Magnetic Resonance Imaging Arthrogram Research Articles

Poster 105: MRI Demonstrates Similar Diagnostic Value to MR Arthrogram for Determining Labral Tear Extent up to 2 Weeks Following Shoulder Dislocation

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the comparative accuracy and precision of routine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) versus magnetic resonance (MR) arthrogram in measuring labral tear size as function of time from shoulder dislocation, and to identify a time threshold after which MR arthrogram supersedes MRI in diagnostic utility. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients who underwent primary arthroscopic labral repair between 2012 and 2021 and completed a preoperative MRI or MR arthrogram of the shoulder within 60 days of injury, and subsequently underwent arthroscopic repair within 6 months of imaging. Arthroscopic labral tear size and location was used as standard comparison. Three musculoskeletal radiologists independently interpreted tear extent using clock-face convention. Accuracy and precision of MR labral tear measurements were defined by location and size of the tear, respectively. Accuracy and precision were compared between MRI and MR arthrogram, as a function of time from dislocation. Results: Thirty-two MRI and 65 MR arthrogram (total n=97) were independently assessed by radiologists. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that intraoperative tear size, early imaging, and arthrogram status were associated with increased MR accuracy and precision (p<0.05). Ordering surgeons preferred arthrogram for delayed imaging (p=0.018). For routine MRI, error in accuracy increased by 3.4° per day and error in precision increased by 2.3° per day (p<0.001) from time of injury. MR arthrogram, however, was not temporally influenced (Figure 1). Significant loss of accuracy and precision of routine MRI compared to MR arthrogram occurs at 2 weeks after acute shoulder dislocation. Conclusions: For determining shoulder labral tear size after acute dislocation, routine MRI has similar diagnostic value for measuring labral tear extent as MR arthrogram up to approximately 2 weeks postacute shoulder dislocation, after which it significantly loses accuracy and precision, possibly due to resolving posttraumatic effusion. MR arthrogram accuracy and precision were not temporally influenced.

Stability Reliability and External Validity of Myrick THIRD Test for Hip Labral Tears.

The purpose of the study is to examine whether the physical examination technique, Myrick The Hip Internal Rotation with Distraction (THIRD), is reliable and valid. The Myrick THIRD test has previously established and documented sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and internal and external validity. The goal of this original research was to demonstrate stability reliability of the Myrick THIRD test when the study is conducted in a clinical setting where the test has not previously been performed, as well as to demonstrate that the Myrick THIRD test has external validity when conducted across multiple examiners in a new setting. The importance of the study reflects current clinical practice and the lack of specific clinical assessment techniques used to determine the source of intra-articular hip pain successfully. Testing included the Myrick THIRD test, magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA), and arthroscopy. The primary outcomes included the results of the MRA, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Myrick THIRD test, and arthroscopy. The inclusion criteria were 18- to 49-year-olds presenting with hip pain. The exclusion criteria included patients younger than 18 and older than 49years and patients who were willing to undergo MRI arthrogram. A test of paired proportions, correlation, sensitivity, and specificity was performed. The significance level was preset at .05. All 86 patients had a positive Myrick THIRD test, which was confirmed with arthroscopy. Eight of the 11 positive MRI results and 64 of the 74 positive MRA results were confirmed with arthroscopy. The Myrick THIRD test had a statistically significant higher accuracy rate than the MRA (p =.002) but not the MRI (p =.08). Myrick THIRD test showed a significantly higher accuracy rate than MRA.

Magnetic Resonance Arthrogram Outperforms Standard Magnetic Resonance Imaging 2 Weeks After First Shoulder Dislocation for Labral Tear Diagnosis

