Three-dimensional analysis for quantification of knee joint space width with weight-bearing CT: comparison with non-weight-bearing CT and weight-bearing radiography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare computer-based 3D-analysis for quantification of the femorotibial joint space width (JSW) using weight-bearing cone beam CT (WB-CT), non-weight-bearing multi-detector CT (NWB-CT), and weight-bearing conventional radiographs (WB-XR). DESIGN: Twenty-six participants prospectively underwent NWB-CT, WB-CT, and WB-XR of the knee. For WB-CT and NWB-CT, the average and minimal JSW was quantified by 3D-analysis of the minimal distance of any point of the subchondral tibial bone surface and the femur. Associations with mechanical leg axes and osteoarthritis were evaluated. Minimal JSW of WB-CT was further compared to WB-XR. Two-tailed p-values of <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Significant differences existed of the average medial and lateral JSW between WB-CT and NWB-CT (medial: 4.7 vs 5.1 mm [P = 0.028], lateral: 6.3 vs 6.8 mm [P = 0.008]). The minimal JSW on WB-XR (medial:3.1 mm, lateral:5.8 mm) were significantly wider compared to WB-CT and NWB-CT (both medial:1.8 mm, lateral:2.9 mm, all p < 0.001), but not significantly different between WB-CT and NWB-CT (all p ≥ 0.869). Significant differences between WB-CT and NWB-CT existed in participants with varus knee alignment for the average and the minimal medial JSW (p = 0.004 and p = 0.011) and for participants with valgus alignment for the average lateral JSW (p = 0.013). On WB-CT, 25% of the femorotibial compartments showed bone-on-bone apposition, which was significantly higher when compared to NWB-CT (10%,P = 0.008) and WB-XR (8%,P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Combining WB-CT with 3D-based assessment allows detailed quantification of the femorotibial joint space and the effect of knee alignment on JSW. WB-CT demonstrates significantly more bone-on-bone appositions, which are underestimated or even undetectable on NWB-CT and WB-XR.

[CT and MRI of hip arthroplasty]. / CT und MRT der Hüftprothese.

Metal-induced artifacts impair image quality of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with hip prostheses. Due to new developments in metal artifact reduction both methods can now be used for evaluation of a painful hip prosthesis. Iterative reconstruction algorithms and dual-energy scans are among the newer CT techniques for artifact reduction, while slice-encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC) and multi-acquisition variable-resonance image combination (MAVRIC) have introduced substantial improvements for MRI. Loosening of the hip prosthesis, osteolysis from small wear particles and pseudotumors in metal-on-metal prostheses are specific pathologies in patients with total hip arthroplasty. Other causes of painful hip prostheses are infections, fractures, tendinopathies, tendon ruptures, muscle and nerve alterations and heterotopic ossifications.

Prevalence of cam and pincer-type deformities on hip MRI in an asymptomatic young Swiss female population: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Femoroacetabular impingement is proposed to cause early osteoarthritis (OA) in the non-dysplastic hip. We previously reported on the prevalence of femoral deformities in a young asymptomatic male population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of both femoral and acetabular types of impingement in young females. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of asymptomatic young females. All participants completed a set of questionnaires and underwent clinical examination of the hip. A random sample was subsequently invited to obtain magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the hip. All MRIs were read for cam-type deformities, increased acetabular depths, labral lesions, and impingement pits. Prevalence estimates of cam-type deformities and increased acetabular depths were estimated, and relationships between deformities and signs of joint damage were examined using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The study included 283 subjects, and 80 asymptomatic females with a mean age of 19.3 years attended MRI. Fifteen showed some evidence of cam-type deformities, but none were scored to be definite. The overall prevalence was therefore 0% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0-5%]. The prevalence of increased acetabular depth was 10% (95% CI 5-19). No association was found between increased acetabular depth and decreased internal rotation of the hip. Increased acetabular depth was not associated with signs of labral damage. CONCLUSIONS: Definite cam-type deformities in women are rare compared to men, whereas the prevalence of increased acetabular depth is higher, suggesting that femoroacetabular impingement has different gender-related biomechanical mechanisms.

