Sonography of cat scratch disease.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the sonographic features of cat scratch disease and to identify features that allow differentiation from other causes of medial epitrochlear masses. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval was obtained, patients who underwent sonography for a medial epitrochlear mass or lymph node were identified via the radiology information system. Patients were divided into 2 groups: cat scratch disease and non-cat scratch disease, based on pathologic results and clinical information. Sonograms were retrospectively reviewed and characterized with respect to dimension, shape (round, oval, or lobular), symmetry, location (subcutaneous or intramuscular), multiplicity, echogenicity (anechoic, hypoechoic, isoechoic, hyperechoic, or mixed), hyperechoic hilum (present or absent), adjacent anechoic or hypoechoic area, hyperemia (present or absent), pattern of hyperemia if present (central, peripheral, or mixed), increased posterior through-transmission (present or absent), and shadowing (present or absent). Sonographic findings were compared between the patients with and without cat scratch disease. RESULTS: The final patient group consisted of 5 cases of cat scratch disease and 16 cases of other causes of medial epitrochlear masses. The 2 sonographic findings that were significantly different between the cat scratch disease and non-cat scratch disease cases included mass asymmetry (P = .0062) and the presence of a hyperechoic hilum (P = .0075). The other sonographic findings showed no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The sonographic finding of an epitrochlear mass due to cat scratch disease most commonly is that of a hypoechoic lobular or oval mass with central hyperemia and a possible adjacent fluid collection; however, the presence of asymmetry and a hyperechoic hilum differentiate cat scratch disease from other etiologies.

Radial collateral ligament of the elbow: sonographic characterization with cadaveric dissection correlation and magnetic resonance arthrography.

OBJECTIVES: An abnormality of the radial collateral ligament (RCL) in the setting of lateral epicondylitis can indicate a poor clinical outcome; therefore, accurate assessment is important. The purpose of this study was to characterize the proximal RCL attachment, or footprint, as seen on sonography using cadaveric dissection correlation and magnetic resonance arthrography. METHODS: For the first part of this study, 4 cadaveric elbow specimens were imaged with sonography before and after dissection to characterize the RCL. After Institutional Review Board approval with consent waived, 26 consecutive magnetic resonance (MR) arthrograms of the elbow were identified. The sonograms and MR arthrograms were retrospectively reviewed to measure the length of the RCL footprint and its percentage of the combined RCL and common extensor tendon (CET) humeral footprints. RESULTS: The mean RCL footprint length and percentage of the combined RCL and CET footprints were 8.4 mm (range, 7.4-10.0 mm) and 54% as measured from the elbow specimen sonograms and 9.1 mm (range, 6.4-12.5 mm) and 54% as measured from the MR arthrograms. The mean RCL footprint length combining data from specimens and MR arthrograms was 8.9 mm (range, 6.4-12.5 mm), covering 54% of the combined RCL and CET footprints. CONCLUSIONS: The RCL can be differentiated from the CET on sonography with knowledge of the RCL humeral footprint extent, which measured 8.9 mm in length and comprised 54% of the combined RCL and CET footprints.

Pain and effusion and quadriceps activation and strength.

CONTEXT: Quadriceps dysfunction is a common consequence of knee joint injury and disease, yet its causes remain elusive. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of pain on quadriceps strength and activation and to learn if simultaneous pain and knee joint effusion affect the magnitude of quadriceps dysfunction. DESIGN: Crossover study. SETTING: University research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen (8 men, 6 women; age = 23.6 ± 4.8 years, height = 170.3 ± 9.16 cm, mass = 72.9 ± 11.84 kg) healthy volunteers. INTERVENTION(S): All participants were tested under 4 randomized conditions: normal knee, effused knee, painful knee, and effused and painful knee. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Quadriceps strength (Nm/kg) and activation (central activation ratio) were assessed after each condition was induced. RESULTS: Quadriceps strength and activation were highest under the normal knee condition and differed from the 3 experimental knee conditions (P < .05). No differences were noted among the 3 experimental knee conditions for either variable (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Both pain and effusion led to quadriceps dysfunction, but the interaction of the 2 stimuli did not increase the magnitude of the strength or activation deficits. Therefore, pain and effusion can be considered equally potent in eliciting quadriceps inhibition. Given that pain and effusion accompany numerous knee conditions, the prevalence of quadriceps dysfunction is likely high.

