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

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>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.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>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.</p>

Unipolar versus Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in the Elderly: Is There a Difference?

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Hip hemiarthoplasties are commonly performed for displaced femoral neck fractures. Considerable differences of opinion exists regarding the choice between unipolar and bipolar designs. The main theoretical advantage of a bipolar over a unipolar prosthesis is the reduction of acetabular erosion due to movement taking place within the implant rather than at the acetabular implant interface. It is thus hypothesised that bipolar prostheses lead to better long-term functional outcomes with less complications. In this study, we aimed to compare unipolar (Moore's) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty looking specifically for differences in 1) pain and functional hip scores; 2) rates of acetabular erosion, component migration and revision surgery; and 3) rates of postoperative morbidity.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>Inclusion criteria were 1) age more than or equal to 65 years; 2) displaced femoral neck fracture of non-pathologic origin; 3) normal cognitive function; 4) ambulatory with or without assistive devices prior to the fracture; and 5) treated with a primary prosthetic replacement. Of the 193 patients that were available for review, 118 were in the Moore's group and 75 in the bipolar group. Postoperatively, patients were assessed with regards to pain, satisfaction, Modified Harris hip score and Oxford hip score. Standard anteroposterior pelvis and lateral hip radiographs were obtained at regular intervals. These were analysed specifically with regards to acetabular erosion and component migration.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference between a Moore's and a bipolar prosthesis regarding hip pain, functional hip scores, rates of acetabular erosion, component migration, revision surgery and complications rates.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Use of the more expensive bipolar prosthesis in elderly and premorbidly ambulant patient is not justified.</p>

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: current diagnostic modalities and management

Cystic neoplasm of the pancreas is a relatively uncommon condition covering a wide spectrum of pathology. The increasing incidence as a result of routine imaging tests in asymptomatic patients presents a diagnostic and therapeutic problem to the clinician. This paper discusses the role of the various investigative modalities in the management of cystic neoplasia of the pancreas.