Preoperative Imaging Procedures Research Articles

Is it possible to predict neurosensory alterations in impacted lower third molar removal based on preoperative imaging procedures? A prospective cohort study.

Surgical extraction of the lower third molar (LTM) may trigger neurosensory injury of the inferior alveolar nerve, making extraction a real challenge. This study set out to assess whether is it possible to predict neurosensory alterations from preoperative imaging. A total of 99 patients underwent 124 impacted lower third molar (ILTM) surgeries. Prior to surgery, panoramic and CBCT images were evaluated in an attempt to predict a neurosensory disturbance. Preoperative data (ILTM position, panoramic radiograph signs, inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) location and its contact with the ILTM roots) and intra/postoperative findings (extraction difficulty and sensitivity alterations) were recorded. Descriptive and bivariate data analysis was performed. Statistical comparison applied the chi-square test, Fisher test, and one-way ANOVA test. Statistical significance was established with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. In 4.03% of cases, patients experienced neurosensory alterations. Of 124 ILTM positions in panoramic radiographs, 76 cases were considered to exhibit a potential neurosensory risk as they presented two or more types of superimposed relationships between ILTM and mandibular canal. Of these, alterations were reported in only three cases (3.95%). Of the 48 remaining ILTM images presenting only one sign, neurosensory alterations were observed in two cases (4.17%). No permanent alterations were recorded in any of the five cases observed. Within the limitations of the present study, prediction of neurosensory alterations prior to ILTM extraction by means of preoperative imaging did not show a significant statistical correlation with post-surgical incidence. Nevertheless, interruption of the canal´s white line (ICWL) or a diversion of the canal (DC) may predict an increased risk of IAN injury.

Macrophthalmos mimics microphthalmos in an 8-month-old Great Swiss Mountain Dog

An 8-month-old Great Swiss Mountain dog was presented with a suspected right-sided microphthalmos, malformed and blind globe which was present since birth. On magnetic resonance imaging an ellipsoid macrophthalmos with absence of the normal retrobulbar tissue was detected. Histology revealed a dysplastic uvea with unilateral cyst formation associated with mild lymphohistiocytic inflammation. The ciliary body covered the posterior side of the lens unilaterally and showed focal metaplastic bone formation. Slight cataract formation as well as diffuse panretinal atrophy and intravitreal retinal detachment was evident. Preoperative diagnostic imaging procedure is recommended in eyes that clinically demonstrate as microphthalmos and are planned to be enucleated. As described in this case report the bulbus may be macrophthalmic which potentially complicates the enucleation. The performance of such a procedure at a site with ophthalmologic and soft tissue expertise is advisable. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of a macrophthalmos with multiple ocular defects in a dog.

Literature Review of Anatomical Variations: Clinical Significance, Identification Approach, and Teaching Strategies.

This article is a comprehensive literature review on anatomical variations, shedding some light on their clinical significance, identification approaches, and teaching strategies. Anatomical variation is a normal presentation of body structure with morphological features different from those that have been classically described in several anatomy textbooks. Under normal circumstances, it has no impact on the function of the structure. However, it may influence different aspects of clinical practice. As a result, accurate knowledge of common anatomical variations in the treated area may improve clinical practice outcomes. On the other hand, anatomical variations are usually identified during routine dissection and clinical practice, including preoperative imaging and surgical procedures. Additionally, scientific research, such as observational studies using cadaveric dissection, medical images, and evidence-based anatomy, are effective approaches to identify anatomical variations. With regard to the teaching of anatomical variations, cadaveric dissection is the most commonly used and recommended learning tool for teaching anatomy and relevant variations in medical schools. However, the literature emphasizes introducing anatomical variations in the clinical phase of medical curricula and postgraduate training of surgical and radiological programs. The current study suggests creating a registry of anatomical variations encountered during practice that may enhance best care and prevent any confusion about those variations. In addition, there is a need to conduct more educational studies to research the best learning strategies for teaching and assessing anatomical variations in the medical curricula.

A single-center experience in observation of small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: to operate or not to operate?

