age- and sex-matched control participants.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is commonly characterized by joint space narrowing. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provides unparalleled in vivo visualization and quantification of joint space in extremity joints commonly affected by RA, such as the 2nd and 3rd metacarpophalangeal joints. However, age, sex, and obesity can also influence joint space narrowing. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether HR-pQCT joint space metrics could distinguish between RA patients and controls, and determine the effects of age, sex and body mass index (BMI) on these joint space metrics. HR-pQCT joint space metrics (volume, width, standard deviation of width, maximum/minimum width, and asymmetry) were acquired from RA patients and age-and sex-matched healthy control participants 2nd and 3rd MCP joints. Joint health and functionality were assessed with ultrasound (i.e., effusion and inflammation), hand function tests, and questionnaires. HR-pQCT-derived 3D joint space metrics were not significantly different between RA and control groups (p > 0.05), despite significant differences in inflammation and joint function (p < 0.05). Joint space volume, mean joint space width (JSW), maximum JSW, minimum JSW were larger in males than females (p < 0.05), while maximum JSW decreased with age. No significant association between joint space metrics and BMI were found. HR-pQCT did not detect group level differences between RA and age-and sex-matched controls. Further research is necessary to determine whether this is due to a true lack of group level differences due to well-controlled RA, or the inability of HR-pQCT to detect a difference.

Role of inflammatory burden and treatment on joint space width in psoriatic arthritis—a high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography study

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between disease-related parameters and joint space width (JSW) on high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients.MethodsPsA patients who underwent HR-pQCT examination of the second to fourth metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ 2–4) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The joint space metrics included joint space volume (JSV), mean, minimum, and maximum JSW, JSW asymmetry, and distribution. Correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression models were used to determine the association between disease-related variables and JSW.ResultsSixty-seven patients [37 (55.2%) males; median (IQR) age: 57.0 (53.0, 63.0); median disease duration: 21 (16, 28) years] were included in this analysis. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that males had larger JSV (MCPJ 2–4), mean (MCPJ 4), and maximum JSW (MCPJ 3). Longer disease duration (MCPJ 2–3) and higher ESR values (MCPJ 3) were negatively associated with mean and maximum JSW, while higher damage joint count was negatively associated with mean and minimum JSW (MCPJ 2). Use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) was negatively associated with minimum JSW (MCPJ 3) while use of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) was positively associated with minimum JSW (MCPJ 2).ConclusionHigher inflammatory burden as reflected by longer disease duration, higher ESR levels, and damage joint count was negatively associated with mean, maximum, and minimum JSW, while suppression of inflammation using bDMARDs seems to limit the decline in JSW.

Three-dimensional Reconstruction and Comparison of Temporomandibular Joint Space Volume Before and After Orthognathic Surgery in Patients with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion With Mandibular Deviation.

To look into the association between the degree of deviation and the changing trend in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space volume after orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion. Twenty patients having combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment for skeletal Class III malocclusions with mandibular deviation were chosen, and craniofacial spiral CT was performed before (T0), two weeks after (T1), and six months after (T2) surgery. Using 3D volume reconstruction, further partitioning, and analysis of each domain's volume changes over time, the TMJ space volume is to be obtained. The differences in changes between groups A (mild deviation group) and B (severe deviation group) were examined to examine the impact of the degree of deviation on the TMJ space volume. A statistically significant difference ( P <0.05) existed between the postoperative TMJ space volume in group A and the preoperative overall, anterolateral, and anteroinferior space volume; the same difference also existed between the postoperative TMJ space volume in the NDS and the preoperative posterolateral, posteroinferior space volume. In group B, the postoperative TMJ space volume was statistically significant ( P <0.05) compared with the preoperative total and anteroinferior space volume in the DS; the difference between the total volume of the T1 stage on the NDS and the total volume of the T0 stage was statistically significant ( P <0.05). The two groups showed substantial differences in the space volume changes between the T1-T0 phase and the T2-T1 period. Patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and mandibular deviation after orthognathic surgery see a change in the TMJ space volume. All patient types experience a largely consistent space volume change trend two weeks after surgery, and the degree of mandibular deviation is correlated with the intensity and longevity of the alteration.

