Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence Research Articles

The relationship between pseudotumours and infected complications in patients who have undergone metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.

This study aims to assess the relationship between history of pseudotumour formation secondary to metal-on-metal (MoM) implants and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rate, as well as establish ESR and CRP thresholds that are suggestive of infection in these patients. We hypothesized that patients with a pseudotumour were at increased risk of infection. A total of 1,171 total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients with MoM articulations from August 2000 to March 2014 were retrospectively identified. Of those, 328 patients underwent metal artefact reduction sequence MRI and had minimum two years' clinical follow-up, and met our inclusion criteria. Data collected included demographic details, surgical indication, laterality, implants used, history of pseudotumour, and their corresponding preoperative ESR (mm/hr) and CRP (mg/dl) levels. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate PJI and history of pseudotumour, and receiver operating characteristic curves were created to assess the diagnostic capabilities of ESR and CRP to determine the presence of infection in patients undergoing revision surgery. The rate of PJI for all identified MoM THAs was 3.5% (41/1,171), with a mean follow-up of 10.9 years (2.0 to 20.4). Of the patients included in the final cohort, 8.2% (27/328) had PJI, with a mean follow-up of 12.2 years (2.3 to 20.4). Among this cohort, 31.1% (102/328) had a history of pseudotumour. The rate of PJI in these patients was 14.7% (15/102), which was greater than those without pseudotumour, 5.3% (12/226) (p = 0.008). Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed an association between history of pseudotumour and PJI (odds ratio 4.36 (95% confidence interval 1.77 to 11.3); p = 0.002). Optimal diagnostic cutoffs for PJI in patients with history of pseudotumour versus those without were 33.1 mm/hr and 24.5 mm/hr for ESR and 7.37 mg/dl and 1.88 mg/dl for CRP, respectively. Patients with history of pseudotumour secondary to MoM THA had a higher likelihood of infection than those without. While suspicion of infection should be high for these patients, ESR and CRP cutoffs published by the European Bone and Joint Infection Society may not be appropriate for patients with a history of pseudotumour, as ESR and CRP levels suggestive of PJI are likely to be higher than for those without a pseudotumour. Additional investigation, such as aspiration, is highly recommended for these patients unless clinical suspicion and laboratory markers are low.

Metal artifact reduction sequence-MRI abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with dual-mobility hip prostheses.

Modular dual-mobility (DM) articulations are increasingly used during total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, concerns remain regarding the metal liner modularity. This study aims to correlate metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS)-MRI abnormalities with serum metal ion levels in patients with DM articulations. A total of 45 patients (50 hips) with a modular DM articulation were included with mean follow-up of 3.7 years (SD 1.2). Enrolled patients with an asymptomatic, primary THA and DM articulation with over two years' follow-up underwent MARS-MRI. Each patient had serum cobalt, chromium, and titanium levels drawn. Patient satisfaction, Oxford Hip Score, and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) were collected. Each MARS-MRI was independently reviewed by fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists blinded to serum ion levels. Overall, two patients (4.4%) had abnormal periprosthetic fluid collections on MARS-MRI with cobalt levels > 3.0 μg/l. Four patients (8.9%) had MARS-MRI findings consistent with greater trochanteric bursitis, all with cobalt levels < 1.0 μg/l. A seventh patient had a periprosthetic fluid collection with normal ion levels. Of the 38 patients without MARS-MRI abnormalities, 37 (97.4%) had cobalt levels < 1.0 μg/l, while one (2.6%) had a cobalt level of 1.4 μg/l. One patient (2.2%) had a chromium level > 3.0 μg/l and a periprosthetic fluid collection. Of the 41 patients with titanium levels, five (12.2%) had titanium levels > 5.0 μg/l without associated MARS-MRI abnormalities. Periprosthetic fluid collections associated with elevated serum cobalt levels in patients with asymptomatic DM articulations occur infrequently (4.4%), but further assessment is necessary due to implant heterogeneity.