A needs assessment of musculoskeletal fellowship training: a survey of practicing musculoskeletal radiologists.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a needs assessment of musculo-skeletal radiologists regarding their musculoskeletal training experience and attitude toward a standardized musculoskeletal fellowship curriculum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous survey was sent to the Society of Skeletal Radiology membership querying musculoskeletal radiologists' practice patterns, fellowship program, curriculum, and modes of learning. RESULTS: Of 216 respondents (26% response rate), 87% were musculoskeletal fellowship trained. The majority performed MRI, CT, and radiography (99%); arthrography (95%); spine MRI (77%); pediatric musculoskeletal imaging (75%); musculoskeletal ultrasound (63%); and biopsies (62%). During fellowship, 72% read spine MRI; 74% pediatric musculo-skeletal imaging, and 49% musculoskeletal ultrasound (49%); 33% received no spine procedural training. Most felt comfortable performing arthrography, joint injections, and bone and soft-tissue biopsies but not spine biopsies. Of the total, 33% received a curriculum and 67% had no formal feedback and 56% did not evaluate their program. The highest rated program features were teaching by attending physicians (69%), case variety (54%), and procedural training (49%). The lowest rated features were lack of curriculum (57%), lack of structured learning (48%), and lack of mentoring (24%). The favorite mode of learning was one-on-one readout with attending physicians (90%), and 85% agreed that a standardized musculoskeletal fellowship curriculum would benefit musculoskeletal training. CONCLUSION: Although musculoskeletal radiologists believe they were adequately trained for practice, there are perceived deficiencies in spine MRI, pediatric musculoskeletal imaging, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. A standardized musculoskeletal fellowship curriculum would provide improved structure and a defined educational program. Clear expectations, performance assessment, feedback, and programmatic evaluation should be core elements of the training of every musculoskeletal fellow.

Structural and functional analysis of the semitendinosus tendon after harvest for soft tissue reconstructive procedures: a dynamic ultrasonographic study.

PURPOSE: To assess the potential for regeneration of the hamstring tendons after harvesting for various soft tissue reconstructive procedures, this study uses dynamic, high-resolution ultrasound to evaluate the presence of any tissue in the harvest gap and to characterize tissue functionality. METHODS: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using ipsilateral hamstring autograft were identified in the database of a single surgeon. Dynamic 12-MHz sonographic imaging was used to evaluate the ipsilateral and contralateral (control) semitendinosus tendons from their insertion sites to proximal muscle bellies. The presence or absence and echogenicity of tissue in the harvest defect, tissue appearance, degree of retraction of the proximal tendon stump, thickness of gap tissue, and motion of the proximal tendon stump were recorded. Data were analysed with Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, sign or binomial tests, with significance of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Eighteen knees in 15 patients (aged 17-51 years) were studied. The proximal amputated stump was retracted an average of 9.0 ± 7.6 cm (range, 0-18 cm; P = 0.0063). With dynamic testing, 9 of 15 knees demonstrated decreased excursion of the proximal tendon stump when compared to the native, contralateral muscle-tendon unit (P = 0.0039). Tissue was detected in the harvest gap in nine knees, five of which had harvest gap tissue with a disorganized appearance compared to the native tendon (P < 0.0001). Six of these nine knees had tissue in the gap demonstrating either less or no excursion with active knee flexion when compared to the native, contralateral side (P = 0.0313). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of tissue in the harvest gap after ACL reconstruction is variable. When tissue is present, there is proximal retraction of the musculotendinous junction and disorganized appearance of the tissue that does not demonstrate normal excursion or physiological function similar to the native muscle-tendon unit. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Treatment of rotator cuff tears in older individuals: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff disease is common in older adults and may compromise health status and functional independence. However, little evidence exists to guide the treatment of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) in the older patient. This study evaluated the evidence regarding treatment of RCTs in patients with a mean age of 60 years or older. METHODS: PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Citation Index (Web of Knowledge), Sport Discus, CINAHL, The Cochrane Controlled Trials registry, podium and poster presentations, proceedings, and abstracts from American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons were searched for published and unpublished studies from 1966 to 2009. Inclusion criteria were English language, level of evidence I to III or greater, a full-thickness RCT, and treatment (surgery, physical therapy, injections, medications, or observation). Exclusion criteria included purely retrospective studies, isolated tears of the subscapularis, partial RCTs, revision surgery, and grafting or tendon transfer procedures. The blinded studies were independently evaluated using principles in the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials, 2001) statement and then collated by level of evidence and treatment strategy. RESULTS: Eight studies (1 level I, 4 level II, and 3 level III) evaluated treatment outcomes in patients aged older than 60 years. Review of the included operative studies suggests possible efficacy with operative intervention. However, heterogeneity of these studies and bias did not allow for a valid consensus on the best treatment approach. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to suggest efficacy in operative or nonoperative treatment of RCTs in older patients. The results presented here suggest possible favorable outcomes with operative management of RCTs.