Presenter: Ariana Naaseh BA | University of California, Irvine Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), particularly non-functioning, have gained recent attention due to their malignant transformation potential. The 2019 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines state optimal management of larger, invasive, or node positive pNET is surgical resection. For small (less than or equal to 2 cm) primary non-metastatic non-functioning pNET observation is recommended in select cases, usually when the tumor is low grade and < 1 cm in size. Decisions to proceed with surveillance versus resection include both consideration of surgical risk and patient co-morbidities as either distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy or pancreatoduodenectomy are not without complications. Our study aims to assess whether conservative, non-operative management of small, low-grade non-functioning pNETs is appropriate. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with a diagnosis of pNET since 2004 referred to our high-volume multidisciplinary hepato-pancreato-biliary center was conducted. Patients with pNET were identified from pre-existing institutional hepato-biliary service database and confirmed via chart review of consultations and follow-up visits, radiologic imaging, and pathology reports. Results: 126 patients were found to have the diagnosis of biopsy-proven pNET. 8 patients were found to have metastatic disease at time of presentation and were excluded from further analysis. Of the 118 patients analyzed, 26 (22.0%) had functioning lesions and 92 (77.9%) non-functioning lesions. All 26 patients with biopsy-proven functioning lesions underwent surgical resection. Of 92 biopsy-proven non-functioning lesions, 36 had lesions less than or equal to 2.0 cm. Of these 36 patients, 31 were observed and 5 underwent an attempt at surgical resection. All 5 operative patients had biopsy-proven Grade 3 lesions. Two of the 5 operative patients were found to have intra-operative metastasis not detected on pre-operative imaging and subsequent resection procedure was aborted. Of the 31 observed patients, 20 (64.5%) were Grade 1 and 11 (35.5%) Grade 2. 10 of the 31 patients (32.2%) had tumor size < 1 cm. The mean follow-up time in months for patients who were observed with lesions less than or equal to 2.0 cm is 27.24 months. Of 31 patients, 24 presented with consistently stable disease on follow up imaging, 7 presented with decreased disease burden (defined as reduction in size or complete absence) and none presented with disease expansion. Of the 7 patients with decreased disease, 5/7 (71.4%) presented with no evidence of pancreatic disease on imaging, despite previous biopsy proven and radiographic proven evidence of disease. Three patients observed with lesions less than or equal to 2 cm died during follow-up, however mortality was not secondary to pNET progression or malignancy. No patients in the non-operative group underwent surgical resection at any time during the follow-up surveillance period. Conclusion: Our retrospective study demonstrates that observation is appropriate for low grade pNET tumors < 1cm, consistent with NCCN guidelines. Additionally, we demonstrate that close observation rather than surgical resection can be considered for non-functioning grade 1 or 2 pNET tumors less than or equal to 2cm, while grade 3 lesions should proceed with surgical resection. Further study is needed to guide standardized management recommendations.

Investigation of Schwannomas in the Forearms, Hands, and Digits: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Previous reports on schwannomas of the upper extremities have mainly focused on proximal involvement. This study aimed to evaluate pre- and peri-operative findings in schwannomas of the distal upper extremities and assess the accuracy of diagnosis and surgical outcome. Methods: We identified 24 patients with isolated tumors. Seven patients had schwannomas located in the forearm, eleven in the hand, and six in the digits. We collected the following data: preoperative clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings, provisional diagnosis, surgical findings and procedures, tumor volume, and postoperative clinical findings. Data were compared between tumors of different locations. Results: The mean age of our cohort at the time of surgery was 48.0 years and the mean follow-up period was 10.6 months. All patients with forearm schwannomas were diagnosed preoperatively by the presence of the Tinel-like sign and suggestive magnetic resonance imaging findings. In contrast, schwannomas in the hands and digits often lacked these diagnostic features; only five patients with hand schwannomas and one with digit schwannoma were correctly diagnosed. Microsurgical enucleation was the most common treatment. Ten patients reported newly acquired paresthesia after operation, which resolved within the follow-up period in nine patients. Three of the four patients with preoperative paresthesia and one patient who underwent enucleation with surgical loupes still had paresthesia at the final follow-up. Conclusions: In schwannomas of the distal upper extremities, a more distal location is associated with a lower occurrence of the Tinel-like sign and fewer suggestive magnetic resonance imaging findings, resulting in lower diagnostic accuracy. However, intra-operative diagnosis is usually straightforward and microsurgical enucleation does not cause iatrogenic nerve deficit. When treating soft tissue tumors in the hand and digits that present without specific or suggestive findings, the possibility of schwannoma should be considered.