Managing hardware-related metal artifacts in MRI: current and evolving techniques.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) around metal implants has been challenging due to magnetic susceptibility differences between metal implants and adjacent tissues, resulting in image signal loss, geometric distortion, and loss of fat suppression. These artifacts can compromise the diagnostic accuracy and the evaluation of surrounding anatomical structures. As the prevalence of total joint replacements continues to increase in our aging society, there is a need for proper radiological assessment of tissues around metal implants to aid clinical decision-making in the management of post-operative complaints and complications. Various techniques for reducing metal artifacts in musculoskeletal imaging have been explored in recent years. One approach focuses on improving hardware components. High-density multi-channel radiofrequency (RF) coils, parallel imaging techniques, and gradient warping correction enable signal enhancement, image acquisition acceleration, and geometric distortion minimization. In addition, the use of susceptibility-matched implants and low-field MRI helps to reduce magnetic susceptibility differences. The second approach focuses on metal artifact reduction sequences such as view-angle tilting (VAT) and slice-encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC). Iterative reconstruction algorithms, deep learning approaches, and post-processing techniques are used to estimate and correct artifact-related errors in reconstructed images. This article reviews recent developments in clinically applicable metal artifact reduction techniques as well as advances in MR hardware. The review provides a better understanding of the basic principles and techniques, as well as an awareness of their limitations, allowing for a more reasoned application of these methods in clinical settings.

Clinical outcomes of 3T magnetic resonance imaging-guided lumbar and sacral foraminal injections

PurposeThis article evaluates the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of MRI-guided lumbar or sacral nerve root infiltration for chronic back pain. We compared the outcomes of our MRI-guided infiltrations with data from CT-guided infiltrations reported in the literature and explored the potential advantages of MRI guidance.MethodForty-eight MRI-guided nerve root infiltrations were performed using a 3 T MRI machine. The optimal needle path was determined using breathhold T2-weighted sequences, and the needle was advanced under interleaved guidance based on breathhold PD-weighted images. Pain levels were assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS) before the procedure and up to 5 months after, during follow-up. Procedure success was evaluated by comparing patients’ pain levels before and after the infiltration.ResultsThe MRI-guided infiltrations yielded pain reduction 1 week after the infiltration in 92% of cases, with an average NRS substantial change of 3.9 points. Pain reduction persisted after 5 months for 51% of procedures. No procedure-related complications occurred. The use of a 22G needle and reconstructed subtraction images from T2 FatSat sequences improved the workflow.ConclusionOur study showed that MRI-guided nerve root infiltration is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment option for chronic back pain. Precise positioning of the needle tip and accurate distribution of the injected solution contributed to the effectiveness of MRI-guided infiltration, which appeared to be as accurate as CT-guided procedures. Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of metal artifact reduction sequences to optimize chronic back pain management.

Synthetic computed tomography based dose calculation in prostate cancer patients with hip prostheses for magnetic resonance imaging-only radiotherapy.

Metallic hip prostheses cause substantial artefacts in both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images used in radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP) for prostate cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose calculation accuracy of a synthetic CT (sCT) generation workflow and the improvement in implant visibility using metal artefact reduction sequences. The study included 23 patients with prostate cancer who had hip prostheses, of which 10 patients had bilateral hip implants. An in-house protocol was applied to create sCT images for dose calculation comparison. The study compared prostheses volumes and resulting avoidance sectors against planning target volume (PTV) dose uniformity and organs at risk (OAR) sparing. Median PTV dose difference between sCT and CT-based dose calculation among all patients was 0.1 % (-0.4 to 0.4%) (median(range)). Bladder and rectum differences (V50Gy) were 0.2 % (-0.3 to 1.1%) and 0.1 % (-0.9 to 0.5%). The median 3D local gamma pass rate for partial arc cases using a Dixon MR sequence was Γ20%2mm/2% = 99.9%. For the bilateral full arc cases, using a metal artefact reconstruction sequence, the pass rate was Γ20%2mm/2% = 99.0%. An in-house protocol for generating sCT images for dose calculation provided clinically feasible dose calculation accuracy for prostate cancer patients with hip implants. PTV median dose difference for uni- and bilateral patients with avoidance sectors remained <0.4%. The Outphase images enhanced implant visibility resulting in smaller avoidance sectors, better OAR sparing, and improved PTV uniformity.

