Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Dedicated Regions-of-Interest Based Multi-Parameter Quantitative Ultrashort Echo Time (UTE) Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Knee Joint.

We proposed an end-to-end deep learning convolutional neural network (DCNN) for region-of-interest based multi-parameter quantification (RMQ-Net) to accelerate quantitative ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI of the knee joint with automatic multi-tissue segmentation and relaxometry mapping. The study involved UTE-based T1 (UTE-T1) and Adiabatic T1ρ (UTE-AdiabT1ρ) mapping of the knee joint of 65 human subjects, including 20 normal controls, 29 with doubtful-minimal osteoarthritis (OA), and 16 with moderate-severe OA. Comparison studies were performed on UTE-T1 and UTE-AdiabT1ρ measurements using 100%, 43%, 26%, and 18% UTE MRI data as the inputs and the effects on the prediction quality of the RMQ-Net. The RMQ-net was modified and retrained accordingly with different combinations of inputs. Both ROI-based and voxel-based Pearson correlation analyses were performed. High Pearson correlation coefficients were achieved between the RMQ-Net predicted UTE-T1 and UTE-AdiabT1ρ results and the ground truth for segmented cartilage with acceleration factors ranging from 2.3 to 5.7. With an acceleration factor of 5.7, the Pearson r-value achieved 0.908 (ROI-based) and 0.945 (voxel-based) for UTE-T1, and 0.733 (ROI-based) and 0.895 (voxel-based) for UTE-AdiabT1ρ, correspondingly. The results demonstrated that RMQ-net can significantly accelerate quantitative UTE imaging with automated segmentation of articular cartilage in the knee joint.

Periarticular blast wounds without fracture a prospective case series.

BACKGROUND: During the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq most injuries to service members involved the musculoskeletal system. These wounds often occurred around joints, and in some cases result in traumatic arthrotomy-a diagnosis that is not always clear, especially when there is no concomitant articular fracture. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of peri-articular blast injuries without fracture. METHODS: The study cohort included 12 consecutive patients (12 involved extremities) who sustained peri-articular blast wounds of the extremities without fractures. The diagnosis of penetrating articular injury was based on clinical examination, radiographic findings, or aspiration. A peri-articular wound was defined as any wound, or radio-opaque blast fragment, within 5 cm of a joint. The New Injury Severity Score (NISS) was calculated for each patient. Four patients had upper, and 8 patients had lower extremity injuries. Nine of 12 patients had joint capsular penetration and underwent joint irrigation and debridement. RESULTS: Two patients had retained intra-articular metal fragments. One patient had soft tissue blast wounds within 5 cm of a joint but did not have joint capsule penetration. There were no significant differences (p = 0.23) between the distribution of wounds to upper versus lower extremities. However, there were a significantly greater number of blast injuries attributed to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) than from other blast mechanisms (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Extremity blast injuries in the vicinity of joints involving only soft tissues present a unique challenge in surgical management. A high index of suspicion should be maintained for joint capsular penetration so that intra-articular injuries may be appropriately treated.

Decreasing lower extremity junctional and perineal injury from explosive blast with a pelvic protection system.

OBJECTIVE: Lower extremity junctional injuries due to explosive blasts are among the most lethal sustained on the battlefield. To help reduce the effects of junctional and perineal trauma from this injury mechanism, a tiered Pelvic Protection System (PPS) was fielded during the war in Afghanistan. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with known PPS status who sustained traumatic above knee amputations, with and without perineal injuries, were identified from an operative amputation registry in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, spanning a 12-month period. RESULTS: In Group 1 patients with above knee amputations who wore some tier of the PPS system, 47% (8 of 17) sustained junctional/perineal injuries. Of the patients in Group 2 who wore no PPS, 68% (13 of 19) sustained perineal injuries associated with proximal amputations. Overall, these differences were statistically significant (p = 0.0115). CONCLUSION: Use of a PPS may reduce the risk of having severe perineal and lower extremity junctional injury in service members sustaining traumatic above knee amputations from an explosive blast.

Ultrashort echo time adiabatic T1ρ (UTE-Adiab-T1ρ) is sensitive to human cadaveric knee joint deformation induced by mechanical loading and unloading.

