[Generating statements at whole-body imaging with a workflow-optimized software tool--first experiences with multireader analysis]. / Befunderstellung bei der Ganzkörperbildgebung mittels einer workflowoptimierten Befundungssoftware--Erste Erfahrungen einer Multireader-Analyse.

INTRODUCTION: Due to technical innovations in sectional diagram methods, whole-body imaging has increased in importance for clinical radiology, particularly for the diagnosis of systemic tumor disease. Large numbers of images have to be evaluated in increasingly shorter time periods. The aim was to create and evaluate a new software tool to assist and automate the process of diagnosing whole-body datasets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen whole-body datasets were evaluated by 3 readers using the conventional system and the new software tool. The times for loading the datasets, examining 5 different regions (head, neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis/skeletal system) and retrieving a relevant finding for demonstration were acquired. Additionally a Student T-Test was performed. For qualitative analysis the 3 readers used a scale from 0 - 4 (0 = bad, 4 = very good) to assess dataset loading convenience, lesion location assistance, and ease of use. Additionally a kappa value was calculated. RESULTS: The average loading time was 39.7 s (+/- 5.5) with the conventional system and 6.5 s (+/- 1.4) (p < 0.01) with the new software tool. For the different regions (conventional system/new software tool), the time reduction for readers 1, 2, and 3 were as follows: in the head region 35.9 % (p < 0.01)/49.9 % (p < 0.01)/54.3 % (p < 0,01), in the neck region 48.5 % (p < 0.01)/52.6 % (p < 0.01)/59.4 % (p < 0.05), in the thorax region 59.1 % (p < 0.01)/56.2 % (p < 0.05)/62.1 % (p < 0.05), in the abdominal region 61.9 % (p < 0.01)/62.7 % (p < 0.05)/47.9 % (p < 0.01) and in the pelvis region 73.1 % (p < 0.01)/63.7 % (p < 0.05)/55 % (p < 0.01), respectively. 148.2 s (+/- 94.8) compared to 2.5 s (+/- 0.5) were required to retrieve a previously described finding (p < 0.01). With and without the new software tool the same number of metastases was found (p < 0.01, k > 0.9). The qualitative analysis showed a significant advantage with respect to convenience (p < 0.01, k > 0.9). CONCLUSION: Use of the new software can achieve a significant time savings when working with whole-body datasets with a constant quality of findings and a significant advantage with respect to convenience. As a result, the problem of evaluating examinations with thousands of images can be approached systematically.

[Treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: one-step procedure with bone grafting and matrix-supported autologous chondrocyte transplantation]. / Einzeitige Rekonstruktion osteochondraler Defekte am Kniegelenk bei Osteochondrosis dissecans.

AIM: The aim of this study was to establish and assess a one-step reconstruction procedure of deep osteochondral defects of the knee joint with bone grafting and matrix-supported autologous chondrocyte transplantation in osteochondritis dissecans. METHOD: Between 2004 and 200622 patients with osteochondral defects in the weight-bearing zone of the femoral condyles(ICRS OCD III and IV) were reconstructed simultaneously with bone grafting and matrix-supported autologous chondrocyte transplantation (NOVOCART 3D). All patients were analysed prospectively. RESULTS: 17 Males and 5 females(age 28.3, range: 17-49 years) were surgically treated with the above-mentioned novel method. Before reconstruction osteochondral defects had an average defect area of 4.8 (2.4-9.0) cm2 and a depth of between 4 and 15 mm. For reconstruction an average of 2.6 (1-6) monocortical cancellous bone cylinders (diameter 8mm) was used to fill the osseous defect and to reconstruct the subchondral bone plate with adequate positioning of the monocortical layer of the graft. Then a Matrix-ACT was used to cover the reconstructed subchondral bone plate. The average follow-up was 16 (6-36) months. The average Tegner activity score was 4 (3-7) of 10. The Lysholm-Gillquistscore and the Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center score were significantly improved postoperatively. The IKDC-2000 questionnaire was also significantly increased by 50%. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous reconstruction of deep osteochondral detects of the knee joint with bone grafting and matrix-supported autologous chondrocyte transplantation in osteochondritis dissecans is a biological, one-step alternative to previously reported methods with encouraging first results.

[MRI monitoring of autologous hyaline cartilage grafts in the knee joint: a follow-up study over 12 months]. / MRT-Monitoring autologer Chondrozytentransplantate im Kniegelenk: Eine Verlaufsstudie über 12 Monate.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the suitability of different MR sequences for monitoring the stage of maturation of hyaline cartilage grafts in the knee joint and the early detection of complications like hypertrophy. In addition, it was analyzed whether indirect MR arthrography can indicate debonding of the graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI examinations were performed in 19 patients, aged 17 - 48 years, with autologous transplantation of a hyaline cartilage tissue graft after knee trauma. Examination dates were prior to transplantation to localize the defect, and 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplantation to control morphology and maturation of the autologous graft. Standard T2- and proton-density-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences and T1-weighted spin echo (SE) sequences were used, as well as gradient echo (GRE) sequences with and without magnetization transfer (MT) prepulses. In some cases, indirect MR arthrography was performed. RESULTS: Cartilage defect and the hyaline cartilage graft could be detected in all 19 patients. Hypertrophy of the graft could be found early in 3 patients and debonding in 1 patient. For depicting the graft a short time after surgery, T2-weighted TSE-sequences showed the best results. Six and 12 months after transplantation, spoiled 3D-GRE-sequences like FLASH3D (fast low angle shot) showed reduced artifacts due to magnetic residues from the surgery. Difference images from GRE-sequences with and without MT pulse provided high contrast between cartilage and surrounding tissue. The quantification of the MT effect showed an assimilation of the graft to the original cartilage within 12 months. Indirect MR arthrography showed subchondral contrast medium even 12 months after transplantation in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: MRI allows a reliable depiction of the hyaline graft and provides very early detection of complications like hypertrophy. The MT effect seems to be correlated with maturation of the graft and allows selective depiction of normal cartilage and engrafted cartilage.