METAL ARTIFACT REDUCTION SEQUENCE MRI ABNORMALITIES IN ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS WITH DUAL MOBILITY HIP PROSTHESES

Modular dual mobility (DM) articulations are increasingly utilized during total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, concerns remain regarding the metal liner modularity. This study aims to correlate metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities with serum metal ion levels in patients with DM articulations.All patients with an asymptomatic, primary THA and DM articulation with &gt;2-year follow-up underwent MARS-MRI of the operative hip. Each patient had serum cobalt, chromium, and titanium levels drawn. Patient satisfaction, Oxford Hip Score, and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) were collected. Each MARS-MRI was independently reviewed by fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists blinded to serum ion levels.Forty-five patients (50 hips) with a modular DM articulation were included with average follow-up of 3.7±1.2 years. Two patients (4.4%) had abnormal periprosthetic fluid collections on MARS-MRI with cobalt levels &gt;3.0 μg/L. Four patients (8.9%) had MARS-MRI findings consistent with greater trochanteric bursitis, all with cobalt levels &lt; 1.0 μg/L. A seventh patient had a periprosthetic fluid collection with normal ion levels. Of the 38 patients without MARS-MRI abnormalities, 37 (97.4%) had cobalt levels &lt;1.0 μg/L, while one (2.6%) had a cobalt level of 1.4 μg/L. One patient (2.2%) had a chromium level &gt;3.0 μg/L and a periprosthetic fluid collection. Of the 41 patients with titanium levels, five (12.2%) had titanium levels &gt;5.0 μg/L without associated MARS-MRI abnormalities.Periprosthetic fluid collections associated with elevated serum cobalt levels in patients with asymptomatic dual mobility articulations occur infrequently (4.4%), but further assessment of these patients is necessary.Level of Evidence: Level IV

MRI surveillance after translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma resection and cochlear implantation: is it feasible?

PurposeCochlear implantation in patients with vestibular schwannomas is of increasing importance and interest. Two remaining challenges are the assessment of conduction of the cochlear nerve and the possibility of postoperative surveillance with magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of the current study was to assess follow-up imaging and determine the visibility of the internal auditory canal after vestibular schwannoma resection and cochlear implantation as well as in patients with persistent vestibular schwannomas and cochlear implants in place. Visibility of the internal auditory canal, cerebellopontine angle, and labyrinth were evaluated and graded.MethodsFor this retrospective study, 15 MR examinations of 13 patients after translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma resection and ipsilateral cochlear implantation were included. All patients had been implanted with an MED-EL cochlear implant. Magnetic resonance imaging was carried out on a 1.5T device. All patients were prepped according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.ResultsAll 15 examinations were carried out without any adverse event during imaging, such as pain, magnet dislocation, or malfunction. The internal auditory canal and the cerebellopontine angle were sufficiently visible in all cases to allow for vestibular schwannoma follow-up.ConclusionMagnetic resonance imaging surveillance of the internal auditory canal following vestibular schwannoma resection and cochlear implantation is feasible and safe with modern implants with a 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging device using metal artifact reduction sequences. Necessary follow-up imaging should not be a contraindication for cochlear implantation in patients with vestibular schwannomas.

Prospective Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Magnesium-Based Alloy Screw Resorption in Pediatric Fractures.

The resorption of magnesium-based alloy bioabsorbable screws results in the release of hydrogen gas, which can mimic infection and enter the growth plate. The screw itself and the released gas may also affect image quality. The evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings during the most active phase of screw resorption is the objective, with particular focus on the growth plate and to assess for the presence of metal-induced artifacts. In total, 30 prospectively acquired MRIs from 17 pediatric patients with fractures treated with magnesium screws were assessed for the presence and distribution of intraosseous, extraosseous, and intra-articular gas; gas within the growth plate; osteolysis along the screw; joint effusion; bone marrow edema; periosteal reaction; soft tissue edema; and metal-induced artifacts. Gas locules were found in the bone and soft tissues in 100% of the examinations, intra-articular in 40%, and in 37% of unfused growth plates. Osteolysis and the periosteal reaction were present in 87%, bone marrow edema in 100%, soft tissue edema in 100%, and joint effusion in 50% of examinations. Pile-up artifacts were present in 100%, and geometric distortion in 0% of examinations. Fat suppression was not significantly impaired in any examination. Gas and edema in the bone and soft tissues are normal findings during the resorption of magnesium screws and should not be misinterpreted as infection. Gas can also be detected within growth plates. MRI examinations can be performed without metal artifact reduction sequences. Standard fat suppression techniques are not significantly affected.

