Imaging features of glenoid bare spot in a pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: The bare spot (BaS) is a central, well-circumscribed focal defect in the glenoid articular surface, with reported adult incidence of 1-2%. We aimed to reassess MRI features of BaS in the pediatric population and determine its etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective search of our database from June 2014 to October 2015 was performed for shoulder MRI in patients between 5 and 25 years and then subdivided into four groups: group 1, 5-10 years; group 2, 10-15 years; group 3, 15-18 years; group 4, 20-25 years. BaS was defined as a well-marginated, central defect of increased signal in the articular surface of the glenoid, seen on at least two planes, without evidence of underlying glenoid pathology. Presence, location and size along with clinical indications were documented. RESULTS: A final cohort of 253 patients revealed 23 BaS, 3.5% in group 1, 20% in group 2, 5% in group 3 and 4% in group 4. There was a significantly higher incidence in group 2 (p = 0.007) compared to group 3 and p = 0.002 compared to group 4. Location was mainly central. Mean size was significantly bigger in group 2 compared to group 3 and 4. Distribution showed the highest number at 14-15 years of age. Instability was higher in groups 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: Incidence of BaS in group 2 was significantly higher than in other age groups and higher than in adults. BaS was also larger compared to other populations. These findings support a developmental theory, explained by the centripetal ossification of the glenoid.

Ultrasound-Guided Cryoanalgesia of Peripheral Nerve Lesions.

The real-time nature of ultrasound makes it ideally suited to provide guidance for a variety of musculoskeletal interventional procedures involving peripheral nerves. Continuous observation of the needle ensures proper placement and allows continuous monitoring when performing localized ablative therapy and therefore more accurate positioning of a cryoprobe, use of smaller needles, as well as access to small structures. We describe our experience performing cryoablative procedures. Patients undergoing cryoneurolysis have largely reported varying degrees of long-term pain relief and improvement in function; no serious complications have yet been identified. Ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis can provide a useful, safe alternative to other ablative techniques to achieve long-term analgesia from painful peripheral nerve lesions.

Drug-induced tendinopathy: from physiology to clinical applications.

Drug-induced tendon toxicity is rare but often underestimated. To date, four main drug classes have been incriminated in tendinopathies. Quinolones and long-term glucocorticoids are the most widely known, but statins and aromatase inhibitors can also induce tendon damage. The specific pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for drug-induced tendinopathies remain unknown. Proven risk factors have been identified, such as age older than 60 years, pre-existing tendinopathy, and potentiation of toxic effects when several drug classes are used in combination. Mean time to symptom onset varies from a few days with quinolones to several months with statins and several years for long-term glucocorticoid therapy. The most common sites of involvement are the lower limb tendons, most notably the body of the Achilles tendon. The first part of this review discusses tendon anatomy and the pathophysiology and radiological manifestations of tendinopathies. The second part provides details on the main characteristics of each of the drugs classes associated with tendon toxicity.