Analysis of Hand Joint Space Morphology in Women and Men with Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) causes unbalanced iron deposition in many organs including the joints leading to severe cartilage loss and bone damage in the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJ). High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and its joint space width (JSW) quantification algorithm quantifies in vivo 3D joint morphology. We therefore aimed to (i) determine feasibility and performance of the JSW algorithm in HH, (ii) quantify joint space morphology, and (iii) investigate the relationship between morphological and clinical parameters in HH. Here, we performed an exploratory study on 24 HH patients and sex- and age-matched controls using HR-pQCT imaging of MCPJ. Mineralized bone structure was automatically segmented from the grayscale image data and periosteal surface bone masks and joint space masks were generated. Mean, minimal, and maximal joint space width (JSW; JSW.MIN; JSW.MAX), JSW heterogeneity (JSW.SD), JSW asymmetry (JSW.AS), and joint space volume (JSV) were computed. Demographics and, for HH patients, disease-specific parameters were recorded. Segmentation of JS was very good with 79.7% of MCPJs successfully segmented at first attempt and 20.3% requiring semi-manual correction. HH men showed larger JSV at all MCPs (+ 25.4% < JSV < + 41.8%, p < 0.05), larger JSW.MAX at MCP 3-4 (+ 14%, 0.006 < p < 0.062), and wider JSW (+ 13%, p = 0.043) at MCP 4 relative to HH women. Compared to controls, both HH men and HH women showed larger JSW.AS and smaller JSW.MIN at all MCP levels, reaching significance for HH men at MCP 2 and 3 (JSW.AS: + 323% < JSW.AS < + 359%, 0.020 < p < 0.043; JSW.MIN: − 216% < JSW.MIN < − 225%, p < 0.043), and for women at MCP 3 (JSW.AS: + 180%, p = 0.025; JSW.MIN: − 41.8%, p = 0.022). Time since HH diagnosis was correlated positively with MCP 4 JSW.AS and JSW.SD (0.463 < ρ < 0.499, p < 0.040), and the number of phlebotomies since diagnosis was correlated with JSW.SD at all MCPs (0.432 < ρ < 0.535, p < 0.050). HR-pQCT-based JSW quantification in MCPJ of HH patients is feasible, performs well even in narrow JS, and allows to define the microstructural joint burden of HH.

SPHARM-PDM based image preprocessing pipeline for quantitative morphometric analysis (QMA) for in situ joint assessment in rabbit and rat models

The accessibility of quantitative measurements of joint morphometry depends on appropriate tibial alignment and volume of interest (VOI) selection of joint compartments; often a challenging and time-consuming manual task. In this work, we developed a novel automatic, efficient, and model-invariant image preprocessing pipeline that allows for highly reproducible 3D quantitative morphometric analysis (QMA) of the joint. The pipeline addresses the problem by deploying two modules: an alignment module and a subdivision module. Alignment is achieved by representing the tibia in its basic form using lower degree spherical harmonic basis functions and aligning using principal component analysis. The second module subdivides the joint into lateral and medial VOIs via a watershedding approach based on persistence homology. Multiple repeated micro-computed tomography scans of small (rat) and medium (rabbit) animal knees were processed using the pipeline to demonstrate model invariance. Existing QMA was performed to evaluate the pipeline’s ability to generate reproducible measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficient and mean-normalised root-mean-squared error of more than 0.75 and lower than 9.5%, respectively, were achieved for joint centre of mass, joint contact area under virtual loading, joint space width, and joint space volume. Processing time and technical requirements were reduced compared to manual processing in previous studies.

Bilateral Sagittal Split Mandibular Ramus Osteotomy Alters the Temporomandibular Joint.

In this retrospective analysis, we examined temporomandibular joint space volume and condyle position in 10 patients undergoing bilateral sagittal split mandibular ramus osteotomy plus Le Fort I osteotomy to correct mandibular asymmetry. Cone beam computed tomography was used to map temporomandibular joint prior to (T0), immediately after (T1), and at 1 year after surgery (T2). In the deviated side, we detected significant lateral shift of the condyle in 5 patients at T1, and the shift disappeared at T2. In the non-deviated side, we detected significant medial shift of the condyle in all 10 patients at T1; the shift continued in 9 patients at T2. Temporomandibular joint space volume increased significantly at T1 and returned to presurgical volume at T2. In conclusion, there is significant shift in position of condyle in majority of the patients after bilateral sagittal split mandibular ramus osteotomy. The most consistent and persisting change was medial shift on the nondeviated side.