Assessing osteonecrosis of the femoral head after internal fixation of femoral neck fractures in young patients with fixation implants in situ: the value of MARS MRI in relation to conventional radiography and patient-reported outcomes

Little is known on the use of metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) MRI to diagnose osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) after fixation of femoral neck fractures (FNF) with conventional metal implants present. We compared MARS MRI with radiography in diagnosing ONFH. Secondarily, we determined whether signs of ONFH on MARS MRI correlate with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) via Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and pain (VAS). 30 adults under 60 years treated with internal fixation after FNF were prospectively included (2015-2018) at 2 hospitals. They were followed up with radiography and PROs at 4, 12, and 24 months and MARS MRI at 4 and 12 months. OHS < 34 or VAS pain > 20 was considered significant. At 12 months, 14 patients had a pathological MRI. 3 of 14 had ONFH on radiographs at 12 months, increasing to 5 at 24 months, and 4 had unfavorable PROs. 2 of 5 patients with ONFH signs on both MRI and radiography had unfavorable PROs. 1 of 10 patients with normal MRI and radiography had unfavorable 2-year PROs. 4 patients had inconsistent MRI results, of which 1 developed ONFH. 1 patient dropped out. Information from a pathological MRI was not useful, as a majority remained free from symptoms and ONFH signs on radiographs. Furthermore, PROs did not correlate with imaging results. MARS MRI findings must be better understood before being taken into clinical practice. However, a normal MARS MRI seems to be a good prognostic finding.

Identification of protective and 'at risk' HLA genotypes for the development of pseudotumours around metal-on-metal hip resurfacings.

Hip resurfacing remains a potentially valuable surgical procedure for appropriately-selected patients with optimised implant choices. However, concern regarding high early failure rates continues to undermine confidence in use. A large contributor to failure is adverse local tissue reactions around metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing surfaces. Such phenomena have been well-explored around MoM total hip arthroplasties, but comparable data in equivalent hip resurfacing procedures is lacking. In order to define genetic predisposition, we performed a case-control study investigating the role of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotype in the development of pseudotumours around MoM hip resurfacings. A matched case-control study was performed using the prospectively-collected database at the host institution. In all, 16 MoM hip resurfacing 'cases' were identified as having symptomatic periprosthetic pseudotumours on preoperative metal artefact reduction sequence (MARS) MRI, and were subsequently histologically confirmed as high-grade aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesions (ALVALs) at revision surgery. 'Controls' were matched by implant type in the absence of evidence of pseudotumour. Blood samples from all cases and controls were collected prospectively for high resolution genetic a nalysis targeting 11 separate HLA loci. Statistical significance was set at 0.10 a priori to determine the association between HLA genotype and pseudotumour formation, given the small sample size. Using a previously-reported ALVAL classification, the majority of pseudotumour-positive caseswere found to have intermediate-grade group 2 (n = 10; 63%) or group 3 (n = 4; 25%) histological findings. Two further patients (13%) had high-grade group 4 lesions. HLA-DQB1*05:03:01 (p = 0.0676) and HLA-DRB1*14:54:01 (p = 0.0676) alleles were significantly associated with a higher risk of pseudotumour formation, while HLA-DQA1*03:01:01 (p = 0.0240), HLA-DRB1*04:04:01 (p = 0.0453), HLA-C*01:02:01 (p = 0.0453), and HLA-B*27:05:02 (p = 0.0855) were noted to confer risk reduction. These findings confirm the association between specific HLA genotypes and the risk of pseudotumour development around MoM hip resurfacings. Specifically, the two 'at risk' alleles (DQB1*05:03:01 and DRB1*14:54:01) may hold clinical value in preoperative screening and prospective surgical decision-making.

The anatomical location of cystic pseudotumors and muscle atrophy in metal-on-metal resurfacing hip arthroplasty is related to the surgical approach used for implantation. A subgroup analyses of a randomized controlled trial.

Pseudotumors and muscle atrophy have been associated with metal-on-metal (MoM) resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RHA). We aimed to investigate the influence of the anterolateral (AntLat) and the posterior (Post) surgical approach on the location, grade and prevalence of pseudotumors and muscle atrophy in MoM RHA. Forty-nine patients were randomized to MoM RHA by the AntLat (n = 25) or the Post (n = 24) approach at Aarhus University Hospital. Patients underwent metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for investigation of location, grade and prevalence of pseudotumors and muscle atrophy. Plain radiographs, metal-ions concentrations and clinical outcome scores were evaluated to compare outcomes of the surgical approaches. MRI-detected pseudotumors were seen in 7 of 18 patients (39%) in the AntLat group and in 12 of 22 patients (55%) in the Post group (p = 0.33). Pseudotumors were mainly located anterolaterally to the hip joint in the AntLat group and postero-lateral to the hip joint in the Post group. Higher grades of muscle atrophy of the caudal part of the gluteus medius and minimus (p < 0.004) were seen in the AntLat group, and higher grades of muscle atrophy of the small external rotators were seen in the Post group (p < 0.001). The AntLat group had higher anteversion angles of mean 15.3° (range 6.1-7.5) versus mean 11.5° (range 4.9-22.5) in the Post group (p = 0.02). Metal-ion concentrations and clinical outcome scores were similar between groups (p > 0.08). Muscle atrophy and pseudotumor location after MoM RHA follow the surgical approach used for implantation. This knowledge may help differentiate between "normal postoperative appearance" and "MoM disease."

