Significant changes in lower limb alignment due to flexion and rotation-a systematic 3D simulation of radiographic measurements.

BACKGROUND: Many radiographic lower limb alignment  measurements are dependent on patients' position, which makes a standardised image acquisition of long-leg radiographs (LLRs) essential for valid measurements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of rotation and flexion of the lower limb on common radiological alignment parameters using three-dimensional (3D) simulation. METHODS: Joint angles and alignment parameters of 3D lower limb bone models (n = 60), generated from computed tomography (CT) scans, were assessed and projected into the coronal plane to mimic radiographic imaging. Bone models were subsequently rotated around the longitudinal mechanical axis up to 15° inward/outward and additionally flexed along the femoral intercondylar axis up to 30°. This resulted in 28 combinations of rotation and flexion for each leg. The results were statistically analysed on a descriptive level and using a linear mixed effects model. RESULTS: A total of 1680 simulations were performed. Mechanical axis deviation (MAD) revealed a medial deviation with increasing internal rotation and a lateral deviation with increasing external rotation. This effect increased significantly (p < 0.05) with combined flexion up to 30° flexion (- 25.4 mm to 25.2 mm). With the knee extended, the mean deviation of hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) was small over all rotational steps but increased toward more varus/valgus when combined with flexion (8.4° to - 8.5°). Rotation alone changed the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) in opposite directions, and the effects increased significantly (p < 0.05) when flexion was present. CONCLUSIONS: Axial rotation and flexion of the 3D lower limb has a huge impact on the projected two-dimensional alignment measurements in the coronal plane. The observed effects were small for isolated rotation or flexion, but became pronounced and clinically relevant when there was a combination of both. This must be considered when evaluating X-ray images. Extension deficits of the knee make LLR prone to error and this calls into question direct postoperative alignment controls. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (retrospective cohort study).

Errors in the radiographic measurement of pelvic incidence.

Pelvic incidence (PI) is often quantified in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Errors in radiographic PI measurements can affect clinical outcomes. The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the error in radiographic PI measurement in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and (2) to analyze the factors related to the error. Radiographs and computer tomography (CT) images of 100 patients (24 men and 76 women; mean age 63.7 years) with unilateral OA were reviewed. The error in radiographic PI measurement was defined as the difference between the radiographic measurement of the PI (rPI) and the accurate value of PI measured using CT images (cPI). Factors related to the error in the rPI were analyzed, including the coronal and axial rotation of the pelvis on lateral radiographs. The degree of coronal and axial rotation was expressed as the angle of rotation around the anteroposterior and craniocaudal axes. The mean rPI was significantly larger than the cPI (57.8° and 54.1°, p < 0.01). The error in the rPI was 3.6° on average and 15.8° at maximum. The mean coronal and axial rotation of the pelvis was 9.6° and 4.4°, respectively. The error in the rPI positively correlated with coronal pelvic rotation and rPI, and negatively correlated with axial pelvic rotation (p < 0.01, r = 0.35, 0.43, and -0.45, respectively). The rPI was 3.6° larger on average than the cPI in patients with hip OA. Coronal and axial rotation of the pelvis and a large PI were related to the error in the rPI.

Computer-Generated Radiographic Measurements of Distal Radius Fractures: Does It Help With Decision Making?

PURPOSE: Operative management of distal radius fractures (DRFs) has become increasingly common. Age, activity levels, and comorbid conditions are major factors influencing the treatment decision, although operative indications are still controversial. Radiographic parameters (RPs), such as radial inclination, dorsal tilt, and articular step-off, can provide objective support for effective decision making. However, manual measurement of RPs may be imprecise and subject to inconsistency. To address this problem, we developed custom software of an algorithm to automatically detect and compute 6 common RPs associated with DRF in anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. The aim in this study was to assess the effect of this software on radiographic interobserver variability among orthopedic surgeons. Our hypothesis was that precise and consistent measurement of RPs will improve radiographic interpretation variability among surgeons and, consequently, may aid in clinical decision making. METHODS: Thirty-five radiograph series of DRFs were presented to 9 fellowship-trained hand and orthopedic trauma surgeons. Each case was presented with basic clinical information, together with plain anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. One of the 2 possible treatment options was selected: casting or open reduction with a locking plate. The survey was repeated 3 weeks later, this time with computer-generated RP measurements. Data were analyzed for interobserver and intraobserver variability for both surveys, and the interclass coefficient, kappa value, was calculated. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability (interclass coefficient value) improved from poor to moderate, 0.35 to 0.50, with the provided RP. The average intraobserver interclass coefficient was 0.68. When participants were assessed separately according to their subspecialties (trauma and hand), improved interobserver variability was found as well. CONCLUSIONS: Providing computed RPs to orthopedic surgeons may improve the consistency of the radiographic judgment and influence their clinical decision for the treatment of DRFs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Orthopedic surgeons' consistency in the radiographic judgment of DRFs slightly improved by providing automatically calculated radiographic measurements to them.

