Postoperative Digital Radiographs Research Articles

Accuracy of Leg Length and Offset Measurements During Total Hip Arthroplasty Using an Imageless Navigation System.

Introduction Leg length and offset are important considerations in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Navigation systems are capable of providing intra-operative measurements of leg length and offset, and high accuracy has been shown in experimental studies. This study assesses the accuracy of an imageless navigation system with a pinless femoral array (Hip 5.1, BrainLAB, Feldkirchen, Germany) in measuring leg length and offset changes in vivo. Methods A prospective, consecutive series of 37 patients undergoing navigated THA were included in the study. Intra-operative measurements of leg length and offset were recorded using the navigation system. For each patient, pre- and post-operative digital radiographs were scaled and analyzed to provide radiographic measurements for comparison. Results Measurements of leg length change made by the navigation system showed a strong correlation with the size of change measured radiographically (R = 0.71; p<0.0001). The mean difference between the radiographic and navigational measurement was 2.6mm ± 3.0mm (0.0-16.0mm) (mean, SD, range). The navigation system was accurate to within 1mm of the radiographic measurement in 49% of cases, within 2mm in 66% of cases, and within 5mm in 89% of cases. Measurements of offset change by the navigation system also showed a correlation with radiographic measurements, albeit less pronounced (R = 0.35; p=0.035). The mean difference between navigational and radiographic measurements was 5.5mm ± 4.7mm (0.0-16.0mm) (mean, SD, range). The navigation system was accurate within 1mm of the radiographic measurement in 22% of cases, within 2mm in 35% of cases, and within 5mm in 57% of cases. Conclusions This research demonstrates in vivo that an imageless, non-invasive navigation system is a reliable tool for intra-operative leg length (accurate within 2mm) and to a lesser extent offset measurement (accurate within 5mm) when compared to standard practice of plain film radiographs.

Restoration of Hip Biomechanics after a Hemiarthroplasty for a Femoral Neck Fracture-Who Does It Better?

Introduction: The restoration of the preoperative biomechanics of the hip, in particular leg length and femoral offset, are critical in restoring normal function and diminishing the risk of dislocation following hip arthroplasty. This study compares the consistency of arthroplasty and non-arthroplasty orthopedic surgeons in restoring the normal biomechanics of the hip when performing a hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of a femoral neck fracture. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the preoperative and postoperative digital radiographs of 175 hips that had a modular hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of a displaced femoral neck fracture at a Level 1 academic hospital. Fifty-two hips were treated by one of the three fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons (Group A), and 123 were treated by one of the nine non-arthroplasty fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons (Group B). Results: Patients in Group A were more likely to have their femoral offset restored to normal than patients in Group B, both with respect to under correcting the offset (p = 0.031) and overcorrecting the offset (p = 0.010). Overall, there was no difference in restoration of leg lengths between the two groups (p = 0.869). Conclusions: Following a hemiarthroplasty for a displaced femoral neck fracture, the normal biomechanics of the hip are more likely to be restored by an arthroplasty-trained surgeon than by a non-arthroplasty-trained surgeon. Identifying the inconsistency of non-arthroplasty surgeons and, to a lesser degree, arthroplasty surgeons in restoring hip biomechanics is important for sensitizing surgeons to rectify this in the future with appropriate templating and femoral implant selection.

Assessing the quality of root canal filling and instrumentation time using kedo-s files, reciprocating files and k-files

Objective: Pulpectomy is the conservative treatment approach that retains and preserves the primary tooth in the dental arch in its normal function and non-pathologic state until its exfoliation. Over the years, pulpectomy has been performed using various instrumentation techniques. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of root filing and instrumentation time using Kedo-S files, Reciprocating files and K-files in primary teeth. Material And Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed on 45 primary molars equally distributed for instrumentation with Kedo-S files, reciprocating files and K-Files. Immediate post-operative digital radiographs were taken to evaluate the quality of root filing and root canal instrumentation time was also recorded. Results: Mean instrumentation time with Kedo-S was 75.6 seconds, reciprocating file was 190.6 seconds and K-file was 95.4 seconds. Highest optimal fill was obtained with Kedo-S file group, highest overfill was obtained with Kedo-S group and highest under fill was obtained with reciprocating file group. Conclusion: Kedo-S rotary system provides better quality of root canal filling in minimum instrumentation time.KEYWORDS Pulpectomy; Primary teeth; Root canal filling; Rotary files.