Sensitivity and specificity for detecting pseudotumors in patients with hip resurfacing arthroplasty, metal-on-metal or metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty-MRI versus ultrasonography performed by an orthopedic surgery resident.

Metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a common method to detect adverse reaction to metal debris in total hip arthroplasty (THA). It might be quicker and cheaper if ultrasonography (US) could screen for the need for an MRI. However, both require trained personnel. We aimed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of US for detecting pseudotumors (PT) when performed by an orthopedic surgery resident compared to MRI. We also investigated the sensitivity and specificity of US to detect PTs in obese and non-obese patients. We examined 205 patients with hip resurfacing arthroplasty, metal-on-metal or metal-on-polyethylene THA with both MRI and US. US was performed by an orthopedic surgery resident who was trained according to a standardized training program in musculoskeletal US. Results from MRI were used as gold standard. US had a sensitivity of 0.92 (95% CI 0.81-0.98) and specificity of 0.94 (95% CI 0.89-0.97) for detecting PT. It had a positive predictive value of 0.84 (95% CI 0.73-0.91) and a negative predictive value of 0.97 (95% CI 0.93-0.99). US performed similarly in obese and non-obese patients. US had a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting PT when performed by an orthopedic surgery resident. Trained orthopedic surgeons could screen for the need of an MRI scan when searching PTs.

Metal Artifact Reduction Sequences MRI: A Useful Reference for Preoperative Diagnosis and Debridement Planning of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

The diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is complex and the use of MRI in PJI is gaining attention from orthopedic surgeons as MR technology continues to advance. This study aimed to investigate whether metal artefact reduction sequence (MARS) MRI could be used as an adjunct in the preoperative diagnosis of PJI and to explore its role in PJI debridement planning. From January 2020 to November 2021, participants with metal joint prostheses that needed to be judged for infection were prospectively enrolled. According to Musculoskeletal Infection Society standards, 31 cases were classified as infection, and 20 as non-infection. The sensitivity and specificity of MARS MRI for the diagnosis of PJI were 80.65% and 75%, respectively. In MARS MRI, the incidence of bone destruction, lamellar synovitis, and extracapsular soft tissue oedema were significantly higher in PJI than in non-PJI. Fourteen suspicious occult lesions were found in the preoperative MARS MRI in 9 cases, and the location of 9 infection lesions was confirmed intraoperatively. In conclusion, MARS MRI is an effective diagnostic tool for PJIand can provide a visual reference for preoperative surgical planning.

The incidence of adverse local tissue reaction due to head taper corrosion after total hip arthroplasty using V40 taper and 36 mm CoCr head