The hip abductors at MR imaging.

Imaging of the hip abductors plays an increasing role for the evaluation of greater trochanteric pain in patients with and without total hip arthroplasty. This review article addresses the anatomy of the hip abductors and their intervening bursae. It highlights different possible imaging appearances such as tendinopathy or partial and full thickness tears of the gluteal tendons. Muscle atrophy or fatty degeneration of the gluteal muscles is an important reason for limping. Inflammatory diseases such as hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease or spondylarthritis have to be considered. Knowledge of these different entities is important to achieve optimal treatment and outcomes.

Soft-tissue changes in hip abductor muscles and tendons after total hip replacement: comparison between the direct anterior and the transgluteal approaches.

The direct anterior approach in total hip replacement anatomically offers the chance to minimise soft-tissue trauma because an intermuscular and internervous plane is explored. This motivated us to abandon our previously used transgluteal approach and to adopt the direct anterior approach for total hip replacement. Using MRI, we performed a retrospective comparative study of the direct anterior approach with the transgluteal approach. There were 25 patients in each group. At one year post-operatively all the patients underwent MRI of their replaced hips. A radiologist graded the changes in the soft-tissue signals in the abductor muscles. The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, body mass index, complexity of the reconstruction and absence of symptoms. Detachment of the abductor insertion, partial tears and tendonitis of gluteus medius and minimus, the presence of peri-trochanteric bursal fluid and fatty atrophy of gluteus medius and minimus were significantly less pronounced and less frequent when the direct anterior approach was used. There was no significant difference in the findings regarding tensor fascia lata between the two approaches. We conclude that use of the direct anterior approach results in a better soft-tissue response as assessed by MRI after total hip replacement. However, the impact on outcome needs to be evaluated further.

MR/CT image fusion of the spine after spondylodesis: a feasibility study.

The objective of this study is to evaluate feasibility, accuracy and time requirements of MR/CT image fusion of the lumbar spine after spondylodesis. Sagittal MR and CT images derived from standard imaging protocols (sagittal T2-weighted MR/sagittal reformatted multi-planar-reformation of the CT) of the lumbar spine with correct (n = 5) and incorrect (n = 5) implant position were fused by two readers (R1, R2) using OsiriX in two sessions placing one (session 1) or two (session 2) reference point(s) on the dorsal tip(s) of the cranial and caudal endplates from the second lumbar to the first sacral vertebra. R1 was an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist; R2 a spine surgeon, both had received a short training on the software tool. Fusion times and fusion accuracy, defined as the largest deviation between MR and CT in the median sagittal plane on the ventral tip of the cranial end plate of the most cranial vertebra visible on the CT, were measured in both sessions. Correct or incorrect implant position was evaluated upon the fused images for all patients by an experienced senior staff musculoskeletal radiologist. Mean fusion time (session 1/session 2; in seconds) was 100.4/95 (R1) and 104.2/119.8 (R2). Mean fusion deviation (session 1/session 2; in mm) was 1.24/2.20 (R1) and 0.79/1.62 (R2). The correct/incorrect implant position was identified correctly in all cases. In conclusion, MR/CT image fusion of the spine with metallic implants is feasible, fast, accurate and easy to implement in daily routine work.

Spatial variation in T1 of healthy human articular cartilage of the knee joint.

