The prevalence of acetabular labral tears and associated pathology in a young asymptomatic population.

Acetabular labral tears and associated intra-articular pathology of the hip have been recognised as a source of symptoms. However, it is now appreciated that there is a relatively high prevalence of asymptomatic labral tears. In this study, 70 young asymptomatic adult volunteers with a mean age of 26 years (19 to 41) were recruited and underwent three tesla non-arthrographic MR scans. There were 47 women (67.1%) and 23 men (32.9%). Labral tears were found in 27 volunteers (38.6%); these were an isolated finding in 16 (22.9%) and were associated with other intra-articular pathology in the remaining 11 (15.7%) volunteers. Furthermore, five (7.1%) had intra-articular pathology without an associated labral tear. Given the high prevalence of labral pathology in the asymptomatic population, it is important to confirm that a patient's symptoms are due to the demonstrated abnormalities when considering surgery.

Sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography for detection of extranodal spread from metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

AIM: To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography used for the detection of extranodal spread of metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, by experienced head and neck radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants had undergone a neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, together with computed tomography scanning prior to surgery (accessible for reporting). Computed tomography images were independently examined by two experienced head and neck radiologists. Nodal involvement by squamous cell carcinoma and the presence or absence of extranodal spread were recorded. Results were compared to the histological specimen. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of using computed tomography for the detection of nodal involvement and presence or absence of extranodal spread were estimated, and 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: The study analysed 149 neck dissections. When using computed tomography to detect the extranodal spread of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, radiologists A and B had sensitivities of 66 and 80 per cent, specificities of 91 and 90 per cent, and positive predictive values of 85 and 87 per cent, respectively. DISCUSSION: The sensitivity and specificity of radiological detection of extranodal spread from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is not well reported in the literature. Accuracy of reporting improves in the hands of experienced head and neck radiologists. This finding has clinical implications for surgical planning and adjuvant therapy requirements.

Intramuscular fluid collections and their association with longitudinal rotator cuff tears.

This study draws attention to the association between intramuscular fluid collections occurring at the myo-tendinous junction of the rotator cuff secondary to longitudinal tears of their tendons.

Humeral avulsion of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament with associated subscapularis bony avulsion in skeletally immature patients.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the imaging appearances of an injury complex occurring in the skeletally immature patient consisting of an avulsion fracture of the subscapularis attachment to the lesser tuberosity and avulsion of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) which in two cases was associated with a bony fragment (BHAGL). CONCLUSION: MR imaging was able to diagnose correctly this atypical injury complex which had not been suspected clinically or on the radiographs.