Aims Head-taper corrosion is a cause of failure in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Recent reports have described an increasing number of V40 taper failures with adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR). However, the real incidence of V40 taper damage and its cause remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term incidence of ALTR in a consecutive series of THAs using a V40 taper and identify potentially related factors. Methods Between January 2006 and June 2007, a total of 121 patients underwent THA using either an uncemented (Accolade I, made of Ti12Mo6Zr2Fe; Stryker, USA) or a cemented (ABG II, made of cobalt-chrome-molybdenum (CoCrMo); Stryker) femoral component, both with a V40 taper (Stryker). Uncemented acetabular components (Trident; Stryker) with crosslinked polyethylene liners and CoCr femoral heads of 36 mm diameter were used in all patients. At a mean folllow-up of 10.8 years (SD 1.1), 94 patients (79%) were eligible for follow-up (six patients had already undergone a revision, 15 had died, and six were lost to follow-up). A total of 85 THAs in 80 patients (mean age 61 years (24 to 75); 47 (56%) were female) underwent clinical and radiological evaluation, including the measurement of whole blood levels of cobalt and chrome. Metal artifact reduction sequence MRI scans of the hip were performed in 71 patients. Results A total of 20 ALTRs were identified on MRI, with an incidence of 26%. Patients with ALTR had significantly higher median Co levels compared with those without ALTR (2.96 μg/l (interquartile range (IQR) 1.35 to 4.98) vs 1.44 μg/l (IQR 0.79 to 2.5); p = 0.019). Radiological evidence of osteolysis was also significantly associated with ALTR (p = 0.014). Median Cr levels were not significantly higher in those with ALTR compared with those without one (0.97 μg/l (IQR 0.72 to 1.9) v 0.67 μg/l (IQR 0.5 to 1.19; p = 0.080). BMI, sex, age, type of femoral component, head length, the inclination of the acetabular component, and heterotopic ossification formation showed no significant relationship with ALTR. Conclusion Due to the high incidence of local ALTR in our cohort after more than ten years postoperatively, we recommend regular follow-up investigation even in asymptomatic patients with V40 taper and metal heads. As cobalt levels correlate with ALTR occurrence, routine metal ion screening and consecutive MRI investigation upon elevation could be discussed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):852–858.

Metal Artefact Reduction Sequences (MARS) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) after Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)

BackgroundIn the past, radiographic imaging was of minor relevance in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Since metal artefact reduction sequences (MARS) are available, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a promising diagnostic tool for the evaluation of hip arthroplasty implants. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of MARS-MRI in comparison to established diagnostic tools to distinguish between aseptic failure and PJI.MethodsFrom July 2018 to September 2019, 33 patients classified as having an aseptic joint effusion were recruited into the study. The group included 22 women and 11 men with a mean age of 70.4 ± 13.7 (42–88) years. In the same period, 12 patients were classified as having a PJI. The group consisted of 9 women and 3 men with a mean age of 72.5 ± 10.6 (54–88) years. MARS-MRI was conducted using the optimized parameters at 1.5 T in a coronal and axial STIR (short-tau-inversion recovery), a non-fat-saturated T2 in coronal view and a non-fat-saturated T1 in transverse view in 45 patients with painful hip after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Normally distributed continuous data were shown as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and compared using student's t-test. Non-normally distributed continuous data were shown as mean and compared using the Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsSynovial layering and muscle edema were significant features of periprosthetic joint infection, with sensitivities of 100% and specifities of 63.0—75.0%. The combined specifity and sensitivity levels of synovial layering and muscular edema was 88.0% and 90.0%. Granulomatous synovitis was a significant feature for aseptic failure, with 90.0% sensitivity and 57.0% specifity.ConclusionMARS-MRI is as suitable as standard diagnostic tools to distinguish between aseptic failure and PJI in patients with THA. Further studies with larger patient numbers have to prove whether MARS-MRI could be integral part of PJI diagnostic.

Practical Aspects of novel MRI Techniques in Neuroradiology: Part 1–3D Acquisitions, Dixon Techniques and Artefact Reduction

Recently introduced MRI techniques offer improved image quality and facilitate examinations of patients even when artefacts are expected. They pave the way for novel diagnostic imaging strategies in neuroradiology. These methods include improved 3D imaging, movement and metal artefact reduction techniques as well as Dixon techniques. Narrative review with an educational focus based on current literature research and practical experiences of different professions involved (physicians, MRI technologists/radiographers, physics/biomedical engineering). Different hardware manufacturers are considered. 3D FLAIR is an example of a versatile 3D Turbo Spin Echo sequence with broad applicability in routine brain protocols. It facilitates detection of smaller lesions and more precise measurements for follow-up imaging. It also offers high sensitivity for extracerebral lesions. 3D techniques are increasingly adopted for imaging arterial vessel walls, cerebrospinal fluid spaces and peripheral nerves. Improved hybrid-radial acquisitions are available for movement artefact reduction in a broad application spectrum. Novel susceptibility artefact reduction techniques for targeted application supplement previously established metal artefact reduction sequences. Most of these techniques can be further adapted to achieve the desired diagnostic performances. Dixon techniques allow for homogeneous fat suppression in transition areas and calculation of different image contrasts based on a single acquisition. · 3D FLAIR can replace 2 D FLAIR for most brain imaging applications and can be a cornerstone of more precise and more widely applicable protocols.. · Further 3D TSE sequences are increasingly replacing 2D TSE sequences for specific applications.. · Improvement of artefact reduction techniques increase the potential for effective diagnostic MRI exams despite movement or near metal implants.. · Dixon techniques facilitate homogeneous fat suppression and simultaneous acquisition of multiple contrasts.. · Sundermann B, Billebaut B, Bauer J et al. Practical Aspects of novel MRI Techniques in Neuroradiology: Part 1-3D Acquisitions, Dixon Techniques and Artefact Reduction. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 1100 - 1108.