Utilization of longitudinal ultrasound to quantify joint soft-tissue changes in a mouse model of posttraumatic osteoarthritis

To assess the utility of longitudinal ultrasound (US) to quantify volumetric changes in joint soft tissues during the progression of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in mice, and validate the US results with histological findings. A longitudinal cohort of 3-month-old wild-type C57BL/6 male mice received the Hulth-Telhag surgical procedure on right knee to induce PTOA, and sham surgery on their left knee as control. US scans were performed on both knees before, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks post-surgery. Joint space volume and Power-Doppler (PD) volume were obtained from US images via Amira software. A parallel cross-sectional cohort of mice was killed at each US time point, and knee joints were subjected to histological analysis to obtain synovial soft-tissue area and OARSI scores. The correlation between US joint space volume and histological synovial soft-tissue area or OARSI score was assessed via linear regression analysis. US images indicated increased joint space volume in PTOA joints over time, which was associated with synovial inflammation and cartilage damage by histology. These changes started from 2 weeks post-surgery and gradually became more severe. No change was detected in sham joints. Increased joint space volume was significantly correlated with increased synovial soft-tissue area and the OARSI score (P<0.001). PD signal was detected in the joint space of PTOA joints at 6 weeks post-surgery, which was consistent with the location of blood vessels that stained positively for CD31 and alpha-smooth muscle actin in the synovium. This study indicates that US is a cost-effective longitudinal outcome measure of volumetric and vascular changes in joint soft tissues during PTOA progression in mice, which positively correlates with synovial inflammation and cartilage damage.

Comparison of Computed Tomography Articular Surface Geometry of Male Versus Female Thumb Carpometacarpal Joints

Given the predilection of first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis in women compared with men, we aim to determine the differences in first CMC joint surface geometry and congruence between young healthy males and females. Wrist computed tomographic scan data of 11 men and 11 women aged 20 to 35 years were imported into 3-dimensional software programs. The first metacarpal and the trapezium were aligned in a standardized position according to landmarks at key points on Gaussian and maximum curvature maps. Measurements of joint congruence and surface geometry were analyzed, including joint space volume, distance between the bones at the articular surface edges, area of the joint space, and radii of curvature in the radial-ulnar and volar-dorsal planes. The mean thumb CMC articular space volume was 104.02 ± 30.96 mm3 for females and 138.63 ± 50.36 mm3 for males. The mean first metacarpal articular surface area was 144.9 ± 10.9 mm2 for females and 175.4 ± 25.3 mm2 for males. After normalizing for size, the mean thumb CMC articular space volume was 119.4 ± 24.6 mm3 for females and 117.86 ± 28.5 mm3 for males. There was also no significant difference for the articular space volume, articular surface distances, articular space, and mean radii of curvatures. This study found that there are sex differences in the first CMC joint articular volume without normalizing for size; however, there are no sex differences in first CMC joint articular volume, curvature characteristics, or joint congruence of young, healthy patients after normalizing for joint size.

Validation of power Doppler versus contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging quantification of joint inflammation in murine inflammatory arthritis.

Contrast-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) of synovial volume is the radiographic gold standard to quantify joint inflammation; however, cost limits its use. Therefore, we examined if power Doppler-ultrasound (PD-US) outcomes of synovitis in tumor necrosis factor transgenic (TNF-Tg) mice correlate with CE-MRI. TNF-Tg mice underwent PD-US of their knees to measure the joint space volume (JSV) and power Doppler volume (PDV), and the results were correlated with synovial volume determined by CE-MRI. Immunohistochemistry for CD31 was performed to corroborate the PD signal. Synovial volume strongly correlated with both JSV and PDV (p < 0.01). CD31(+) blood vessels were observed in inflamed synovium proximal to the joint surface, which corresponded to areas of intense PD signals. JSV and PDV are valid measures of joint inflammation that correlate with synovial volume determined by CE-MRI and are associated with vascularity. Given the emergence of PD-US as a nonquantitative outcome of joint inflammation, we find JSV and PDV to be feasible and highly cost-effective for longitudinal studies in animal models. Furthermore, given the increasing use of PD-US in standard clinical practice, JSV and PDV could be translated to better quantify joint flare and response to therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The Wrist Insufflation Test: A Confirmatory Test for Detecting Intercarpal Ligament and Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the wrist insufflation test based on mean radiocarpal and midcarpal joint space volumes. Twenty-nine patients underwent 3-4 portal radiocarpal and radial midcarpal portal insufflation before wrist arthroscopy. The volume remaining in the radiocarpal space at equilibrium was recorded, and the contour of the dorsal wrist and distal radioulnar joint was palpated for a fluid wave. After insufflation, wrist arthroscopy was performed and diagnoses were recorded. The mean volumes of the intact radiocarpal and midcarpal spaces were then compared with those of the compromised radiocarpal and midcarpal spaces to determine the overall sensitivity and specificity of the test. A total of 29 patients (18 male and 11 female) underwent wrist insufflation before wrist arthroscopy. The mean age of the patients was 42 years (range, 17 to 69 years). Intact radiocarpal spaces accepted a mean of 3.5 ± 0.16 mL of fluid, whereas compromised radiocarpal spaces accepted a mean of 5.5 ± 0.48 mL of fluid (P < .01; 95% confidence interval, 2.87 to 3.30). Intact midcarpal spaces accepted a mean of 2.5 ± 0.18 mL, whereas compromised midcarpal spaces accepted a mean of 5.6 ± 0.38 mL (P < .01; 95% confidence interval, 1.70 to 2.30). The overall sensitivity of the test was 83.3%, and the overall specificity was 100%. Complete scapholunate interosseous ligament and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears can be detected when there is an increased radiocarpal joint space volume with insufflation through the 3-4 portal combined with a fluid wave over the radial midcarpal space or the distal radioulnar joint. Complete scapholunate interosseous ligament and lunotriquetral interosseous ligament tears can also be detected when there is an increased midcarpal space volume with insufflation through the radial midcarpal portal combined with a fluid wave over the radial radiocarpal space or the ulnar radiocarpal space. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