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the comparative accuracy and precision of routine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) versus MR arthrogram in measuring labral tear size as a function of time from a shoulder dislocation. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients who underwent primary arthroscopic stabilization between 2012 and 2021 in a single academic center. All patients completed a pre-operative MRI or MR arthrogram of the shoulder within 60 days of injury, and subsequently underwent arthroscopic repair within 6 months of imaging. Intraoperative labral tear size and location was used as standard for comparison. Three musculoskeletal radiologists independently interpreted tear extent using a clock-face convention. Accuracy and precision of MR labral tear measurements were defined based on location and size of the tear, respectively. Accuracy and precision were compared between MRI and MR arthrogram, as a function of time from dislocation. Results32 MRIs and 65 MR arthrograms (total n=97) were assessed. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that intraoperative tear size, early imaging, and arthrogram status were associated with increased MR accuracy and precision (p<0.05). Ordering surgeons preferred arthrogram for delayed imaging (p=0.018). For routine MRI, error in accuracy increased by 3.4° per day and error in precision increased by 2.3° per day (p<0.001) from time of injury. MR arthrogram, however, was not temporally influenced. Significant loss of accuracy and precision of MRI compared to MR arthrogram occurred at 2 weeks after an acute shoulder dislocation. ConclusionCompared to MR Arthrogram, conventional MRI demonstrates time-dependent loss of accuracy and precision in determining shoulder labral tear extent following dislocation, with statistical divergence occurring at 2 weeks.

Arthroscopic Repair of an Anteroinferior Capsular Tear in the Shoulder of a Throwing Athlete

Background: Anterior capsular tears are often associated with traumatic glenohumeral instability episodes; however, there are not many previous descriptions in the literature without occurrence of frank dislocation. This video will discuss the presentation of a throwing athlete with an anteroinferior capsular tear in his dominant shoulder who underwent successful arthroscopic repair. Indications: Based on the patient's clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram findings, and failure to return to play despite attempts at conservative management, he was determined to be a candidate for arthroscopic repair. Technique Description: Arthroscopic repair consisted of reapproximation of the avulsed capsular tissue to its attachment point medially using suture anchors in the glenoid and a side-to-side repair of the mid-substance extension of the capsular split. Results: Arthroscopic repair of the anteroinferior capsular tear allowed the patient to return to his previous level of sport. Discussion/Conclusion: In the present case and a previous case series, surgical repair of anterior capsular tears, whether arthroscopic or open, can yield good results in throwing athletes aiming to return to prior levels of performance. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Arthroscopic Repair of Humeral Avulsion of Glenohumeral Ligament Lesions: Outcomes at 2-Year Follow-up

Background:Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) is an uncommon condition but a major contributor to shoulder instability and functional decline.Purpose:To describe the pre- and postoperative HAGL lesion presentations of instability, pain, and functionality and the return-to-sports activities in patients managed arthroscopically for anterior and posterior HAGL lesions.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Data on patients with HAGL lesions treated with arthroscopic repair between 2009 and 2018 were retrospectively retrieved from medical charts, and the patients were interviewed to assess their level of postoperative functionality. The Rowe; Constant; University of California, Los Angeles; Oxford; and pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores were obtained for both pre- and postoperative status. Return-to-sports activities and level of activities after surgery were compared with the preinjury state, and complications, reoperations, and recurrent instability were recorded and evaluated.Results:There were 23 study patients (12 females and 11 males; mean age, 24 years). The mean follow-up duration was 24.4 months (range, 7-99 months; median, 17 months). In 7 (30.4%) of the patients, HAGL lesions were diagnosed only intraoperatively. A significant improvement was seen in all examined postoperative functional scores and VAS. At the last follow-up visit, 2 patients (8.7%) reported residual instability with no improvement in pain levels and declined any further treatment, and 3 others (13.0%) required revision surgeries for additional shoulder pathologies (reoperations were performed 18-36 months after the index procedure). The remaining 18 patients (78.3%) were free of pain and symptoms. There was a mean of 0.65 coexisting pathologies per patient, mostly superior labral anterior-posterior, Bankart, and rotator cuff lesions.Conclusion:HAGL lesions are often missed during routine workup in patients with symptoms of instability, and a high level of suspicion is essential during history acquisition, clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram interpretation, and arthroscopic evaluation. Arthroscopic repair yields good pain and stability results; however, some high-level athletes may not return to their preinjury level of activity.