The incidence of heterotopic ossification after hip arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive techniques to treat femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), snapping hip syndrome, and peritrochanteric space disorder (PSD) were developed to reduce complications and recovery time. Although a multitude of studies have reported on the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) after open procedures of the hip, there is little known about the rate of HO after hip arthroscopy. HYPOTHESES: The incidence of HO after hip arthroscopy is comparable with that after open surgical dislocation of the hip and can be reduced with the addition of indomethacin to an existing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication prophylaxis protocol. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Between July 2008 and July 2010, 616 primary hip arthroscopies were performed to treat FAI and PSD. In July 2009, indomethacin was added in the acute postoperative period to an existing HO prophylactic protocol of naproxen administered for 30 days postoperatively. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to detect the presence and classify the size and location of HO. Odds ratios and logistic regression explored predictor variables and their relationships with HO, with P < .05 defined as significant. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (21 male, 8 female) of 616 (4.7%) hip procedures developed HO postoperatively. Brooker classification of HO was 18 grade I, 4 grade II, 6 grade III, and 1 grade IV. Mean follow-up was 13.2 months (range, 2.9-26.5 months). Rate of HO for cases with and without indomethacin for prophylaxis was 1.8% (6/339) and 8.3% (23/277), respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P < .05), and patients who underwent protocol 1 were 4.36 times more likely to develop HO postoperatively than those who had protocol 2. The majority of cases of HO (72.4%) occurred in male patients, and all cases occurred in the setting of osteoplasty performed for symptomatic FAI. We were not able to demonstrate statistically significant clinical risk factors that were predictive for the development of postoperative HO. However, the data clearly demonstrate that the performance of arthroscopic osteoplasty with a capsular cut in male patients represented the majority of cases, who are likely the group at highest risk. Seven cases (~1%) required revision procedures to excise HO. There were no cases of recurrence of HO after excision, whether it was performed open or arthroscopically. CONCLUSION: The addition of indomethacin is effective in reducing the incidence of HO after hip arthroscopy and should be especially considered in male patients who undergo osteoplasty for correction of symptomatic FAI.

Time to return to play after high ankle sprains in collegiate football players: a prediction model.

BACKGROUND: Determining the severity of high ankle sprains in athletes and predicting the time that an athlete can return to unrestricted sport activities following this injury remain significant challenges. PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were (1) to determine if objective measurements of injury severity after high ankle sprains could predict the time to return to play in Division I football players and (2) to determine whether physical examination or diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound was more predictive of return to play. The hypothesis was that objective measures of injury severity of a high ankle sprain can be predictive of time to return to athletic participation in collegiate football players. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Twenty consecutive Division I collegiate football players with a diagnosis of a grade I high ankle sprain (syndesmosis sprain without diastasis) were studied. Two clinical measurements of injury severity were determined: the height of the zone of injury on physical examination and the height of the zone of injury as defined by diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound examination. All athletes followed a standardized treatment program and return-to-play criteria. A regression model and Cox proportional hazards model were developed to determine time to return to unrestricted play as a function of injury severity and player position. RESULTS: Physical examination but not ultrasound was significantly correlated with time to return to play. Regression and Cox analyses revealed that injury severity on physical examination and player position were significant predictors of time to return to unrestricted play following high ankle sprain. CONCLUSIONS: Injury severity on physical examination and player position are associated with the time to return to unrestricted athletic activity after injury. A model based on the data can be applied to help predict the time to return to unrestricted play in Division I collegiate football players following high ankle sprain.

When do rotator cuff repairs fail? Serial ultrasound examination after arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears, recurrent tears after repair of large and massive tears remain a significant clinical problem. The primary objective of this study was to define the timing of structural failure of surgically repaired large and massive rotator cuff tears by serial imaging with ultrasound. The secondary objective of this study was to investigate the association between recurrent tears and clinical outcome after rotator cuff repair. HYPOTHESIS: Recurrent tear after arthroscopic repair of large rotator cuff tears is more likely to occur late (>3 months) in the postoperative period and will be associated with inferior clinical outcome scores. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients with large (>3 cm) rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic repair with a standardized technique. Serial ultrasound examinations were performed at 2 days, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery. Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index scores were also collected at these time points. RESULTS: Nine (41%) of the 22 arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff tears demonstrated recurrent tears. Seven of the 9 retears occurred within 3 months of surgery, and the other 2 occurred between 3 and 6 months. No retears occurred after 6 months. At 24-month follow-up, WORC scores favoring intact rotator cuffs over retears approached statistical significance (mean WORC intact 123.9 vs retear 659.8; P = .07). CONCLUSION: Recurrent rotator cuff tears are not uncommon after arthroscopic repair of large and massive tears. These recurrent tears appear to occur more frequently in the early postoperative period (within the first 3 months) and are associated with inferior clinical outcomes.