PURPOSE: The development of ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI sequences has led to improved imaging of tissues with short T2 relaxation times, such as the deep layer cartilage and meniscus. UTE combined with adiabatic T1ρ preparation (UTE-Adiab-T1ρ) is an MRI measure with low sensitivity to the magic angle effect. This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of UTE-Adiab-T1ρ to mechanical load-induced deformations in the tibiofemoral cartilage and meniscus of human cadaveric knee joints. METHODS: Eight knee joints from young (42 ± 12 years at death) donors were evaluated on a 3 T scanner using the UTE-Adiab-T1ρ sequence under four sequential loading conditions: load = 0 N (Load0), load = 300 N (Load1), load = 500 N (Load2), and load = 0 N (Unload). UTE-Adiab-T1ρ was measured in the meniscus (M), femoral articular cartilage (FAC), tibial articular cartilage (TAC), articular cartilage regions uncovered by meniscus (AC-UC), and articular cartilage regions covered by meniscus (AC-MC) within region of interests (ROIs) manually selected by an experienced MR scientist. The Kruskal-Wallis test, with corrected significance level for multiple comparisons, was used to examine the UTE-Adiab-T1ρ differences between different loading conditions. RESULTS: UTE-Adiab-T1ρ decreased in all grouped ROIs under both Load1 and Load2 conditions (-18.7% and - 16.9% for M, -18.8% and - 12.6% for FAC, -21.4% and - 10.7% for TAC, -26.2% and - 13.9% for AC-UC, and - 16.9% and - 10.7% for AC-MC). After unloading, average UTE-Adiab-T1ρ increased across all ROIs and within a lower range compared with the average UTE-Adiab-T1ρ decreases induced by the two previous loading conditions. The loading-induced differences were statistically non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: While UTE-Adiab-T1ρ reduction by loading is likely an indication of tissue deformation, the increase of UTE-Adiab-T1ρ within a lower range by unloading implies partial tissue restoration. This study highlights the UTE-Adiab-T1ρ technique as an imaging marker of tissue function for detecting deformation patterns under loading.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation: neuromodulation of the suprascapular nerve and brachial plexus for postoperative analgesia following ambulatory rotator cuff repair. A proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an analgesic modality involving the insertion of a lead through an introducing needle followed by the delivery of electric current. This modality has been reported to treat chronic pain as well as postoperative pain following knee and foot surgery. However, it remains unknown if this analgesic technique may be used in ambulatory patients following upper extremity surgery. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to investigate various lead implantation locations and evaluate the feasibility of using percutaneous brachial plexus PNS to treat surgical pain following ambulatory rotator cuff repair in the immediate postoperative period. METHODS: Preoperatively, an electrical lead (SPR Therapeutics, Cleveland, Ohio) was percutaneously implanted to target the suprascapular nerve or brachial plexus roots or trunks using ultrasound guidance. Postoperatively, subjects received 5 min of either stimulation or sham in a randomized, double-masked fashion followed by a 5 min crossover period, and then continuous stimulation until lead removal postoperative days 14-28. RESULTS: Leads (n=2) implanted at the suprascapular notch did not appear to provide analgesia, and subsequent leads (n=14) were inserted through the middle scalene muscle and placed to target the brachial plexus. Three subjects withdrew prior to data collection. Within the recovery room, stimulation did not decrease pain scores during the first 40 min of the remaining subjects with brachial plexus leads, regardless of which treatment subjects were randomized to initially. Seven of these 11 subjects required a single-injection interscalene nerve block for rescue analgesia prior to discharge. However, subsequent average resting and dynamic pain scores postoperative days 1-14 had a median of 1 or less on the Numeric Rating Scale, and opioid requirements averaged less than 1 tablet daily with active stimulation. Two leads dislodged during use and four fractured on withdrawal, but no infections, nerve injuries, or adverse sequelae were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that ultrasound-guided percutaneous PNS of the brachial plexus is feasible for ambulatory shoulder surgery, and although analgesia immediately following surgery does not appear to be as potent as local anesthetic-based peripheral nerve blocks, the study suggests that this modality may provide analgesia and decrease opioid requirements in the days following rotator cuff repair. Therefore, it suggests that a subsequent, large, randomized clinical trial with an adequate control group is warranted to further investigate this therapy in the management of surgical pain in the immediate postoperative period. However, multiple technical issues remain to be resolved, such as the optimal lead location, insertion technique, and stimulating protocol, as well as preventing lead dislodgment and fracture. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02898103.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve for Postoperative Analgesia Following Ambulatory Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Proof of Concept Study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective proof of concept study was to investigate the feasibility of using percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation of the femoral nerve to treat pain in the immediate postoperative period following ambulatory anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a patellar autograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperatively, an electrical lead (SPRINT, SPR Therapeutics, Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA) was percutaneously implanted with ultrasound guidance anterior to the femoral nerve caudad to the inguinal crease. Within the recovery room, subjects received 5 min of either stimulation or sham in a randomized, double-masked fashion followed by a 5-min crossover period, and then continuous active stimulation until lead removal postoperative Day 14-28. Statistics were not applied to the data due to the small sample size of this feasibility study. RESULTS: During the initial 5-min treatment period, subjects randomized to stimulation (n = 5) experienced a slight downward trajectory (decrease of 7%) in their pain over the 5 min of treatment, while those receiving sham (n = 5) reported a slight upward trajectory (increase of 4%) until their subsequent 5-min stimulation crossover, during which time they also experienced a slight downward trajectory (decrease of 11% from baseline). A majority of subjects (80%) used a continuous adductor canal nerve block for rescue analgesia (in addition to stimulation) during postoperative Days 1-3, after which the median resting and dynamic pain scores remained equal or less than 1.5 on the numeric rating scale, respectively, and the median daily opioid consumption was less than 1.0 tablet. CONCLUSIONS: This proof of concept study demonstrates that percutaneous femoral nerve stimulation is feasible for ambulatory knee surgery; and suggests that this modality may be effective in providing analgesia and decreasing opioid requirements following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02898103.