Labral Index—Controlling Femoral Size to Evaluate the Relationship Between Relative Labral Size and Acetabular Version

PurposeTo assess the relationship of acetabular version with the length of the anterior and posterior labrum and to introduce a developed metric, the labral index, as a means of controlling for femoral head size when measuring labral length.MethodsOne hundred forty-eight patients who underwent hip arthroscopies for femoroacetabular impingement from October 2017 to October 2019 by a single hip surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram was used to measure central acetabular version (at the center of the femoral head) and cranial acetabular version (at the midpoint between the acetabular roof and center of the femoral head), as well as labral length at the anterior, posterior, and superolateral locations (3, 9, and 12 o’clock, respectively). Labral index was calculated by dividing anterior, posterior, and superolateral labral lengths by the radius of the femoral head. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the association between the 2 continuous variables. A priori alpha of 0.05 was established as the cutoff for significance.ResultsForty-three patients (26 female, 17 male) with an average age of 34.2 ± 11.6 years were included in analysis. Increased central anteversion was significantly associated with a larger anterior labral length and index (P = .023, r = 0.343 and .005, r = 0.415, respectively). Cranial anteversion weakly correlated with a significantly increased anterior labral index (P = .047, r = 0.304) but not with larger anterior labral length (P = .089, r = 0.262). No statistically significant association was present for central or cranial version with posterior or superolateral labral measurements. Lateral center edge angle did not correlate with labral size at any location.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement, greater acetabular anteversion was significantly associated but weakly correlated with increased anterior labral length, whereas no association was found between posterior labral length and acetabular version. The labral index may be a useful metric to normalize labral length relative to the radius of the femoral head that warrants further investigation for its clinical utility in guiding labral reconstruction versus labral repair.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, diagnostic case series.

Return to Play After Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Elbow UCL Injury: Outcomes Based on Injury Severity.

Background:Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the elbow are uncommon in the general population but prevalent in the athletic community, particularly among baseball players. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy has become a popular nonoperative adjuvant treatment for such injuries to help reduce recovery time and avoid surgery.Purpose/Hypothesis:To analyze patient outcomes by injury severity and identify injury types that responded most favorably and unfavorably to PRP treatment. It was hypothesized that PRP therapy would prove to be most beneficial in the treatment of lower-grade, partial UCL tears and less effective in the treatment of more severe, complete UCL tears.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A cohort of 50 patients with UCL injuries in their dominant elbow, diagnosed by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) arthrogram, underwent PRP therapy in conjunction with an established rehabilitation program. UCL injuries were classified by MRI as low-grade partial tear (Type I), high-grade partial tear (Type II), complete tear (Type III), or tear in more than 1 location (Type IV).Results:In total, 24 of 39 (61.5%) Type I and II tears, 3 of 3 (100%) Type III tears, and 1 of 8 (12.5%) patients with Type IV tears responded to UCL PRP injection therapy and were able to return to play without surgery. Ten patients required subsequent UCL PRP injections, of which 3 (30%) were able to return to sport without surgery.Conclusion:PRP treatment for Types I and II UCL tears shows great promise when combined with physical therapy and a rehabilitation program. Type III UCL tears demonstrated a high rate of success, although with low cohort numbers. Type IV UCL tears did not appear to respond well to PRP injection therapy and often required surgical intervention or cessation of sport. Therefore, PRP treatment does not appear to be appropriate for patients with complete Type IV UCL tears but may enhance recovery and improve outcomes in throwing athletes with Types I, II, and III UCL injuries.

Posterior Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament: A Rare and Nonspecific Injury

Posterior Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament: A Rare and Nonspecific Injury

Reducing the Volume of Low-Value Outpatient MRI Joint Examinations in Patients ≥55 Years of Age.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not beneficial in patients with joint pain and concomitant osteoarthritis (OA). We attempt to determine whether evaluation of OA via X-rays can reduce inappropriate MRI and computed tomography (CT) arthrogram use. In our jurisdiction, CT arthrograms are used as surrogate tests because of MRI wait times. Our intervention required patients ≥55 years of age scheduled for outpatient MRI of the knee/hip/shoulder at an urban hospital to have X-rays (weight bearing when appropriate) from within 1 year. Red flags (ie, neoplasm, infection) were identified for which MRI would be indicated regardless. Through review of radiographs on picture archiving and communication system/digital media and use of the validated Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) OA scale, radiologists assessed the presence and degree of OA. A finding of significant OA (KL > 2) without red flags would preclude MRI. Monthly averages of MRI and CT arthrogram examinations were measured 33 months before and 23 months following introduction of the intervention. The proportion of protocoled MRI requisitions that were avoided was 21%. If extrapolated to the province of British Columbia, 2419 of 11 700 examinations could have been prevented in the past year. The average monthly number of knee/hip/shoulder MRI examinations as a percentage of total MRI examinations decreased from 4.9% to 4.3% (P < .02) following the intervention. The average monthly number of knee/hip/shoulder CT arthrogram examinations decreased from 20.6 to 12.1 (P < .0001). We were able to decrease the number of MRI and CT arthrogram examinations in patients ≥55 years of age with joint pain by implementing an evaluation for OA via recent X-ray imaging.