5-Aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic activity in patient-derived cholangiocarcinoma organoids

BackgroundAccurate diagnosis of the disease extension of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is often difficult in clinical practice. The diagnostic yield of conventional pre-operative imaging or endoscopic procedures is sometimes insufficient for the evaluation of longitudinal spreading of CCA. Here we investigated the usefulness of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) for the pre- or intra-operative diagnosis of CCA, using patient-derived organoids. MethodsFour CCA- and two adjacent tissue-derived organoids were established. After 5-ALA treatment, we assessed their photodynamic activity using fluorescence microscopy. ResultsCCA organoids established from different patients showed diverse morphology in contrast to monolayer structures of non-tumor organoids, and had the ability to form subcutaneous tumors in immunodeficient mice. CCA organoids demonstrated remarkably high photodynamic activity based on higher accumulation of protoporphyrin IX as a metabolite of 5-ALA compared to non-tumor organoids (40–71% vs. < 4%, respectively). Importantly, cancer cell-specific high photodynamic activity distinguished the organoids originated from biliary stenotic lesions from those of non-stenotic lesions in a CCA patient. The high photodynamic activity did not depend on the expression profile of heme biosynthesis genes. ConclusionsDistinct 5-ALA-based photodynamic activity could have diagnostic potential for the discrimination of CCA from non-tumor tissues.

Intraoperative assessment of pelvic tilt and cup position in total hip arthroplasty: the relevance of navigation and robotics

The optimal 3D positioning of the prosthesis components is of great importance for the stability and function of atotal hip endoprosthesis. Pelvic tilt has a particular influence on the position of the implant. In order to use intraoperatively the knowledge on pelvic kinematics gained through preoperative imaging procedures and movement analyses, "image-based" and "image-free" robotic and navigation procedures are available. With the "image-based" procedures, a3D CT scan serves as the surgeon's basis for operative planning. The "image-free" procedures are based on the principles of stereotaxy. In the future, information about static and dynamic pelvic tilt will be conntected with navigation and robotic systems for total hip arthroplasty. Along with intraoperative data a patientindividual optimized implant position can be achieved.

Effect of Preoperative Imaging and Provocative Procedures on Long-term Outcomes in 146 Patients Undergoing Surgical Intervention for Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome

Compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament can be seen in approximately 5% of the population. With increasing use of cross-sectional imaging, more patients are being referred for consideration of operative intervention. As there is an absence of a clear preoperative protocol to determine appropriate surgical candidates, we sought to identify factors on imaging and provocative testing associated with positive long-term outcomes. This study describes the experience of a multihospital system in regards to preoperative evaluation and outcomes after median arcuate ligament release.

Surgical treatment of ovarian cancer liver metastasis.

In addition to hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic liver cancer (MLC) is another focus of hepatic surgeon. Good outcome of patients with liver metastasis (LM) from colorectal cancer or neuroendocrine tumor have been achieved. Ovarian cancer liver metastasis (OCLM) has its unique oncological characteristics and a variety of metastasis patterns, which brings a challenge to hepatic surgeon. Hepatic surgeons hold different views and techniques from gynecologists, which makes differences in the evaluation and treatment of the disease. We reviewed recent studies and, in combination with our own clinical experience, attempted to introduce the progress of surgical treatment of liver metastases from OC. In our experience, both preoperative imaging and surgical procedures are based on the assurance of R0 resection. R0 cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is the most favorable determinant for the prognosis of OC patients, and R0 liver resection (LR) is a component of R0 CRS. Gynecologists and hepatic surgeons should do their own preoperative and intraoperative evaluation for the extrahepatic and intrahepatic metastasis respectively. During the operation, regardless of the miliary nodules dissemination between the right hemidiaphragm and liver capsule, liver parenchymal infiltration (LPI) or liver parenchymal metastasis (LPM), 1-2 cm resection margin should be emphasized. For patients with liver portal lymph node metastasis (LPLNM), hepatic portal skeletonization should be performed, rather than portal lymph node dissection. The operation should be as radical as possible to ensure the patients to achieve good prognosis.

Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen mimicking metastasis of melanoma: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundSclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation is a benign disorder of splenic tissue and is often mistaken as a potentially malignant entity in the diagnostic process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation mimicking metastasis of melanoma in the literature.Case presentationA 43-year-old white man presented with a newly found splenic mass 4 years ago to our Department of Gastroenterology. He was diagnosed as having a superficial spreading malignant melanoma localized at his left instep 7 years ago and was successfully treated with radical local resection. Several diagnostic procedures were conducted. Ultrasound showed a hypoechoic lesion in the inferior pole of his spleen with a diameter of 2 cm, blurred boundaries, and inhomogeneous interior pattern. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was inconclusive and showed only discrete contrast enhancement of the lesion with accentuated nodule-like enrichment of the boundaries in the arterial phase. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed two splenic lesions which were highly suspicious of metastasis. Magnetic resonance imaging of his head was inconspicuous. Bone scintigraphy showed no abnormal results. Fine-needle aspiration indicated metastasis of the above-mentioned malignant melanoma. We conducted a laparoscopic splenectomy. His intraoperative and postoperative course were uneventful. In contrast to the result of the fine-needle aspiration, the presence of metastasis of melanoma could not be confirmed. Histological analysis revealed nodule-like arrangement of fibroblasts with low cell density and a predominance of dilated capillaries, indicating sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen.ConclusionsThere are no preoperative diagnostic imaging procedures which can definitely differentiate sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation from malignancies in cases of morphological and immunophenotypic variations of the specimen. Morphological and immunophenotypic variations of the specimen represent a diagnostic challenge and can mimic malignoma. As reported in our case, the specimen obtained by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration led to the diagnosis of metastasis of melanoma. Splenectomy is often conducted due to a splenic mass suspicious of malignoma as described in our case or with unknown valency in different diagnostic imaging procedures.

Surgical treatment of melanoma in pregnancy: a practical guideline.

A tumor primarily requiring surgical treatment, newly diagnosed or preexisting melanoma during pregnancy is a clinical rarity. In such cases, the surgeon faces the challenge of having to decide on the appropriate therapeutic course of action. Based on our clinical experience and a review of the literature, we herein provide a guideline on how to practically deal with this rare clinical conundrum. In our experience, pregnant melanoma patients require thorough counseling with respect to their therapeutic options. They naturally tend to put their unborn child first, and are hesitant to consent to necessary surgery despite a potentially life-threatening diagnosis. It is therefore crucial to clearly inform these patients that - based on existing medical experience - pregnancy by itself is no reason to hold off on any type of necessary melanoma surgery. However, various parameters such as preoperative imaging procedures, positioning on the operating table, monitoring, anesthesia, and perioperative medication require certain adjustments in order to comply with this special situation.

Surgical management of secondary hyperparathyroidism: how to effectively reduce recurrence at the time of primary surgery.

Successful parathyroidectomy (PTX) often results in a dramatic drop in the parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, relieves the patient from clinical symptoms, and reduces mortality. Although PTX is generally a successful treatment for progressive secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) patients subjected to surgery, a significant proportion develops recurrent SHPT following PTX. SHPT requiring PTX occurs more commonly in progressive chronic kidney disease and in long-term lithium therapy. Operative approaches include subtotal PTX, total PTX with or without autotransplantation, and possible thymectomy. Each approach has its proponents, advantages, and disadvantages. Although PTX offers the highest percentage cure for SHPT, compared to all other medical and surgical treatment, recurrent hyperparathyroidism can be observed in some patients dependent on follow-up time. A literature review and analysis of recent data regarding how to reduce recurrence of SHPT at the time of primary surgery was performed. The current literature and our own experience in the field have confirmed that pre-operative imaging, thymectomy, stereo magnifier, and surgical procedure may effectively reduce recurrence of SHPT at the time of primary surgery.

From four-parathyroid gland exploration to a minimally invasive technique. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy as a current approach in surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Complete surgical resection of hyperfunctioning parathyriod tissue is essential for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. During recent years, minimally invasive surgery has been successfully applied in neck exploration, because of significant developments of guidance by intraoperative scans, the use of quick, intraoperative PTH assay, and also preoperative imaging procedures such as high resolution ultrasonography and sestamibi scintigraphy. The results of operations which are performed with minimally invasive techniques are comparable to those of conventional surgery, and provide advantages with regard to cosmetic result, length of hospitalisation, and reduced post-operative pain.

Klinische Wertigkeit einer routinemäßigen Magnetresonanz-Cholangiopankreatikografie (MRCP) vor Cholezystektomie