The longitudinal relaxation time T(1) of native cartilage is frequently assumed to be constant. To redress this, the spatial variation of T(1) in unenhanced healthy human knee cartilage in different compartments and cartilage layers was investigated. Knees of 25 volunteers were examined on a 1.5 T MRI system. A three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence with a variable flip angle, in combination with parallel imaging, was used for rapid T(1) mapping of the whole knee. Regions of interest (ROIs) were defined in five different cartilage segments (medial and lateral femoral cartilage, medial and lateral tibial cartilage and patellar cartilage). Pooled histograms and averaged profiles across the cartilage thickness were generated. The mean values were compared for global variance using the Kruskal-Wallis test and pairwise using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Mean T(1) decreased from 900-1100 ms in superficial cartilage to 400-500 ms in deep cartilage. The averaged T(1) value of the medial femoral cartilage was 702+/-68 ms, of the lateral femoral cartilage 630+/-75 ms, of the medial tibial cartilage 700+/-87 ms, of the lateral tibial cartilage 594+/-74 ms and of the patellar cartilage 666+/-78 ms. There were significant differences between the medial and lateral compartment (p<0.01). In each cartilage segment, T(1) decreased considerably from superficial to deep cartilage. Only small variations of T(1) between different cartilage segments were found but with a significant difference between the medial and lateral compartments.

Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) of cadaveric shoulders: comparison of contrast dynamics in hyaline and fibrous cartilage after intraarticular gadolinium injection.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) is a novel method to investigate cartilaginous and fibrocartilaginous structures. PURPOSE: To investigate the contrast dynamics in hyaline and fibrous cartilage of the glenohumeral joint after intraarticular injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transverse T(1) maps were acquired on a 1.5T scanner before and after intraarticular injection of 2.0 mmol/l gadopentetate dimeglumine in five cadaveric shoulders using a dual flip angle three-dimensional gradient echo (3D-GRE) sequence. The acquisition time for the T(1) maps was 5 min 5 s for the whole shoulder. Measurements were repeated every 15 min over 2.5 hours. Regions of interest (ROIs) covering the glenoid cartilage and the labrum were drawn to assess the temporal evolution of the relaxation parameters. RESULTS: T(1) of unenhanced hyaline cartilage of the glenoid was 568+/-34 ms. T(1) of unenhanced fibrous cartilage of the labrum was 552+/-38 ms. Significant differences (P=0.002 and 0.03) in the relaxation parameters were already measurable after 15 min. After 2 to 2.5 hours, hyaline and fibrous cartilage still demonstrated decreasing relaxation parameters, with a larger range of the T(1)(Gd) values in fibrous cartilage. T(1) and triangle Delta R(1) values of hyaline and fibrous cartilage after 2.5 hours were 351+/-16 ms and 1.1+/-0.09 s(-1), and 332+/-31 ms and 1.2+/-0.1 s(-1), respectively. CONCLUSION: A significant decrease in T(1)(Gd) was found 15 min after intraarticular contrast injection. Contrast accumulation was faster in hyaline than in fibrous cartilage. After 2.5 hours, contrast accumulation showed a higher rate of decrease in hyaline cartilage, but neither hyaline nor fibrous cartilage had reached equilibrium.

Clinical and structural outcomes of nonoperative management of massive rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of massive rotator cuff tears is not well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and structural mid-term outcomes in a series of nonoperatively managed massive rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Nineteen consecutive patients (twelve men and seven women; average age, sixty-four years) with a massive rotator cuff tear, documented by magnetic resonance imaging, were identified retrospectively. There were six complete tears of two rotator cuff tendons and thirteen complete tears of three rotator cuff tendons. All patients were managed exclusively with nonoperative means. Nonoperative management was chosen when a patient had low functional demands and relatively few symptoms and/or if he or she refused to have surgery. For the purpose of this study, patients were examined clinically and with standard radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: After a mean duration of follow-up of forty-eight months, the mean relative Constant score was 83% and the mean subjective shoulder value was 68%. The score for pain averaged 11.5 points on a 0 to 15-point visual analogue scale in which 15 points represented no pain. The active range of motion did not change over time. Forward flexion and abduction averaged 136 degrees; external rotation, 39 degrees; and internal rotation, 66 degrees. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis progressed (p = 0.014), the acromiohumeral distance decreased (p = 0.005), the size of the tendon tear increased (p = 0.003), and fatty infiltration increased by approximately one stage in all three muscles (p = 0.001). Patients with a three-tendon tear showed more progression of osteoarthritis (p = 0.01) than did patients with a two-tendon tear. Four of the eight rotator cuff tears that were graded as reparable at the time of the diagnosis became irreparable at the time of final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a nonoperatively managed, moderately symptomatic massive rotator cuff tear can maintain satisfactory shoulder function for at least four years despite significant progression of degenerative structural joint changes. There is a risk of a reparable tear progressing to an irreparable tear within four years.