A Buford Complex in a Division I Collegiate American Football Player

A 19-year-old African-American male Division I collegiate American football player with no prior history of shoulder injury presented with right shoulder pain after making a tackle during a game. He was initially diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain with potential underlying labral pathology. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram showed no labral tearing, though a Buford complex was identified. A Buford complex is a normal anatomical labral variant where the anterior labrum is absent and the middle glenohumeral ligament is “cord-like” in structure. This case was managed conservatively since surgical intervention is only recommended if there is a secondary pathology to the shoulder (e.g., type II superior labrum anterior to posterior [SLAP] lesions). Clinicians should be aware of Buford complexes because they can predispose athletes to secondary injuries and can be managed successfully with a conservative rehabilitation approach in the absence of secondary pathology.

Hip Alpha Angle is Associated with Anterior-Superior Labral Tears but not Anterior Labral Tears

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to examine the associations between hip and acetabular morphology, clinical and demographic patient factors, and acetabular labral tear location in young adults. Materials and methodsThis study was reviewed by the local Institutional Review Board. The hip magnetic resonance imaging arthrograms from 100 young adult patients (aged 18-35 years) who underwent hip arthroscopy within 1 month of the arthrogram were reviewed. Clinical and demographic variables including age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and quantitative hip measurements of acetabular anteversion, alpha and beta angles, femoral head extrusion index, lateral center edge angle, acetabular depth-width ratio, Sharp's and Tönnis’ angles were measured, and compared based on acetabular tear location. ResultsNinety-six (96%) of patients had arthroscopically confirmed acetabular tears, and 4 (4%) patients had a normal acetabula labrum. Most (85 [88.5%]) patients had tears involving the anterior-superior labrum and another location, 41 (42.7%) patients had tears involving the anterior labrum and another location, and 35 (36.5%) had tears involving the superior-lateral labrum and another location. Tears commonly occurred in more than one location, with 37 (38.5%) patients having tears in both the anterior and anterior-superior labrum; 28 (29.2%) patients with tears in both the anterior-superior and superior-lateral labrum and 11 (11.5%) patients with tears in the anterior and superior-lateral labrum. Patients with isolated tears of the anterior-superior labrum had on average higher alpha angles than patients with isolated tears of the anterior labrum (P = 0.007). In patients with anterior-superior labral tears, increased BMI (P = 0.033), and weight (P = 0.024) were associated with having concomitant tears of the superior-lateral labrum. DiscussionMR arthrograms are 96% sensitive for detecting acetabular labral tears. Acetabular labral tears tend to co-occur in different locations, with anterior and anterior-superior labral tears most commonly co-occurring. Patients with isolated anterior-superior labral tears had on average higher alpha angles than patients with isolated anterior labral tears.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT TEARS IN ADOLESCENT BASEBALL PITCHERS

BACKGROUND: The number of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries in adolescent baseball pitchers has risen over the past 2 decades with the incidence of UCL reconstructions also increasing dramatically over that time period. The Joyner-Andrews magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) classification of UCL tears has previously been described to describe the grade and location of tears, which can aid in surgical decision-making. However, the classification of UCL tears in the at-risk adolescent population has yet to fully investigated. Improving our knowledge of these injuries is crucial to help drive targeted evidence-based treatment strategies. The purpose of this study was to examine the grade and location UCL tears using the Joyner-Andrews MRI classification in a large group of adolescent baseball pitchers. METHODS: We reviewed 225 symptomatic adolescent (aged =19 years) male baseball pitchers with UCL injuries treated by the senior author from 2007-2016. All patients had failed conservative treatment prior to evaluation. Pitchers with a prior history of elbow surgery were excluded. Plain radiographs and MRI arthrograms were evaluated for each patient to categorize the UCL injury and associated pathology. The images were reviewed by a sports medicine-trained orthopedic surgeon. UCL tear grade and location were classified using the Joyner-Andrews classification. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of evaluation was 17.2 ± 1.5 years. 56% of the patients were high school athletes. The majority (59.1%) of UCL tears were high-grade partial tears (Type II). Of those 53.4% were on the humeral side (Type II H). The least common tear types were low-grade partial tears (I) and tears in more than one location (Type IV) in 1.3% and 0.9% of patients, respectively. Plain radiographs revealed 31.4% of patients had abnormal findings; calcifications and olecranon osteophytes were present in 10% and 13% of patients, respectively and more commonly occurred in patients with Type II tears. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the majority of adolescent baseball pitchers (59%) sustain high-grade partial tears of the UCL. These findings suggest that effective non-reconstruction options such as platelet-rich plasma and UCL repair with internal brace augmentation could be ideal alternatives to UCL reconstruction for these young patients. The high percentage of radiographic abnormalities in these patients highlights the adaptive changes about the elbow in response to the repetitive stresses experienced by the young elbow during throwing.