A preoperative diagnostic imaging procedure is essential for therapy in cholecystolithiasis. According to the S3-Guidelines of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery only an ultrasound scan is needed before a cholecystectomy. But an anatomic variant of the bile ducts or choledocholithiasis is poorly shown by an ultrasound. Because of this, we performed a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) routinely. This study was designed to show if the MRCP changed the treatment plan or changed the operation method. Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity concerning abnormalities of the cystic duct, accessory bile ducts and choledocholithiasis should be determined. During the time between January 1st 2005 and September 30th 2009 541 patients were included in this retrospective study. Among the 541 cases 98 pathologies were found. These included 51 choledocholithiasis, 20 accessory bile ducts and 13 abnormal cystic ducts. In 29 of the 51 cases of choledocholithiasis a therapeutic splitting was performed only because of the MRCP. In 22 cases the diagnosis was also possible because of the basic diagnostic procedures like ultrasound, laboratory tests and clinical appearance. So the diagnostic aimprovement due to the MRCP is 5.3 %. Four of the 20 accessory bile ducts and 6 of the abnormal cystic ducts were found during the subsequent operation. The sensitivity concerning the anatomic variants is very low (38.5 % concerning the accessory bile ducts and 50 % for the abnormal cystic ducts). But the sensitivity in detecting a choledocholithiasis is very high (94.7 %). There was no evidence in our study that MRCP prevented any complications. The operation method was not changed in any case because of the MRCP result. A routinely performed preoperative MRCP cannot be recommended.

Osteoid Osteoma of the Midfoot: Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment in 2 Cases

Osteoid osteoma should be considered as a potential diagnosis in cases of chronic midfoot pain in younger individuals. If proper precautions are taken, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation may be considered a safe and efficient alternative to surgical resection in the treatment of osteoid osteomas, even in the small bones of the midfoot. We report on 2 cases of osteoid osteoma, 1 in the lateral cuneiform, and the other at the base of the second metatarsal, that were successfully treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Preoperative imaging studies, procedure technique, and clinical outcome are presented.

Editorial Comment

In this study, the authors nicely illustrate the problem of overuse in the diagnosis and treatment of low-risk prostate cancer on two fronts. First, even using the most conservative classification criteria, the authors observed that 48% of low-risk patients underwent diagnostic imaging, including more than 200 who had multiple tests. Second, all the patients underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy, which has only modest, if any, value in this patient population. 1 Weight C.J. Reuther A.M. Gunn P.W. Zippe C.R. Dhar N.B. Klein E.A. Limited pelvic lymph node dissection does not improve biochemical relapse-free survival at 10 years after radical prostatectomy in patients with low-risk prostate cancer. Urology. 2008; 71: 141-145 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (58) Google Scholar Indeed, the costs of unnecessary imaging approximated those of surgical treatment. Most importantly, all of these patients incurred a variety of unnecessary risks, including injury to pelvic vessels and nerves, lymphatic leak, added radiation exposure, need for subsequent testing, and possible complications related to these tests. Although serious adverse events are relatively rare, the absolute implications on a population level are significant. Why are the guidelines not being followed? Is it because physicians are comfortable practicing individualized, dogmatic, or defensive medicine? Or, are there factors other than patient need fueling the overuse? Unnecessary Imaging for the Staging of Low-risk Prostate Cancer Is CommonUrologyVol. 77Issue 2PreviewTo quantify the rate of overuse of preoperative imaging procedures in a referral cohort of low-risk patients. International evidence-based best practice guidelines discourage routine imaging for staging purposes in low-risk patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Full-Text PDF

Unnecessary Imaging for the Staging of Low-risk Prostate Cancer Is Common

To quantify the rate of overuse of preoperative imaging procedures in a referral cohort of low-risk patients. International evidence-based best practice guidelines discourage routine imaging for staging purposes in low-risk patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. An institutional database comprised of all patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy was queried for "low-risk" patients between May 2005 and January 2010. "Low-risk" was defined by the most inclusive criteria for imaging recommendations: prostate-specific antigen ≤10 ng/mL and Gleason score ≤6. We defined staging imaging as a bone scan, computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis or endorectal magnetic resonance imaging performed after the diagnosis of prostate cancer and before prostatectomy for the indication of "prostate cancer." Six-hundred seventy-seven patients were identified as having low-risk disease and comprised our study population. Of the 677 patients identified as low risk, 328 (48%) underwent at least one preoperative imaging procedure despite the guideline recommendations. Two-hundred two of 677 (30%) patients were administered at least 2 of the 3 modalities, and 18/677 (3%) patients received all 3 imaging examinations before prostatectomy. Suspicious results from the CT (7/265%, 2.7%) or bone scan (21/241%, 8.7%) resulted in 27 patients undergoing additional radiographic imaging, none of which resulted in suspicious lesions requiring intervention or biopsy. Despite international evidence-based guidelines for the staging of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients, many urologists continue to refer low-risk patients for unnecessary imaging studies. This may place the patient at increased risk from radiation or contrast exposure and places an unnecessary financial burden on the patient and health care system.