CT changes after trochleoplasty for symptomatic trochlear dysplasia.

Trochlear dysplasia is an important risk factor for patellar instability. Because of a decreased trochlear depth in combination with a low lateral femoral condyle, the patella cannot engage properly in the trochlea. Trochleoplasty is a surgical procedure, which strives to correct such bony abnormalities. The aim of this study was to describe morphological features of trochlear dysplasia and the corrective changes after trochleoplasty on CT scan. The study group consists of 17 knees with trochlear dysplasia having undergone trochleoplasty for recurrent patellofemoral dislocation at a mean age of 22.4 years. The evaluation consisted in pre- and postoperative measurements on the proximal and distal trochlea on transverse CT scans in order to determine the morphological features. We measured the transverse position and depth of the trochlear groove, the transverse position of the patella, the ratio between the posterior patellar edge and the trochlear groove, the lateral patellar inclination angle, the sulcus angle, and the lateral trochlear slope. The trochlear groove lateralised a mean of 6.1 mm in the proximal aspect and 2.5 mm in the distal aspect of the trochlea, while the patella medialised a mean of 5 mm. Preoperatively the patella was lateral in relation to the trochlear groove in 13 cases, neutral in two cases, and medial in two cases. Postoperatively it was lateral in four cases, in neutral position in seven cases, and medialised in six cases, referenced to the trochlear groove. The trochlear depth increased from 0 to 5.9 mm postoperatively in the proximal aspect of the trochlea, and from 5.5 to 8.3 mm postoperatively in the distal trochlea. The lateral patellar inclination angle decreased from a mean of 21.9 degrees to a mean of 7.8 degrees . The sulcus angle decreased from a mean of 172.1 degrees to a mean of 133 degrees in the proximal trochlea and from a mean of 141.9 degrees to a mean of 121.7 degrees in the distal trochlea. The lateral trochlear slope changed from 2.8 degrees to 22.7 degrees in the proximal and from 14.9 degrees to 26.9 degrees in the distal part of the trochlea. In the CT scan patients with trochlear dysplasia demonstrated a poor depth, or even a flat or convex trochlea with a greater sulcus and lateral trochlear slope angle, a lateralised patella to the trochlear groove with poor congruency, and a greater lateral patellar inclination angle. Trochleoplasty can correct the pathological features of trochlear dysplasia by surgically creating more normal anatomy. The goal of this surgical procedure is to steepen and lateralise the trochlear groove for a better engagement of the patella.

Tendon retracts more than muscle in experimental chronic tears of the rotator cuff.

We released the infraspinatus tendons of six sheep, allowed retraction of the musculotendinous unit over a period of 40 weeks and then performed a repair. We studied retraction of the musculotendinous unit 35 weeks later using CT, MRI and macroscopic dissection. The tendon was retracted by a mean of 4.7 cm (3.8 to 5.1) 40 weeks after release and remained at a mean of 4.2 cm (3.3 to 4.7) 35 weeks after the repair. Retraction of the muscle was only a mean of 2.7 cm (2.0 to 3.3) and 1.7 cm (1.1 to 2.2) respectively at these two points. Thus, the musculotendinous junction had shifted distally by a mean of 2.5 cm (2.0 to 2.8) relative to the tendon. Sheep muscle showed an ability to compensate for approximately 60% of the tendon retraction in a hitherto unknown fashion. Such retraction may not be a quantitatively reliable indicator of retraction of the muscle and may overestimate the need for elongation of the musculotendinous unit during repair.