TFCC Injuries: Meta-Analysis and Comparison of Diagnostic Imaging Modalities.

Background Imaging of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC) remains difficult, as no single imaging modality demonstrates perfect sensitivity and specificity. Purpose This study performs a meta-analysis of multiple previous publications to guide noninvasive imaging selection for the diagnosis of TFCC injuries. Methods A literature search was performed and conducted. Studies were included that compared the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), and computed tomography (CT)/computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) for the evaluation of TFCC injuries. All studies included either arthroscopic or open surgical findings as the "gold standard." A meta-analysis was performed comparing the diagnostic accuracy of MRA, MRI, and CT for the detection of TFCC injuries. Results Initial search returned 2,568 candidate articles. Studies were then reviewed and narrowed yielding a total of 28 independent studies (20 MRI, 9 MRA, 4 CT/CTA with some studies including multiple modalities) considered in the qualitative data synthesis. Pooling of the raw data in a meta-analysis demonstrated sensitivities of 0.76 (0.72-0.80), 0.78(0.70-0.84), and 0.89 (0.81-0.95) for MRI, MRA, and CT arthrogram, respectively, with specificities of 0.82 (0.77-0.86), 0.85 (0.77-0.92), and 0.89 (0.81-0.95), respectively. Additionally, across all imaging modalities, diagnostic accuracy was highest for central TFCC lesions versus peripheral lesions. Conclusion This study represents the largest meta-analysis to date to compare multiple imaging modalities for the diagnosis of TFCC injuries. Pooled data demonstrated that CTA and MRA had statistically equivalent sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of TFCC injuries. Diagnostic accuracy was highest for central TFCC injuries.

Clinical Assessment of Physical Examination Maneuvers for Superior Labral Anterior to Posterior Lesions.

Purpose Shoulder pain and disability pose a diagnostic challenge owing to the numerous etiologies and the potential for multiple disorders to exist simultaneously. The evidence to support the use of clinical tests for superior labral anterior to posterior complex (SLAP) is weak or absent. The purpose of this study is to determine the diagnostic validity of physical examination maneuvers for SLAP lesions by performing a methodologically rigorous, clinically applicable study. Methods We recruited consecutive new shoulder patients reporting pain and/or disability. The physician took a history and indicated their certainty about each possible diagnosis (“certain the diagnosis is absent/present,” or “uncertain requires further testing”). The clinician performed the physical tests for diagnoses where uncertainty remained. Magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram and arthroscopic examination were the gold standards. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) and investigated whether combinations of the top tests provided stronger predictions. Results Ninety-three patients underwent physical examination for SLAP lesions. When using the presence of a SLAP lesion (Types I–V) as disease positive, none of the tests was sensitive (10.3–33.3) although they were moderately specific (61.3–92.6). When disease positive was defined as repaired SLAP lesion (including biceps tenodesis or tenotomy), the sensitivity (10.5–38.7) and specificity (70.6–93.8) of tests improved although not by a substantial amount. None of the tests was found to be clinically useful for predicting repairable SLAP lesions with all LRs close to one. The compression rotation test had the best LR for both definitions of disease (SLAP tear present = 1.8 and SLAP repaired = 1.67). There was no optimal combination of tests for diagnosing repairable SLAP lesions, with at least two tests positive providing the best combination of measurement properties (sensitivity 46.1% and specificity 64.7%). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the physical examination tests for SLAP lesions are poor diagnostic indicators of disease. Performing a combination of tests will likely help, although the magnitude of the improvement is minimal. These authors caution clinicians placing confidence in the physical examination tests for SLAP lesions rather we suggest that clinicians rely on diagnostic imaging to confirm this diagnosis.