Radiographic changes and clinical outcomes associated with an adjustable diaphyseal press-fit humeral stem in primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Press-fit humeral fixation in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become increasingly popular; however, radiographic analysis of these stems is limited. We aimed to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of an adjustable diaphyseal press-fit humeral stem in primary RSA. We conducted a retrospective review of 232 primary RSAs in 219 patients performed by a single surgeon using this system. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated in patients with at least 2 years of radiographic follow-up. Standardized postoperative digital radiographs were analyzed for loosening, osteolysis, and stress shielding. Clinical outcomes in patients who also had complete clinical data sets were evaluated at the most recent follow-up. Radiographic evidence of loosening was identified in 1 RSA (0.4%) associated with deep infection. Aseptic loosening was not observed. No stems were identified as being at high risk for loosening. Internal stress shielding was observed proximal to the coated diaphyseal component in 226 shoulders (97.4%). This finding was often visible at 3 months (92.7%) and predictably progressed on subsequent radiographs. Progression beyond the 2-year period was rarely seen (4.4%). No external stress shielding or osteolysis was observed. Thirty-six complications occurred in 33 patients (15.1%). At an average follow-up of 36.6 months, significant improvements were identified in all measured clinical outcomes (P < .001). Predictable fixation is achieved using an adjustable diaphyseal press-fit humeral system in primary RSA. Internal stress shielding is commonly observed but does not appear to compromise quality of fixation or clinical outcomes.

In Vitro Comparative Efficacy of Two Techniques for Irrigant Delivery in Curved Root Canals

INTRODUCTION: One of the goals of conventional endodontic treatment is to minimize the amount of irritants that could be present inside the root canal system. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate irrigant delivery using two different techniques in curved canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mesiobuccal canals of 20 human extracted mandibular first molars were divided into two groups (n=10); Group (I) conventional syringe with side vented needle, Group (II) sonic irrigation (EndoActivator system). Contrast medium (OptirayTM 320, Mallinckrodt Inc. Hazelwood, MO, USA) was injected before, during and after canal preparation. All canals were prepared using Revo-S rotary system till reaching file AS35 using 5.25% NaOCl as an irrigant during instrumentation. Standardized preoperative, operative and postoperative digital radiographs were taken. The distance between full working length and the point of maximum irrigant penetration was measured using image editing software (DBS Win 5.3.1 and Image J). Data were then recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Sonic irrigation showed a statistical significant difference over the conventional needle and syringe group in increasing the depth of penetration of the contrast medium. CONCLUSIONS: the use of EndoActivator in irrigation had a superior effect in increasing the depth of penetration of irrigant when compared to conventional needle and syringe

Joint line changes after primary total knee arthroplasty: navigated versus non-navigated

Navigation has been introduced to achieve more accurate positioning of the implants after TKA. The scientific attention was mainly paid on limb alignment rather than restoration of the natural joint line. The aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of the joint line restoration in primary TKA with and without navigation. We hypothesized that joint line reconstruction in navigated TKA is more accurate. A total of 493 primary TKAs operated in a single medical centre were consecutively selected and divided into two groups. 206 cases were performed computer assisted (BrainLab CI-System), whereas 287 knees were implanted conventionally. For both groups, the joint line position of the knee was determined on standardized calibrated standing pre- and postoperative digital radiographs in ap view by a modified method of Kawamura et al. A joint line shift of more than 8 mm was defined as outlier. In the conventional group, the joint line shift averaged 0.7 mm (±4.4 mm), whereas the findings in the computer-assisted cases were in average 0.6 mm (±4.5 mm). The joint line was located above 8 mm in 6 % of non-navigated versus 6.8 % of navigated primary TKAs. There were no statistically significant differences of joint line shift between the different component types. A statistically significant relation was not found between joint line shift and leg alignment changes. Conventional surgical technique allows a precise joint line reconstruction in primary TKA. Navigation did not improve the joint line reconstruction. Diagnostic study, Level III.

Early Weight-Bearing After Percutaneous Reduction and Screw Fixation for Low-Energy Lisfranc Injury

Anatomic restoration and postoperative rehabilitation of displaced fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal junction of the foot are essential. Our objective was to report percutaneous reduction and screw fixation results in low-energy Lisfranc fracture dislocation injuries that were treated with early weight-bearing and rehabilitation. We retrospectively evaluated patients with low-energy Lisfranc injuries who underwent surgery between May 2007 and April 2011. The study reviewed 22 patients (12 men and 10 women) with an average age of 36.2 years (range, 16-50 years) and an average follow-up of 33.2 months (range, 12-50 months). We report the mechanism of trauma; quality of reduction in the postoperative digital radiographs; subjective satisfaction; AOFAS score; time required to return to work, recreational activities, and low-impact sports; and complications. Postoperatively, all of the patients were instructed to be non-weight-bearing for 3 weeks, and the stitches were removed after 2 weeks. At the third postoperative week, the patients were encouraged to bear weight as tolerated. Quality of reduction was anatomic or near anatomic in 100% of cases. The subjective satisfaction reported by patients was very good, with complete satisfaction in 20 of them (90.9%). The AOFAS average was 94 points (range, 90-100 points). Average return to work was at 7 weeks (range, 6-9 weeks), recreational activities 7.2 weeks (range, 6-9 weeks), training for low-impact sports 7.6 weeks (range, 7-8 weeks), and symptom-free sport activities 12.4 weeks (range, 11-13 weeks). In this selected group of patients with low-energy Lisfranc fracture dislocation, anatomic or near-anatomic reduction can be achieved with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation. Early weight-bearing is possible in these patients, and early return to regular activities and low-impact sport can be expected. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Leg Length Discrepancy in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty

The use of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) is on the increase. In order to achieve rotational and axial stability larger implants may be required than originally templated for. This could potentially result in a lar-ger leg length inequality. Our objective was to determine whether there is greater inequality in leg length post-operatively in cementless THA as compared to cemented implants. 136 consecutive patients undergoing elective THA between June 2007 and May 2008 were included. Post-operative digital radiographs were ex-amined to determine leg length. Twenty seven patients (20%) underwent a cemented procedure and 109 (80%) a cementless procedure. In the cemented group the mean leg length discrepancy was 7.3 mm (range 19 mm short to 21 mm long). In the cementless group the mean measured leg length discrepancy was 6.3 mm (range 18 mm short to 23 mm long). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.443). This study shows that with accurate pre-operative templating, both cemented and cementless proce-dures produce comparable and acceptable leg length discrepancies.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of a New File Removal System in Comparison With Two Conventional Systems

A novel file-removal system (FRS) was designed to address weak points of conventional file-removal methods. The purpose of this study was to compare file-removal time and dentin removal rates among the FRS, the Masserann kit (Micro-Mega, Besancon, France), and an ultrasonic file-removal method. Ninety extracted mandibular incisors with separated nickel titanium files were divided into 3 groups of 30 teeth each. Groups 1, 2, and 3 had file-removal attempts made by using the Masserann kit, a CPR-7 titanium ultrasonic tip (Obtura-Spartan Corp., Fenton, MO), and the FRS, respectively. Each group had three operators removing the separated files. Pre-/postoperative digital radiographs were downloaded into image analyzing software that calculated the amount of dentin removed. The FRS needed less time and had less dentin loss than the others (p<0.05). There were statistical differences between the experienced operator and less experienced operators regarding the file-removal time and the dentin removal rates (p<0.05).

A Comparison of Three Methods for Preparing Centered Platforms Around Separated Instruments in Curved Canals

This study compared three methods for creating the most centered staging platform (SP) around separated instruments (SI) in curved canals. Green .04 ProFiles, notched at D 3, were separated in the apical third of 42 mesiobuccal canals of maxillary and mandibular molars. Teeth were divided into three groups. SPs were prepared in group 1 with Gates Gliddens (GG) to a size #3; group 2 with LightSpeed to a size 90; and group 3 with incrementally cut rotary .06 ProFiles to size 82. Pre- and postoperative digital radiographs were imported into AutoCAD to measure the deviation of SP from the head of the separated instrument. Pearson’s correlation showed a positive relationship between deviation of the SP and the distance of the SI from the elbow of the canal. ANOVA showed that LightSpeed instruments were significantly more effective in preparing a centered staging platform around separated instruments in curved canals when compared to GG drills and ProFiles (p < 0.05).

Postoperative radiographic assessment of the Combi 40 cochlear implant.

The aims of this study were to establish a plain radiographic technique for the assessment of the postoperative appearance, position, and insertion depth of the Combi 40 cochlear implant and to correlate the radiologic findings with surgical reports. In an experimental study, an electrode of the Combi 40 device was inserted into the cochlea of a cadaveric skull. Digital radiographs were obtained in a modified Chausse III projection, in which the skull was placed supine on the radiography table with the infraorbitomeatal line strictly perpendicular to the film cassette. The skull was then rotated 30 degrees away from the side to be examined, and the central X-ray beam was angled 15 degrees cephalad to the infraorbitomeatal line. On these radiographs, the point of cochleostomy was marked by a needle tip and was projected inferior to the vestibule and on a line drawn through the superior semicircular canal and the vestibule. The appearance and position of the electrode was evaluated. An electrode was defined as completely inserted if all electrode contacts projected medial to the line drawn through the superior semicircular canal and the vestibule. We also studied cochlear implant insertion of the Combi 40 device in 37 patients. Postoperative digital radiographs of these patients were obtained and analyzed for the criteria as defined in the cadaveric study. In addition, the insertion depth of the electrode and the angle of insertion were measured on the radiographs. This depth was correlated with depth of insertion as estimated at surgery. The cadaveric study showed that the completely inserted electrode was seen on radiographs as a nonoverlapping spiral within the cochlea. All electrode contacts projected medial to the line drawn through the superior semicircular canal and the vestibule. In all 37 patients, the electrode could be seen without overlapping. According to our criteria, a completely inserted electrode was seen in 32 patients. In these patients, the insertion depth ranged from 21 to 34 mm and the angle of insertion ranged from 350 degrees to 810 degrees. In two patients, we saw a completely inserted electrode with a bend. In three patients, an incompletely inserted electrode was seen. Excellent correlation existed between the radiologic and surgical results with regard to insertion depth (r = .92). Digital radiographs obtained in the modified Chausse III projection allow clear depiction of the electrode and avoid overlapping. Such radiographs enable a reliable and accurate assessment of the position and insertion depth of the electrode of this new cochlear implant. Such images can serve as a baseline for further radiographic examinations when extrusion or slippage of the electrode is clinically suspected.