[Pitfalls in magnetic resonance imaging of the knee]. / Fallstricke in der Magnetresonanztomographie des Kniegelenks.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the knee is a robust method for the evaluation of internal derangements. A knowledge of the well known technical and anatomical pitfalls avoids, in most cases, diagnostic errors. However, the differentiation between meniscocapsular separation and normal anatomy remains challenging. The high prevalence of abnormal MR findings, especially meniscal tears with up to 63% on the asymptomatic contralateral side, has to be considered in patient management.

[Biceps tendon disorders: ultrasound, MR imaging and MR arthrography]. / Bizepsprobleme: Ultraschall, Magnetresonanztomographie und MR-Arthrographie.

Ultrasound and MR imaging are competitive imaging modalities for the diagnosis of pathologic conditions of the biceps tendon. MR imaging has substantial advantages over ultrasound because biceps tendon lesions are most commonly located in the proximal part where lesions are hidden under the acromion for ultrasound assessment. The value of MR arthrography is substantiated by the capability to assess associated diagnoses which are otherwise difficult to assess. Associated diagnoses include full- and partial thickness tears of supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons, pulley lesions, and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Moreover, MR arthrography is the method of choice for the assessment of superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions.

Cartilage lesions in the ankle joint: comparison of MR arthrography and CT arthrography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare MR arthrography and CT arthrography for the evaluation of cartilage lesions in the ankle joint. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with clinically suspected cartilage lesions were prospectively included in the study. A 1:1 mixture of diluted gadoteridol (4 mmol/l) and iopamidol (300 mg iodine/ml) was injected. The articular cartilages of the talus, tibia, and fibula were analyzed separately by two musculoskeletal radiologists. A review panel consisting of two musculoskeletal radiologists and an orthopedic surgeon represented the standard of reference. RESULTS: For reader 1 accuracy of MR arthrography in the talus/tibia/fibula (88%/88%/94%) was slightly inferior to CT arthrography (90%/94%/92%). For reader 2, the accuracy was 76%/78%/83% for MR arthrography, and 92%/93%/92% for CT arthrography, respectively. Interobserver agreement for MR arthrography was 79%/74%/89% (kappa 0.47/0.34/0.27), while interobserver agreement for CT arthrography was 89%/90%/89% (kappa 0.69/0.54/0.54). CONCLUSION: CT arthrography appears to be more reliable than MR arthrography for the detection of cartilage lesions in the ankle joint.

The hamatolunate facet: characterization and association with cartilage lesions--magnetic resonance arthrography and anatomic correlation in cadaveric wrists.

The objective of this study was to characterize the appearance of the hamatolunate facet using high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in cadavers and to correlate the presence of this anatomic variant with the presence of osteoarthritis in the wrist. High-resolution MR images of 22 cadaveric wrist specimens were obtained after tri-compartmental arthrography. Two readers in consensus analyzed the MR images and recoded the presence or absence of a hamatolunate facet. Geometric characteristics and cartilage and ligament integrity were analyzed. A third reader, who was blinded to the purpose of the study, recorded cartilage lesions of all the bones of the proximal and distal carpal rows. A hamatolunate facet was present in 11 of 22 wrists (50%). The mean coronal size of the lunate facet at the lunate (type II lunate) was 4.5 mm (range, 2-6 mm). The highest frequencies of cartilage lesions were seen in the scapho-trapezio-trapezoid joint (45.5%) and at the proximal pole of the hamate (54.4% and 40.9% for consensus reading/blinded reading, respectively). In cases with a hamatolunate facet, the frequency of cartilage lesions in the proximal pole of the hamate was 81.8% and 63.6% versus 27.3% and 18.2% without such a facet (chi-squared, P=0.01/ P=0.03). No correlation of the presence of a hamatolunate facet with interosseous ligament tears or lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage was seen. In conclusion, the hamatolunate facet is a very common anatomic variant. The presence of a hamatolunate facet is associated with cartilage damage in the proximal pole of the hamate.