The validity and accuracy of MRI arthrogram in the assessment of painful articular disorders of the hip.

The assessment of a patient with chronic hip pain can be challenging. The differential diagnosis of intra-articular pathology causing hip pain can be diverse. These includes conditions such as osteoarthritis, fracture, and avascular necrosis, synovitis, loose bodies, labral tears, articular pathology and, femoro-acetabular impingement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) arthrography of the hip has been widely used now for diagnosis of articular pathology of the hip. A retrospective analysis of 113 patients who had MRI arthrogram and who underwent hip arthroscopy was included in the study. The MRI arthrogram was performed using gadolinium injection and reported by a single radiologist. The findings were then compared to that found on arthroscopy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy and 95% confidence interval were calculated for each pathology. Labral tear-sensitivity 84% (74.3-90.5), specificity 64% (40.7-82.8), PPV 91% (82.1-95.8), NPV 48% (29.5-67.5), accuracy 80%. Delamination -sensitivity 7% (0.8-22.1), specificity 98% (91.6-99.7), PPV 50% (6.8-93.2), NPV 74% (65.1-82.2) and accuracy 39%. Chondral changes-sensitivity 25% (13.3-38.9), specificity 83% (71.3-91.1), PPV 52% (30.6-73.2), NPV 59% (48.0-69.2) and accuracy 58%. Femoro-acetabular impingement (CAM deformity)-sensitivity 34% (19.6-51.4), specificity 83% (72.2-90.4), PPV 50% (29.9-70.1), NPV 71% (60.6-80.5) and accuracy 66%. Synovitis-sensitivity 11% (2.3-28.2), specificity 99% (93.6-100), PPV 75% (19.4-99.4), NPV 77% (68.1-84.6) and accuracy 77%. Our study conclusions are MRI arthrogram is a useful investigation tool in detecting labral tears, it is also helpful in the diagnosis of femoro-acetabular impingement. However, when it comes to the diagnosis of chondral changes, defects and cartilage delamination, the sensitivity and accuracy are low.

Diagnostic Validity of Patient-Reported History for Shoulder Pathology

Objective The purpose of this article is to determine whether patient-reported history items are predictive of shoulder pathology and have the potential for use in triaging patients with shoulder pathology to orthopaedic outpatient clinics. Setting It is set at two tertiary orthopaedic clinics. Patients All new patients reporting pain and/or disability of the shoulder joint were prospectively recruited. A total of 193 patients were enrolled, 15 of whom withdrew, leaving 178 patients composing the study sample. Design Patients completed a questionnaire on the history of their pathology, then the surgeon took a thorough history indicating the most likely diagnosis. The clinician then performed appropriate physical examination. Arthroscopy was the reference standard for those undergoing surgery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with arthrogram for all others. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) of history items alone and in combination. We used the LRs to generate a clinical decision algorithm. Main Outcome Measures Diagnosis was determined through arthroscopy or MRI arthrogram. Reporting was standardized to ensure review of all structures. Results The physical examination and history agreed in 75% of cases. Of those that did not agree, the physical examination misdirected the diagnosis in 47% of our cases. In particular, history items were strong predictors of anterior and posterior instability and subscapularis tears and were combined in a tool to be utilized for screening patients. Conclusion The patient-reported history items were effective for diagnosing shoulder pathology and should be considered for use in a triaging instrument.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Glenoid in a Major League Baseball Prospect

A 16-year-old Major League Baseball prospect presented with persistent shoulder pain associated with throwing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a large osteochondritis dissecans lesion in the posterosuperior aspect of the glenoid. The patient was restricted from throwing and underwent therapy to improve range of motion and throwing mechanics. Eight months after initiating nonoperative treatment, an MRI arthrogram demonstrated a healed lesion. At follow-up 2 years after treatment, full relief of symptoms had persisted. Osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the glenoid are extremely rare, but have the potential to heal in overhead-throwing athletes. To our knowledge, this is the only case reported in the literature that demonstrates a healed osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the glenoid following nonoperative treatment.