Effects of pelvic obliquity and limb position on radiographic leg length discrepancy measurement: a Sawbones model.

PURPOSE: Potential sources of inaccuracy in leg length discrepancy (LLD) measurements commonly arise due to postural malalignment during radiograph acquisition. Preoperative planning techniques for total hip arthroplasty (THA) are particularly susceptible to this inaccuracy, as they often rely solely on radiographic assessments. Owing to the extensive variety of pathologies that are associated with LLD, an understanding of the influence of malpositioning on LLD measurement is crucial. In the present study, we sought to characterize the effects of varying degrees of lateral pelvic obliquity (PO) and mediolateral limb movement in the coronal plane on LLD measurement error (ME). METHODS: A 3-D sawbones model of the pelvis with bilateral femurs of equal-length was assembled. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were captured at various levels of PO: 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°. At each level of PO, femurs were individually rotated medio-laterally to produce 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° of abduction/adduction. LLD was measured radiographically at each position combination. For all cases of PO, the right-side of the pelvis was designated as the higher-side, and the left as the lower-side. RESULTS: At 0° PO, 71% of tested variations in femoral abduction/adduction resulted in LLD ME < 0.5-cm, while 29% were ≥ 0.5-cm, but < 1-cm. ME increased progressively as one limb was further abducted while the contralateral limb was simultaneously further adducted. The highest ME occurred with one femur abducted 15° and the other adducted 15°. Similar magnitudes of ME were seen in 98% of tested femoral positions at 5° of PO. The greatest ME (~ 1 cm) occurred at the extremes of right-femur abduction and left-femur adduction. At 10° of PO, a higher prevalence of cases exhibited LLD ME > 0.5-cm (39%) and ≥ 1-cm (8%). The greatest errors occurred at femoral positions similar to those seen at 5° of PO. At 15° of PO, half of tested variations in femoral position resulted in LLD ME > 1-cm, while 22% of cases produced errors > 1.5-cm. These clinically significant errors occurred at all tested variations of right-femur abduction, with the left-femur in either neutral position, abduction, or adduction. CONCLUSION: This study aids surgeons in understanding the magnitude of radiographic LLD ME produced by varying degrees of PO and femoral abduction/adduction. At a PO of ≤5°, variations in femoral abduction/adduction of up to 15° produce errors of marginal clinical significance. At PO of 10° or 15°, even small changes in mediolateral limb position led to clinically significant ME (> 1-cm). This study also highlights the importance of proper patient positioning during radiograph acquisition, demonstrating the need for surgeons to assess the quality of their radiographs before performing preoperative templating for THA, and accounting for PO (> 5°) when considering the validity of LLD measurements.

Correlation between the Photographic Cranial Angles and Radiographic Cervical Spine Alignment.

The cranial vertical angle (CVA) and cranial rotation angle (CRA) are used in clinical settings because they can be measured on lateral photographs of the head and neck. We aimed to clarify the relationship between CVA and CRA photographic measurements and radiographic cervical spine alignment. Twenty-six healthy volunteers were recruited for this study. Lateral photographs and cervical spine radiographs were obtained in the sitting position. The CVA and CRA were measured using lateral photographs of the head and neck. The C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), cervical lordosis (C2-7), and occipito-C2 lordosis (O-C2) were measured using radiographic imaging as a standard method of evaluating cervical spine alignment. Correlations between the CVA and CRA on photographs and cervical spine alignment on radiographs were analyzed. The CVA and SVA were significantly negatively correlated (ρ = −0.51; p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between CVA and C2-7 (ρ = 0.59; p < 0.01) and between CRA and O-C2 (ρ = 0.65; p < 0.01). Evaluating the CVA and CRA on photographs may be useful for ascertaining head and neck alignment in the mid-lower and upper parts of the sagittal plane.