Greater trochanter of the hip: attachment of the abductor mechanism and a complex of three bursae--MR imaging and MR bursography in cadavers and MR imaging in asymptomatic volunteers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate trochanteric anatomy with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, bursography, MR bursography, and anatomic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T1-weighted and fat-saturated T2-weighted (transverse, sagittal, coronal, and coronal oblique planes) MR imaging of the greater trochanter was performed in 10 cadaveric hips and 12 hips of asymptomatic volunteers. Three bursae comprising the trochanteric bursa complex were injected, and conventional radiography and MR imaging were performed. The specimens were sectioned for anatomic analysis, corresponding to the MR imaging planes. Tendon attachments and bursal localization were related to the facets of the greater trochanter. RESULTS: The bony surface of the greater trochanter consists of four facets: anterior, lateral, posterior, and superoposterior. The gluteus medius muscle attaches to the superoposterior and lateral facets. The gluteus minimus muscle attaches to the anterior facet. The trochanteric bursa covered the posterior facet and the lateral insertion of the gluteus medius muscle. The subgluteus medius bursa was located in the superior part of the lateral facet, underneath the gluteus medius tendon. The subgluteus minimus bursa lies in the area of the anterior facet, underneath the gluteus minimus tendon, medial and cranial to its insertion, and extends medially covering the distal anterior part of the hip joint capsule. The trochanteric bursa is delineated with fat on both sides and can be seen on transverse nonenhanced T1-weighted images as a fine line curving around the posterior part of the trochanter. CONCLUSION: MR imaging and bursography provide detailed information about the anatomy of tendinous attachments of the abductor muscles and the bursal complex of the greater trochanter.

Intermetatarsal spaces: analysis with MR bursography, anatomic correlation, and histopathology in cadavers.

PURPOSE: To describe the normal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-depicted anatomy of the intermetatarsal spaces, with emphasis on the MR imaging appearance of the intermetatarsal bursae, and to correlate the MR findings with those seen in anatomic sections and at histopathologic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional radiography and pre- and postcontrast T1-weighted and fat-saturated T1-weighted spin-echo MR imaging were performed in 32 intermetatarsal spaces in eight human cadaveric feet. The cadaveric specimens were sectioned in planes corresponding to those at MR imaging for anatomic correlation. The intermetatarsal space anatomy was analyzed. Histopathologic examinations of the bursae were performed. RESULTS: The intermetatarsal spaces were located in the forefoot between two metatarsal heads, below and above the deep transverse metatarsal ligament (DTML) that separated the spaces into two levels. The superior level contained the synovial bursa, the plantar and dorsal interosseous muscles and tendons, and the collateral ligament complexes of the metatarsophalangeal joints. The inferior level contained lumbrical muscles and neurovascular bundles. The bursae extended distally to the DTML in the second and third spaces close to the neurovascular bundles and did not extend beyond the DTML in the first and fourth spaces. In the first intermetatarsal space, the bursa had a specific appearance as it coursed along the adductor hallucis tendon as a tendon sheath. Histopathologic examination of the bursae revealed a single layer of attenuated cells. CONCLUSION: MR bursography provided detailed information about the intermetatarsal anatomy, especially the intermetatarsal bursae.

Selective nerve root blocks for the treatment of sciatica: evaluation of injection site and effectiveness--a study with patients and cadavers.

PURPOSE: To relate different types of radiographic contrast material distributions to anatomic compartments by using cadaveric specimens and to relate the injection site to treatment-induced discomfort and therapeutic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The contrast material distributions of selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) in 36 patients (13 women, 23 men; mean age, 52 years; age range, 22-88 years) were graded by two radiologists in conference as type 1 (tubular appearance), type 2 (nerve root visible as filling defect), or type 3 (nerve root not visible). These patterns were correlated with pain reduction after 15 minutes and 2 weeks (with a visual analogue scale of 100-mm length). In addition, 30 nerve roots were injected with iodine-containing contrast material and blue dye in three cadaveric specimens. Radiographs were compared with anatomic sections. RESULTS: After 15 minutes and 2 weeks, 75% and 86% of the patients, respectively, reported pain relief. Mean pain relief length after 15 minutes for type 1 distribution was 60 mm; for type 2, 44 mm; and for type 3, 22 mm; and after 2 weeks, it was 34 mm for type 1, 31 mm for type 2, and 57 mm for type 3. There was no correlation between early and late response. Pain during intervention was less pronounced in type 2 injection, compared with type 1 (P = .002). On the basis of anatomic sections, type 1 injection was intraepineural; type 2, extraepineural; and type 3, paraneural. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic SNRB is effective in sciatica, but early response does not predict the effect after 2 weeks. Type 1 injections are more painful than type 2 injections.