In vivo clinical and radiological effects of platelet-rich plasma on interstitial supraspinatus lesion: Case series

BackgroundRotator cuff tear (RCT) is a frequent condition of clinical relevance that can be managed with a symptomatic conservative treatment, but surgery is often needed. Biological components like leukocytes and platelet rich plasma (L-PRP) could represent an alternative curative method for interstitial RCT. HypothesesIt has been hypothesized that an ultrasound guided L-PRP injection in supraspinatus interstitial RCT could induce radiological healing. Material and methodsA prospective case series including 25 patients was performed in order to assess the effect of L-PRP infiltration into supraspinatus interstitial RCTs. Primary outcome was tear size change determined by magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram (MRA) before and 6 months after L-PRP infiltration. Secondary outcomes were Constant score, SANE score, and pain visual analog scale (VAS) after L-PRP infiltration. ResultsTear volume diminution was statistically significant (P=.007), and a >50% tear volume diminution was observed in 15 patients. A statistically significant improvement of Constant score (P<.001), SANE score (P=.001), and VAS (P<.001) was observed. In 21 patients, Constant score improvement reached the minimal clinical important difference of 10.4 points. DiscussionWe observed a statistically significant and clinically relevant effect on RCT size and clinical parameters after L-PRP infiltration. Such an important improvement of supraspinatus interstitial RCT with conservative management is uncommon, therefore intratendinous L-PRP infiltrations could have been beneficial. This encouraging result could pave the way for future randomized studies in order to formally determinate whether L-PRP infiltrations are a possible alternative to surgical treatment of interstitial RCT. Level of evidenceProspective observational study; Level of evidence II.

In vivo clinical and radiological effects of platelet-rich plasma on interstitial supraspinatus lesion

Background Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is a frequent condition of clinical relevance that can be managed with symptomatic conservative treatment, but must often be surgically managed. Biological components like platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) could represent an alternative curative treatment for interstitial RCT. Hypothesis Ultrasound guided L-PRP injection in supraspinatus interstitial RCT would induce radiological healing and improve symptoms. Methods A prospective case series was performed in order to assess the effect of L-PRP infiltration into supraspinatus interstitial RCTs. Primary outcome was tear size evolution determined by magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram (MRA) before and 6 months after L-PRP infiltration. Secondary outcomes were Constant score, SANE score, and Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) evolution after L-PRP infiltration. Results Twenty-five patients were included into this study. Tear volume diminution was statistically significant ( P = .007), and a > 50% tear volume diminution was observed in 15 patients. A statistically significant amelioration of Constant score ( P P = .001), and VAS ( P Conclusion We observed a statistically significant and clinically relevant effect on RCT size and clinical parameters after L-PRP infiltration. In clinical practice, such an important amelioration of supraspinatus interstitial RCT with conservative management is uncommon, therefore intratendinous L-PRP infiltrations could have been beneficial. This encouraging result should pave the way to future randomized studies in order to formally determinate whether L-PRP infiltrations could be an alternative to surgical treatment of interstitial RCT.

Is the Apprehension Test Sufficient for the Diagnosis of Anterior Shoulder Instability in Young Patients without Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

The purpose of this study is to compare the sensitivities and positive predictive values (PPV) of the anterior apprehension test and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of anterior labral tears in young patients with shoulder instability and to determine if surgery could be carried out without this investigation in selected patients. We undertook a retrospective study of 168 patients aged between 15 and 30 years with a history of shoulder dislocation and compared the sensitivities and the PPV of the apprehension test with both MRI and magnetic resonance arthrograms (MRA) in the diagnosis of a Bankart lesion. The radiological investigations were interpreted by general practice radiologists and specialised musculoskeletal radiologists. All patients had their diagnosis confirmed by shoulder arthroscopy. Our results showed that the apprehension test was highly reliable when it was positive with a PPV of 96%. It was more sensitive than MRI in the diagnosis of a Bankart lesion. The clinical test was significantly better when a musculoskeletal radiologist interpreted the MRI. The MRA interpreted by a musculoskeletal radiologist had the highest rates of sensitivity in detecting Bankart lesions. The figure was similar to that for the apprehension test. There was no difference in the PPVs among the clinical test, the MRI and the MRA read by the 2 categories of radiologists. We conclude that a routine MRI may be unnecessary in evaluating a young patient with clinically evident anterior shoulder instability if the apprehension test is positive. A MRA that can be interpreted by a musculoskeletal radiologist will be the next best investigation if the clinical test is negative or equivocal.