Novel radiographic hip fat thickness ratio correlates with early re-operation following total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is thought to lead to increased failure rates following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Site-specific fat distribution has been suggested to be a better indicator of risk, compared to body mass index. Fat thickness measurement methods were developed for total knee arthroplasty, however, there is limited data on the methods for THA. The aim of this study was to assess the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of a newly defined radiographic subcutaneous fat thickness ratio and investigate the correlation of this ratio with early failure following THA. METHODS: 321 patients who underwent primary THA at a single institution between 2014 and 2017, with at least 1-year of follow-up and a preoperative pelvis anteroposterior x-ray radiograph were included in this study. A high hip fat thickness ratio (HFTR) was arbitrarily defined as ⩾2. Early failure was defined as revision or re-operation for any reason and death related to operation first year following THA. RESULTS: The HFTR was shown to have excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability. High HFTR was associated with higher risk of early failure following THA (odds ratio 3.8, [95% confidence interval, 1.2-12.1], p < 0.05). The same association persisted when HFTR was analysed as a continuous variable (p < 0.01) and in multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HFTR can be used to assess periarticular soft tissue distribution and may be regarded as a useful and reproducible tool for assessing risk of early failure following THA.

Symmetry of bilateral hallux valgus deformity: A radiographic study.

Hallux valgus (HV) is a common anatomical deformity leading to pain and difficulty with footwear and mobility. Bilateral HV deformity is much more common than unilateral although it remains unclear whether the severity of deformity is equal between feet. The objective was to investigate the severity and symmetry of HV in patients with bilateral symptomatic deformity presenting for surgery. Weight-bearing radiographs of patients presenting with symptomatic bilateral HV were reviewed. The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measured and classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Left-to-right comparison was undertaken to assess whether the degree of deformity was similar for each foot. The relationship between age, HVA, and IMA was also assessed. Between July 2014 and June 2020, 322 ft (161 patients with bilateral deformity) underwent corrective HV surgery. Of those, 6.8%, 64.6%, and 28.4% were classified as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively on the left side, and on the right 6.2%, 67.7%, and 26.1% were classified as mild, moderate, and severe respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between feet for either IMA (p = 0.06) or HVA (p = 0.85). There was a moderate correlation (R = 0.41, p ≤ 0.001) between HVA and IMA. There was only a 'weak' or 'very weak' correlation between age and HVA or IMA. Patients presenting for surgery with symptomatic bilateral HV have symmetrical moderate radiographic deformity at the time they present for consideration of surgical intervention.

Measurement of the relative position of the femoral head center, greater trochanter, and lesser trochanter.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the relationship between the greater trochanter, the lesser trochanter, and the femoral head center is helpful to achieve satisfactory lower limb length in hip arthroplasty, and it may be more important when the contralateral side of the surgical hip cannot be referenced. This work aims to measure the relative position of the femoral head center, the greater trochanter, and the lesser trochanter, and analyze the relationship between these anatomical landmarks. METHODS: The femoral head diameter (D), the linear distance (G) from the femoral head center (C) to the greater trochanter, and the linear distance (L) from the femoral head center to the lesser trochanter were measured by pelvic X-ray. The basic information of the data was analyzed, the ratios of G to D and L to D were calculated, the functional relationship between the data was analyzed after the factors of gender and age were included, and the 95% reference intervals of the basic data and ratio data were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients with 194 hips were enrolled in this study. The diameter D was 5.08±0.43 cm, the distance G was 4.68±0.45 cm, and the distance L was 4.28±0.49 cm. The G/D ratio was 0.92±0.07, and the 95% reference range was 0.78-1.06. The L/D ratio was 0.84±0.08, and the 95% reference range was 0.68-1.00. Gender (g) was included in the regression analysis, and the regression equations G =1.890+0.536*D and L =1.129+0.620*D were obtained. Age was not related to the distances G and L. CONCLUSIONS: The basic data of G, D, and L was measured, and the relationship between these anatomical landmarks was analyzed.

Pseudo-patella baja after total knee arthroplasty: Radiological evaluation and clinical repercussion.

BACKGROUND: Anterior knee pain is an important complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One possible contributor is the elevation of the joint line, known as pseudo-patella baja (PPB). Limited research has been conducted regarding this condition impacting TKA management. This study aims to evaluate the incidence, identify possible related factors and assess PPB clinical repercussions. METHODS: A total of 813 consecutive TKAs were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were submitted to the same surgical procedure and information regarding TKA characteristics was collected. Lateral postoperative knee radiographs were analyzed using the modified Insall-Salvati Ratio and the Blackburne-Peel Index. A clinical evaluation was conducted on 112 knees where the Oxford Knee and Kujala Scores were applied. Range of motion was evaluated, and knee pain was assessed using the numeric pain rating scale, in addition to analgesic consumption. RESULTS: A cohort of 612 knees was analyzed, of which 64 knees developed PPB (10.5% incidence). Statistically significant differences were found for advance components sizes (femoral P = 0.026 and tibial P < 0.001), polyethylene thickness (P < 0.001) and patients' height (P = 0.022) with smaller implant sizes, greater insert thicknesses and lower height showing an association with PPB. The PPB group had a significantly lower median Kujala score (P = 0.011), higher frequency of flexion contracture and of anterior knee pain (P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: PPB has a clinical relevance that should not be overlooked. Its prevention through the recreation of the natural position of the joint line and correct choice of implant sizes and polyethylene thickness is of major importance and should always be considered.