Contrast-Enhanced MRI Evaluation of Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone and Hamstring ACL Autograft Healing in Humans: A Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or gadolinium-enhanced MRI, was used to prospectively study the postoperative course of bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and combined semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) tendon autografts following arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. Gadopentetate dimeglumine is a contrast agent that has been shown to enhance the signal of vascularized tissue when examined by MRI. PURPOSE: To prospectively determine and compare the pattern and timing of autograft revascularization following arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction by BPTB or STG autografts. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A total of 73 patients (63 males, 10 females) with ACL tears who were scheduled to undergo reconstruction consented to participate in this study. The patients were randomized to receive arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the ACL employing either BPTB or STG autografts. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI scans were scheduled at 3-month intervals during the first postoperative year to assess the integrity, timing, and pattern of enhancement of the ACL graft. The temporal sequence and morphologic characteristics of imaged signals were compared for both types of ACL reconstructions. RESULTS: Based on all knees with 1 exception, there were no statistically significant differences in gadopentetate dimeglumine-mediated graft enhancement grade observed between BPTB and STG autografts. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that autograft revascularization probably varies in intensity and location during the time course of graft healing. The interval signal changes observed 3 to 9 months, but especially 6 to 9 months, postoperatively are due to increased contrast uptake as a reflection of ongoing neovascularization during the process of ligamentization.

An Unusual Case of an Intra-Articular Osseous Fragment Associated with a Medial Collateral Ligament Femoral Avulsion Fracture in an Adult: A Case Report.

CASE: The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most commonly injured ligament of the knee; however, to our knowledge, avulsion fractures of the MCL resulting in an intra-articular fragment have not been reported. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman with a posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture and an MCL avulsion fracture with an intra-articular bony fragment. CONCLUSION: Patients who sustain trauma to the knee should be carefully evaluated for ligamentous avulsion injuries. Avulsion fractures in adults represent substantial traumatic injuries, and associated injuries should be suspected. While the MCL is an extracapsular structure, this case report demonstrates that the MCL femoral-sided osseous attachment can displace intra-articularly.

Fusobacterium nucleatum Osteomyelitis of the Femur in a Patient with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Case Report.

