Prevalence of Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip Among Patients Presenting With Hip Pain in a Major Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Transient osteoporosis of the hip, or acute bone marrow edema syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density of the proximal femur, which resolves with conservative management over 6-24 months. At presentation, the patient complains of sudden onset of localized pain in the hip, which is aggravated by weight-bearing. However, the prevalence and risk factors for this condition are still unclear. Objective: This study aims to identify the prevalence of transient osteoporosis of the hip among patients who present with hip pain and underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the hip. METHOD: This is a retrospective investigation that involved collecting data from patients' records in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Included candidates were patients who presented with hip pain, had an MRI done between 2016 and 2019 inclusive, and were older than 14 years. The collected data involved the age and gender of patients, the hip's affected side, and the diagnosis. Data analysis was executed through SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: Three hundred and fourteen patients matched our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of transient osteoporosis of the hip was 2.5%. All of them were males and half were above 40 years, 50% had pain in the left side, and 75% had a small joint effusion. The femoral head was the most affected part of the joint in patients with transient osteoporosis of the hip. Among our patients, the most common cause of hip pain was gluteus medius tendonitis (12.9%), where 33.1% of patients with hip pain had normal examination and investigations, and 15.2% had more than one condition. Risk factors for transient osteoporosis of the hip are pain in the left hip joint (p-value=0.023) and an age between 41 and 50 years (p-value=0.012). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of transient osteoporosis of the hip is low, yet it requires confirmation by studies with a more robust design. Males older than 40 years and left-side hip pain are at higher risk.

Artificial intelligence in radiology: Are Saudi residents ready, prepared, and knowledgeable?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and perception of artificial intelligence (AI) among radiology residents across Saudi Arabia and assess their interest in learning about AI. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study carried out among radiology residents enrolled in the Saudi Board of Radiology, Saudi Arabia. An anonymized, self-administered questionnaire was distributed in April 2020 and responses were collected until July 2020. RESULTS: A total of 154 residents filled the questionnaire. The top 3 aspects of AI participants wanted to learn were: clinical use of AI applications, advantages and limitations of AI applications, and technical methods. Approximately 43.5% of participants did not expect AI to affect job positions, while 42% anticipated that job positions will decrease. Approximately 53% expected a reduction in reporting workload, while 28% expected an increase in workload. CONCLUSION: Currently, the exposure of radiologists to the use of AI is inadequate. It is imperative that AI is introduced to radiology trainees and that radiologists stay updated with advances in AI to be more knowledgeable on how to benefit from it.

The effect of varying cone beam computed tomography image resolution and field-of-view centralization on effective radiation dose.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate changes in the effective radiation dose (E) in relation to variations in voxel (VOX) size settings and the field-of-view (FOV) centralization. Methods: This cross-sectional dosimetry study used nanoDot OSLD dosimeters placed at 25 pre-determined sites in the head and neck slices of a RANDO male phantom to measure the absorbed radiation. The imaging scans took place at King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between September 2016 and May 2017 using the i-CAT classic cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)  unit. Three VOX size setting were examined: 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm. The FOV was alternatively eccentrically centered on the maxillary and mandibular arches while holding all other factors constant. Effective radiation doses were calculated for each VOX size and FOV centralization setting. Results: An inverse and indirect relation was found between E and the VOX size setting with smaller VOX yielding higher E. CBCT scans centered on the mandible resulted in higher E than scans centered on the maxilla. Conclusion: Effective radiation doses are significantly affected by changes in VOX size settings and FOV centralization options. This reflects on the potential radiation risk to patients and highlights the importance of choosing exposure parameters carefully.