Feasibility of anterior pedicle screw fixation in lumbosacral spine: a radiographic and cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The anterior pedicle screw (APS) technique for L5 and S1 is crucial for proper anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). This study aimed to determine the projection, screw trajectory angle, and bone screw passageway length (BSPL), as well as the screw insertion regularity and the operating area within which it is safe to perform insertion. METHODS: Forty patients with low back pain, all of whom had lumbar computed tomography scans available, was included in this retrospective analysis. Radiographic parameters were measured, including: the distances from the projection to the upper endplate, lower endplate, and midline; the transverse and sagittal screw angles; and the BSPL. In addition, 10 fresh adult cadaveric lumbosacral spine segments were selected to determine the safe anatomic area in which to operate. Finally, APSs were inserted in L5 and S1 to determine the regularity of APS insertion. RESULTS: We measured the anterior projection parameters, including: the distances to the upper endplate (L5: 12.5±1.3 mm; S1: 4.54±0.87 mm), lower endplate (L5: 17.3±1.6 mm), and midline (L5: 6.6±0.7 mm; S1: 6.6±0.6 mm); the screw trajectory angle, including the transverse screw angle (L5: 25.3±2.8°; S1: 25.7±2.6°), sagittal screw angle (L5: 17.1±1.7°; S1: 22.4±1.1°); and the BSPL (L5: 48.6±3.5 mm; S1: 48.0±3.5 mm). The regularity of APS insertion in L5 and S1 was determined. Upon the needle reaching a point in the lateral view, it reached the corresponding point in the anteroposterior (AP) view. The anatomic parameters of the safe operating area were as follows: the distance from the abdominal aortic bifurcation to the L5 lower edge (40.50±9.40 mm); the distance from the common iliac vein confluence to the L5 lower edge (27.80±8.60 mm); and the horizontal distance from the inner edge of the common iliac vein to the L5 lower edge (37.50±1.30 mm). We also determined the distance between S1 holes (29.30±1.30 mm), the L5/S1 intervertebral height (17.20±1.50 mm), and the safe operating area (2,058.20±84.30 mm2). CONCLUSIONS: This study has determined the projection, screw trajectory angle, and BSPL of APSs in L5 and S1, their insertion regularity, and the area in which the operation can be safely performed.

A Novel Radiographic Measurement Method for the Evaluation of Metatarsophalangeal Joint Dislocation of the Lesser Toe in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Dorsal dislocation of metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints of the lesser toe frequently occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and may cause painful and uncomfortable plantar callosities and ulceration. The current study examined the reliability and clinical relevance of a novel radiographic parameter (the MTP overlap distance [MOD]) in evaluating the severity of MTP joint dislocation. The subjects of the current study were 147 RA patients (276 feet; 1104 toes). MOD, defined as the overlap distance of the metatarsal head and the proximal end of the phalanx, was measured on plain radiographs. The relationship between the MOD and clinical complaints (forefoot pain and/or callosity formation) was analyzed to create a severity grading system. As a result, toes with callosities had a significantly larger MOD. ROC analysis revealed that the MOD had a high AUC for predicting an asymptomatic foot (-0.70) and callosities (0.89). MOD grades were defined as follows: grade 1, 0 ≤ MOD < 5 mm; grade 2, 5 ≤ MOD < 10 mm; and grade 3, MOD ≥ 10 mm. The intra- and inter-observer reliability of the MOD grade had high reproducibility. Furthermore, the MOD and MOD grade improved significantly after joint-preserving surgeries for lesser toe deformities. Our results suggest that MOD and MOD grade might be useful tools for the evaluation of deformities of the lesser toe and the effect of surgical intervention for MTP joints in patients with RA.

Correlation between full-thickness degenerative supraspinatus tear and radiographic parameters including the acromiohumeral centre edge angle and the greater tuberosity angle.