Bone density of the greater tuberosity is decreased in rotator cuff disease with and without full-thickness tears.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of rotator cuff disease in the aging adult population, the basic mechanisms initiating the disease are not known. It is known that changes occur at both the bone and tendon after rotator cuff tears. However, no study has focused on early or "pretear" rotator cuff disease states. The purpose of this study was to compare the bone mineral density of the greater tuberosity in normal subjects with that in subjects with impingement syndrome and full-thickness rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digital anteroposterior shoulder radiographs were obtained for 3 sex- and age-matched study groups (men, 40-70 years old): normal asymptomatic shoulders (control), rotator cuff disease without full-thickness tears (impingement), and full-thickness rotator cuff tears (n = 39 per group). By use of imaging software, bone mineral densities were determined for the greater tuberosity, the greater tuberosity cortex, the greater tuberosity subcortex, and the cancellous region of the humeral head. RESULTS: The bone mineral density of the greater tuberosity was significantly higher for the normal control subjects compared with subjects with impingement or rotator cuff tears. No differences were found between the two groups of patients with known rotator cuff disease. The greater tuberosity cortex and greater tuberosity subcortex outcome measures were similar. CONCLUSION: Bone mineral changes are present in the greater tuberosity of shoulders with rotator cuff disease both with and without full-thickness tears. The finding of focal diminished bone mineral density of the greater tuberosity in the absence of rotator cuff tears warrants further investigation.

Clinical Outcomes following the Microfracture Procedure for Chondral Defects of the Knee: A Longitudinal Data Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term outcome, following microfracture of the knee in a large patient group, using a random-effect model for longitudinal data analysis. There were 350 subjects (males, 55%; females, 65%) who underwent knee microfracture by a single surgeon between 1992 and 2002. Mean age was 48 years (range, 12-76 years). Subjective questionnaires were collected from patients at 1 year postsurgery and each consecutive year thereafter. Of treated chondral lesions, 53% were traumatic lesions, and 47% were degenerative. Average initial follow-up was 4 years (range, 1-12 years). Outcome variables included Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale. Analysis showed that Lysholm score improved during the first 2 years following microfracture. After 2 years, the score remained steady with a slight decline but remained above preoperative level through the study period. There was no significant difference in the improvement of outcome over time between men and women (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in improvement of outcome over time between degenerative and traumatic chondral lesions (P > 0.05). Subjects with traumatic lesions demonstrated a significant difference in trajectory of Lysholm scores over time by age (≤45 years, >45 years) (P = 0.04). This study showed that there was no difference in improvement in outcome following microfracture between men and women or between degenerative and traumatic chondral lesions. However, there were age-dependent differences in the improvement in outcome over time.

Complications after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate complications of the medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) procedure at our institution. METHODS: All cases of medial opening wedge HTO performed between 2001 and 2004 at our institution were identified. Medical records, operative reports, and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed for all patients who experienced a complication within 12 months postsurgery. All complications were identified for analysis. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included in this study; 17 (36.9%) patients had a documented complication. There were 7 patients (15.2%) with loss of correction, 2 (4.3%) with intraoperative lateral cortex fractures, 2 (4.3%) with postoperative lateral cortex fractures, 2 (4.3%) with deep venous thrombosis, 2 (4.3%) with delayed unions, and 2 (4.3%) with symptomatic hardware. Patients with a loss of angular correction had a greater body mass index (BMI) than those without a loss of correction (mean BMI, 32.5 v 28.8; P = .0416). Of the 7 patients with loss of angular correction, 6 had a first-generation fixation device and 1 had a second-generation device. There was no apparent association between delayed union and graft type (allograft v autograft). CONCLUSIONS: The medial opening wedge HTO is associated with a moderate frequency of complications. The frequency and type of complications seem to be similar to those reported for the lateral closing technique. Although there are technical advantages offered by the medial opening wedge HTO, their influence on the frequency and type of complications experienced by patients in our series was not apparent. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Shoulder kinematics in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears after a subacromial injection.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR) is altered in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears due to pain. Fifteen subjects (mean age, 60.2 +/- 8.9 years; mean height, 1.72 +/- 0.10 m; mean weight, 85.43 +/- 18.32 kg) performed humeral elevation in the 3 planes before and after a lidocaine injection. Pain was assessed by use of a visual analog scale, and data were collected with an electromagnetic tracking system. Three-dimensional scapular kinematics (scapulothoracic motion) and glenohumeral elevation were assessed. A linear regression model was used to calculate SHR (ratio of scapulothoracic motion to glenohumeral elevation) for equal phases of elevation (I, II, and III) and lowering (IV, V, and VI). Pain was significantly reduced (P