CASE: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is an often overlooked cause of orthopaedic-related infections despite a well-accepted association in the literature. We present the case of a forty-seven-year-old man with HHT who developed femoral osteomyelitis and a subsequent pathologic femoral fracture from a rare bacterial species associated with HHT. CONCLUSION: Patients with HHT and extremity pain should be carefully evaluated for orthopaedic infections. If an orthopaedic infection is suspected, fastidious organisms should be considered as a possible etiologic agent. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is helpful when organisms cannot be isolated from traditional culture media.

Incidence of knee sepsis after ACL reconstruction at one institution: the impact of a clinical pathway.

BACKGROUND: After experiencing an unusually high incidence of knee sepsis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, we sought to (1) describe how we resolved this problem through temporary discontinuation of the procedure, formation of a multidisciplinary ACL Task Force, systematic investigation of clinical data and institutional care practices, and development and implementation of an evidence-based ACL Clinical Pathway (the Pathway); and (2) report our findings and results. METHODS: From 1999 through 2008, thirty-seven cases of knee sepsis after ACL reconstruction were recorded at our institution. In 2008 (yearly incidence, 4.4%), ACL reconstructions were temporarily suspended and a Task Force was assembled to (1) identify infection risk factors or epidemiological links among cases, (2) inspect environment and processes for possible infection sources, and (3) update existing perioperative practices according to current evidence-based guidelines to reduce surgical site infection risk. These actions led to the development of the Pathway for patients and providers. The rates of knee sepsis before and after the Pathway was implemented were compared. RESULTS: There was no consistent risk factor or epidemiologic link among the cases of knee sepsis other than the time and place of the ACL reconstruction. Process review identified shortfalls in decontamination and sterilization of some surgical equipment. Perioperative care practices review revealed wide interprovider variation. Pathway implementation reduced the rate of knee sepsis after ACL reconstruction from 1.96% (twenty-four cases after 1226 ACL reconstructions performed from 2002 to 2008) to 0% (zero cases after 500 ACL reconstructions performed from 2008 to 2011); the difference was significant (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: When a Task Force investigation suggested that knee sepsis after ACL reconstruction was a multifactorial problem, we implemented and standardized evidence-based perioperative care practices via the institution-wide Pathway, which significantly improved the quality and consistency of care for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction, as well evidenced by the elimination of knee sepsis.

The traumatic lower extremity amputee: surgical challenges and advances in prosthetics.

The mangled lower extremity is a challenging injury to treat. Orthopaedic surgeons treating patients with these severe injuries must have a clear understanding of contemporary advantages and disadvantages of limb salvage versus amputation. It is helpful to review the acute management of mangled extremity injuries in the civilian and military populations, to be familiar with current postoperative protocols, and to recognize recent advances in prosthetic devices.

Blast injuries: mechanics and wounding patterns.

Blast and fragment injuries are the most frequently encountered wounds in modern warfare. Explosive devices have become the preferred weapon of domestic and foreign terrorists because they are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can cause substantial casualties. Although blast injuries have traditionally been associated with the battlefield, this type of trauma is being seen more commonly today among noncombatants due to increasing worldwide terrorism.

Advances in the care of battlefield orthopaedic injuries.

Musculoskeletal wounds are the most common type of injury among survivors of combat trauma. The treatment of these wounds entails many challenges. Although methods of care are evolving, significant gaps remain as knowledge of civilian trauma is extrapolated to combat injuries. It is important to discuss issues related to the use of portable vacuum-assisted wound closure devices during transport, as well as the prevention of heterotopic ossification and the participation of civilian orthopaedic trauma experts in caring for injured service members through the Distinguished Visiting Scholar Program.

War wounds of the foot and ankle: causes, characteristics, and initial management.

Foot and ankle trauma sustained in the Global War on Terror have unique causes and characteristics. At least one-quarter of all battle injuries involve the lower extremity. These severe lower extremity wounds require specialized early treatment. Ballistic mechanisms cause almost all injuries, and as such, most combat foot and ankle wounds are open in nature. Wounds are characteristically caused by blast mechanisms, but high velocity gunshot injuries are also common. The severe and polytraumatic nature of injuries sustained frequently call for damage control orthopaedics to be utilized. Cautious early treatment of irregular and highly exudative ballistic wounds with subatmospheric wound dressings may ease their early management.