In vivo structural analysis of subchondral trabecular bone in osteoarthritis of the hip using multi-detector row CT

With developments in clinical computed tomography (CT), in vivo analysis of patients' bone microstructure has become increasingly possible. We analyzed the subchondral trabecular bone of hip osteoarthritis (OA) patients using multi-detector row CT (MDCT) to closely examine the structural changes that occur as OA progresses. 47 female hip joints were studied: 20 with OA secondary to hip dysplasia (11 advanced OA, nine early-moderate OA), seven with hip dysplasia without OA, and 20 normal. The images' maximal spatial resolution was 280 × 280 × 500 μm. Regions of interest (ROIs) were the subchondral trabecular bones of the acetabulum and femoral head. Measurement parameters were bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), structure model index (SMI), trabecular bone pattern factor (TBPf), Euler's number, and degree of anisotropy (DA). Relationships between joint space volume and these parameters were analyzed. With decreasing joint space, Tb.Th and BV/TV increased, and Tb.Sp, Tb.N, SMI, TBPf, and DA decreased significantly. The microstructures were significantly different between the early to advanced OA groups and the normal and dysplasia groups; there was no significant difference between the normal and dysplasia groups. Changes of subchondral trabecular bone structure in OA could be evaluated using MDCT, despite imperfect spatial resolution and limited accuracy. Trabecular bone thickening and associated structural changes may be closely related to OA. Changes were observed in early to advanced OA, but not in dysplasia. This method may help to further elucidate OA pathogenesis, determine the therapeutic strategy, and evaluate therapy.

Three-dimensional volume rendering of tibiofibular joint space and quantitative analysis of change in volume due to tibiofibular syndesmosis diastases

The diagnosis of ankle syndesmosis injuries is made by various imaging techniques. The present study was undertaken to examine whether the three-dimensional reconstruction of axial CT images and calculation of the volume of tibiofibular joint space enhances the sensitivity of diastases diagnoses or not. Six adult cadaveric ankle specimens were used for spiral CT-scan assessment of tibiofibular syndesmosis. After the specimens were dissected, external fixation was performed and diastases of 1, 2, and 3 mm was simulated by a precalibrated device. Helical CT scans were obtained with 1.0-mm slice thickness. The data was transferred to the computer software AcquariusNET. Then the contours of the tibiofibular syndesmosis joint space were outlined on each axial CT slice and the collection of these slices were stacked using the computer software AutoCAD 2005, according to the spatial arrangement and geometrical coordinates between each slice, to produce a three-dimensional reconstruction of the joint space. The area of each slice and the volume of the entire tibiofibular joint space were calculated. The tibiofibular joint space at the 10th-mm slice level was also measured on axial CT scan images at normal, 1, 2 and 3-mm joint space diastases. The three-dimensional volume-rendering of the tibiofibular syndesmosis joint space from the spiral CT data demonstrated the shape of the joint space and has been found to be a sensitive method for calculating joint space volume. We found that, from normal to 1 mm, a 1-mm diastasis increases approximately 43% of the joint space volume, while from 1 to 3 mm, there is about a 20% increase for each 1-mm increase. Volume calculation using this method can be performed in cases of syndesmotic instability after ankle injuries and for preoperative and postoperative evaluation of the integrity of the tibiofibular syndesmosis.