Can Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MARS-MRI) Help In The Diagnosis Of Periprosthetic Shoulder Infection?

The purpose of our study was to determine the reliability, repeatability, and diagnostic performance of metal artifact reduction magnetic resonance imaging (MARS-MRI) findings for the diagnosis of peri-prosthetic shoulder infection (PSI).

Metal Articulations as a Source of Total Hip Arthroplasty Pain

The consensus systematic risk stratification algorithm from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and The Hip Society summarizes clinical challenges in evaluation and treatment of metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients with adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) due to mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC), reviews up-to-date evidence, and identifies the areas for future research in order to provide a useful resource for orthopedic surgeons providing care to these patients. A painful THA has various intrinsic and extrinsic causes. ALTR is one of the intrinsic causes in patients with painful THA. The occurrence of ALTR due to MACC at modular junctions is likely to be multifactorial, including implant, surgical, and patient factors. Therefore, a systematic evaluation needs to involve a focused clinical history, detailed physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging in order to identify potential differential diagnoses. There should be a low threshold to perform a systematic evaluation of patients with painful non–metal-on-metal THA, including patients with metal-on-polyethylene THA, and modular dual-mobility THA with the CoCr metal acetabular insert, as early recognition and diagnosis of ALTR due to MACC will facilitate initiation of appropriate treatment prior to significant adverse biological reactions. Specialized tests such as blood metal analysis and metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging are important modalities in evaluation and management of ALTR in patients with painful THA.

Influence of head orientation and implantation site of a novel transcutaneous bone conduction implant on MRI metal artifact reduction sequence

PurposeThe use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often limited in patients with auditory implants because of the presence of metallic components and magnets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a customized MRI sequence for metal artifact suppression in patients with BONEBRIDGETM BCI 602 implants (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria), the successor of the BCI 601 model.MethodsUsing our in-house developed and customized metal artifact reduction sequence (SEMAC-VAT WARP), MRI artifacts were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. MRI sequences were performed with and without artifact reduction on two whole head specimens with and without the BCI 602 implant. In addition, the influence of two different implantation sites (mastoid versus retrosigmoid) and head orientation on artifact presence was investigated.ResultsArtifact volume was reduced by more than the 50%. Results were comparable with those obtained with the BCI 601, showing no significant differences in the dimensions of artifacts caused by the implant.ConclusionSEMAC-VAT WARP was once more proved to be efficient at reducing metal artifacts on MR images. The dimensions of artifacts associated with the BCI 602 are not smaller than those caused by the BCI 601.

Predictors of Adverse Local Tissue Reaction in a High-Risk Population.

BackgroundAdverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) is a recognized complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearing surface implants. Specific models of THA implants have been identified as having a higher incidence of ALTR. The purpose of this study is to determine if serum metal levels, patient symptoms, implant factors, and imaging findings can be predictive of ALTR within this high-risk population.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed an observational cohort of 474 patients who underwent MoP THA and were at increased risk of having ALTR. Patients were stratified based on the presence or absence of ALTR. Patient symptoms, serum metal ions, implant head offset, and imaging findings were compared.ResultsPatients with ALTR were more likely to be symptomatic (52.9% vs 9.9%, P < .0001). The presence of ALTR was associated with significantly higher serum cobalt and chromium levels (6.2 ppb vs 3.6 ppb, P < .0001; 2.3 ppb vs 1.2 ppb, P < .0001). Head offsets greater than 4 mm were associated with a higher prevalence of ALTR (53% vs 38%, P = .05). On metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging, patients with ALTR had larger effusions (4.7 cm vs 2.1 cm, P < .001) and a higher incidence of trochanteric bursitis (47% vs 16%, P < .001).ConclusionsIn high-risk MoP implants, serum cobalt and chromium levels are elevated, even in patients without ALTR. A larger femoral head offset is a risk factor for the development of ALTR. Our study suggests that patients presenting with painful THA and elevated metal ions require risk stratification based on patient symptoms, metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging findings, and implant factors.