Case report: Bowel perforation presenting as subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh.

Necrotizing fasciitis is recognized as a surgical emergency. Early detection and aggressive surgical débridement are crucial to reduce patient mortality and morbidity. There are, however, other causes of subcutaneous emphysema. We present the case of a 64 year-old patient with a history of postsurgical radiation for rectal carcinoma with subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh in the presence of urinary sepsis. Surgical exploration revealed the source of the emphysema to be an enterocutaneous fistula. The patient had an unstable and prolonged hospitalization after débridements of the thigh and abdominal surgery and was readmitted for recurrence of thigh drainage, but eventually was discharged; nine months after the initial diagnosis all wounds had healed and he was walking with a walker. Despite an otherwise benign clinical appearance, the radiographic finding of subcutaneous emphysema in the absence of penetrating trauma must be considered a case of a necrotizing soft tissue infection until proven otherwise.

Orthopaedic war injuries: recent developments in treatment and research.

Musculoskeletal injury is the most common type of injury among survivors of combat trauma, and combat-related trauma is challenging for an orthopaedic surgeon to treat. Methods of treatment are evolving, but significant gaps remain as knowledge of civilian trauma is extrapolated to combat trauma.

Orthopaedic war injuries: from combat casualty care to definitive treatment: a current review of clinical advances, basic science, and research opportunities.

Musculoskeletal war wounds often involve massive injury to bone and soft tissue that differ markedly in character and extent compared with most injuries seen in civilian practice. These complex injuries have challenged orthopaedic surgeons to the limits of their treatment abilities on the battlefield, during medical evacuation, and in subsequent definitive or reconstructive treatment. Newer methodologies are being used in the treatment of these wounds to prevent so-called second hit complications, decrease complications associated with prolonged medical evacuation, reduce the incidence of infection, and restore optimal function. Basic science advances hold the promise of providing foundations for future treatment options that may improve both bone and soft-tissue healing. Research on the treatment of these often devastating wounds also will have broad applicability to trauma resulting from acts of terrorism or from natural disasters.

Combat orthopaedics: a view from the trenches.

Approximately 70% of war wounds involve the musculoskeletal system, and military orthopaedic surgeons have assumed a pivotal role in the frontline treatment of these injuries in Iraq. Providing battlefield orthopaedic care poses special challenges; not only are many wounds unlike those encountered in civilian practice, but patients also must be triaged and treated in an austere and dangerous environment, undergo staged resuscitation and definitive surgery, and endure prolonged medical evacuation, often involving ground, helicopter, and fixed-wing transport across continents. Most orthopaedic wounds in Iraq are caused by exploding ordnance--frequently, improvised explosive devices, or IEDs. Because of advances in care, rapid medical evacuation, and modern body armor, many casualties have survived in Iraq who would not have done so in previous wars. Treatment of war wounds, many of which are devastating in the scope of soft-tissue and bony injury, requires a team approach using hypotensive resuscitation, damage-control orthopaedics, new or rediscovered techniques of hemostatic and intravenous hemorrhage control, vacuum-assisted wound closure, and advanced reconstruction. Current challenges include prevention of infection, a better understanding of heterotopic ossification as a sequela of blast injury, and the need for a comprehensive, joint service database that encompasses the multilevel spectrum of orthopaedic care.

Levels of medical care in the global war on terrorism.

Trauma care for military personnel injured in Iraq has become increasingly sophisticated. There are five levels, or echelons, of care, each progressively more advanced. Level I care provides immediate first aid at the front line. Level II care consists of surgical resuscitation provided by highly mobile forward surgical teams that directly support combatant units in the field. Level III care is provided through combat support hospitals--large facilities that take time to become fully operational but offer much more advanced medical, surgical, and trauma care, similar to a civilian trauma center. Level IV care is the first echelon at which definitive surgical management is provided outside the combat zone. Level V care is the final stage of evacuation to one of the major military centers in the United States, where definitive stabilization, reconstruction, or amputation of the injured extremity is performed.