Diagnostik der akuten Appendizitis im Verlauf von 2 Jahrzehnten – Auswirkungen der bildgebenden Verfahren auf präoperative Diagnosesicherung, Kosten und Patientenoutcome

An increasing number of modern imaging procedures are being applied for the diagnosis of appendicitis. We compared one hundred consecutive appendectomies of the years 1988, 1998 and 2008 concerning reliability of preoperative diagnosis and resulting costs. We analysed the first one hundred consecutive patients undergoing appendectomy during the years 1988, 1998 and 2008, 59 % were female and 41 % male. The average age was 26 years, the average BMI 21.09. The costs and results of radiological investigations (US, CT, MRI, X-ray) have been compared in all patients. The sensitivity of ultrasound and CT scan in preoperative diagnosis has been analysed. The number of preoperative imaging procedures for the diagnosis of appendicitis has increased over the last two decades. Simultaneously increased the costs (total costs and costs per partient) for imaging procedures. 2008 the costs were 10 times higher than 1988. CT had a higher sensitivity (77 %) in the diagnosis of appendicitis than ultrasound (33 %). The number of operations because of subacute and chronic appendicitis was lower in 2008 (34 of 100) compared with 1988 (80 of 100) and 1998 (60 of 100). In 2008 (14) we found a higher number of gangrenous and perforated appendicitis compared to 1988 (2) and 1998 (5). The majority (50 of 100) of patients in the group with acute and phlegmonous appendicitis was found in 2008. There has been an increase in the use of preoperative imaging procedures in the diagnosis of appendicitis during the last 20 years. This causes more costs in the public health system. Ultrasound as the standard imaging method for diagnosing appendicitis showed poor sensitivity. CT scans had good results concerning sensitivity, but are expensive and involve exposure to radiation for the patient.

Spontaneous Recurrent Hemarthrosis of the Knee in the Elderly: Arthroscopic Treatment and Etiology

To elucidate the etiology of and find a preferable surgical treatment for spontaneous recurrent hemarthrosis in osteoarthritic knee joints arthroscopically. Nineteen patients referred to our institution from affiliate hospitals between April 1998 and October 2006 were involved in this study. Their demographics, preoperative radiographic findings, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, arthroscopic findings and procedures performed, the patient's medical history, and the postoperative clinical course were retrospectively reviewed. There were 9 male and 10 female patients with average age of 61.9 years (range, 41 to 83 yrs). The average number of joint aspirations before surgery was 5.4. The average time from onset to arthroscopy was 10 months. Radiographs showed 2 knees with isolated lateral compartment osteoarthritis (OA), one with isolated patellofemoral (PF) OA, 14 with medial and lateral compartment OA, and 2 with tricompartmental OA. Classifying them according to the dominant compartment, 6 knees were medial-dominant OA, 11 lateral-dominant OA, and 2 PF-dominant OA. The MRI scans revealed 18 grade III lateral menisci and 1 grade II lateral menisci. Even with 6 medial-dominant OAs, lateral meniscal involvement was more obvious than medial meniscal involvement on MRI. Subtotal lateral meniscectomy accompanied with coagulation of the bleeding points was performed on 17 cases. For 2 PF OA cases, synovectomy and a histologic examination of synovium were performed. Remission was obtained for 18 cases. The unsuccessful case had cirrhosis of the liver. A majority of the patients (17 of 19) had degenerative torn lateral menisci confirmed with MRI and at arthroscopy. Successful outcomes were achieved by meniscectomy and coagulation. Most so-called spontaneous recurrent hemarthroses in OA knee joints appear to be attributable to torn lateral menisci. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Preoperative imaging procedures for lower wisdom teeth removal

The aims of this paper were to critically review the role of radiographic imaging before lower third molar removal and to suggest a strategy for preoperative imaging based on available scientific evidence and clinical experience. Original articles and reviews including the MESH terms "third molar" and "radiography" were selected from the Medline database. Other sources were taken from references of selected papers. It was found that the scientific evidence on the usefulness of different preoperative imaging techniques of wisdom teeth is low. Therefore, information gathered from the literature was combined with the authors' clinical experience to suggest a strategy for preoperative imaging of lower third molars. Currently available radiological techniques used for preoperative imaging of lower third molars are also presented. It is suggested that panoramic and/or intraoral radiographs are sufficient as preoperative imaging in the vast majority of cases where there is no overlap between the mandibular canal and the wisdom tooth. Supplement with a posteroanterior open mouth projection will solve most of the remaining cases. In a restricted number of cases where there is an intimate relationship between the mandibular canal and the wisdom tooth, volume tomography such as cone beam computed tomography or low-dose computed tomography is indicated.