Magnetic resonance classification of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.

STUDY DESIGN: A reliability study was conducted. OBJECTIVES: To develop a classification system for lumbar disc degeneration based on routine magnetic resonance imaging, to investigate the applicability of a simple algorithm, and to assess the reliability of this classification system. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A standardized nomenclature in the assessment of disc abnormalities is a prerequisite for a comparison of data from different investigations. The reliability of the assessment has a crucial influence on the validity of the data. Grading systems of disc degeneration based on state of the art magnetic resonance imaging and corresponding reproducibility studies currently are sparse. METHODS: A grading system for lumbar disc degeneration was developed on the basis of the literature. An algorithm to assess the grading was developed and optimized by reviewing lumbar magnetic resonance examinations. The reliability of the algorithm in depicting intervertebral disc alterations was tested on the magnetic resonance images of 300 lumbar intervertebral discs in 60 patients (33 men and 27 women) with a mean age of 40 years (range, 10-83 years). All scans were analyzed independently by three observers. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed by calculating kappa statistics. RESULTS: There were 14 Grade I, 82 Grade II, 72 Grade III, 68 Grade IV, and 64 Grade V discs. The kappa coefficients for intra- and interobserver agreement were substantial to excellent: intraobserver (kappa range, 0.84-0.90) and interobserver (kappa range, 0.69-0.81). Complete agreement was obtained, on the average, in 83.8% of all the discs. A difference of one grade occurred in 15.9% and a difference of two or more grades in 1.3% of all the cases. CONCLUSION: Disc degeneration can be graded reliably on routine T2-weighted magnetic resonance images using the grading system and algorithm presented in this investigation.

Schmorl nodes of the thoracic and lumbar spine: radiographic-pathologic study of prevalence, characterization, and correlation with degenerative changes of 1,650 spinal levels in 100 cadavers.

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency and characteristics of Schmorl nodes in an elderly population and to correlate these findings with degenerative spinal changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cadaveric thoracic and lumbar spines were removed at autopsy (mean age at death, 68.2 years; range, 43-93 years). Parasagittal sections of approximately 5-mm thickness were obtained and radiographed. At each of 3,300 endplates from T1 to L5, the presence of Schmorl nodes was noted. Vertebral endplate contour was analyzed, and abnormalities of the discovertebral junction were noted. The height of each interspace was measured, and the presence or absence of vacuum phenomena and spondylosis was recorded. RESULTS: Schmorl nodes were found in 58 specimens and were multiple in 41. Of 3,300 vertebral endplates, 225 revealed Schmorl nodes: 88 cranial and 137 caudal. More than 182 were between T7 and L2. Schmorl nodes correlated with disk space loss (P <.001) but not with evidence of advanced disk degeneration: marked disk space loss (P =.53), vacuum phenomena (P =.82), or discogenic sclerosis or erosion (P =.35). Schmorl nodes were associated with claw (P <.001) but not traction (P =.72) osteophytes. Straight (P <.001) and fractured (P <.001) vertebral endplates were associated with Schmorl nodes. CONCLUSION: Schmorl nodes are common in the spines in an elderly population, with a frequency similar to that in a younger population. Schmorl nodes are associated with moderate but not advanced degenerative changes. Geometric observations regarding the vertebral endplates support the concept that Schmorl nodes are caused by an abnormality of the discovertebral junction.