BACKGROUND: Many radiographic parameters associated with the extrinsic cause of supraspinatus tears have been proposed. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between a full-thickness degenerative supraspinatus tear (FTDST) and the patient's radiographic parameters, including the acromiohumeral centre edge angle (ACEA) and the greater tuberosity angle (GTA). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. We included 116 patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery at our institute. The case group included FTDST patients, whereas the control group also included patients without evidence of supraspinatus tears. In each patient, the ACEA and GTA values were measured and analyzed by two independent observers. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The ACEA values were significantly increased in the FTDST group with a mean of 26.44° ± 9.83° compared with 16.81° ± 7.72° in the control group (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis also showed that higher ACEA values were associated with an FTDST (odds ratio 1.16 per degree, P = 0.01). For GTA values, a statistically significant difference was found with a mean of 70.92° ± 6.64 compared with 67.84° ± 5.56 in the control group (P = 0.02). However, stepwise regression analysis did not indicate that GTA was a predictor of FTDST. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the presence of increased ACEA values is an independent significant risk factor for the presence of FTDSTs. Consequently, GTA values may be less helpful in assessing the risk of FTDST, especially in this specific population.

The impact of sagittal imbalance on walking in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

PURPOSE: Gait and posture disorder severely impedes the quality of life of affected patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). Despite the major health concern, there is a paucity of literature about the relationships among spatiotemporal gait parameters and spinal sagittal parameters. This is a cross sectional study performed in a single tertiary referral center to determine the relationships among spatiotemporal gait parameters and spinal sagittal parameters in patients with LSCS. METHODS: A total of 164 consecutive patients with LSCS, 87 men and 77 women with mean age of 70.7 years, were enrolled. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were studied using a gait analysis system. Spinal sagittal parameters were studied including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic inclination (PI), and pelvic tilt (PT) both in the neutral and stepped positions. RESULTS: SVA was significantly larger in the stepped position than in the neutral position (neutral position, 72.5 mm; stepped position, 96.8 mm; p = 0.003). Parameters regarding the pelvis exhibited significant differences, which could represent pelvic anteversion in the stepped position. By stepwise multiple regression analysis, the prediction models, containing SVA (neutral) and PT (stepped) for double supporting phase, exhibited statistical significance, and accounted for approximately 50% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides statistically established evidence of correlation among spatiotemporal gait parameters and spinal sagittal parameters. Differences between sagittal parameters in neutral and stepped position may stand for the postural control during gait cycle, and increased SVA in neutral position and increased PT in stepped position may correlate with prolonged double supporting phase.

Limb Length Inequality in Patients After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Analysis of Radiological Assessment and Influencing Risk Factors Based on a District General Hospital Experience of 338 Cases.

Background and objective Limb length inequality (LLI) is a frequent and recurring issue after total hip arthroplasty (THA). It is often a source of patient dissatisfaction and litigation. This study reviewed the incidence of LLI in a UK District General Hospital in light of published evidence and identified the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for LLI. Methods This was a retrospective study involving 380 consecutive unilateral primary total hip replacements over a period of 12 months. Patient demographics, clinical, radiological, and operative details were collected from the National Joint Registry (NJR) database and hospital records. The limb length was measured radiologically [OrthoView WorkstationTM (Materialise UK, Southampton, UK)], pre- and postoperatively, by two authors. They assessed the vertical distance between the intra-acetabular teardrop line and the medial apex of the lesser trochanters. After excluding complex primary, revision cases, tilted X-rays, and hip replacement for trauma patients, 338 cases were included in the final analysis. Results The mean postoperative LLI was 2.7 mm with a standard deviation (SD) of 6.56 mm. Only 5.3% of patients had LLI >15 mm. None of the studied variables showed a statistically significant correlation with LLI. Even with the apparent difference in the mean LLI between templating and not templating before surgery (2.19 vs. 3.53), the p-value was 0.06, which was below the level of statistical significance. There was a weakly positive Pearson correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of lengthening of the limb. Conclusion The cause of LLI after THA is multifactorial. No single factor can be singled out as the most significant contributor to this complication.

The lateral edge and sourcil acetabular indices for surgical decision-making in developmental dysplasia of the hip.

PURPOSE: The acetabular index (AI) is a radiographic measure that guides surgical decision-making in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Two AI measurement methods are described; to the lateral edge of the acetabulum (AI-L) and to the lateral edge of the sourcil (AI-S). The purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between AI-L and AI-S on the diagnosis and degree of acetabular dysplasia in DDH. METHODS: A total of 35 patients treated for DDH with Pavlik harness were identified. The AI-L and AI-S were measured on radiographs (70 hips) at two and five years of age. AI-L and AI-S were then transformed relative to published normative data (tAI-L and tAI-S). Bland-Altman plots, linear regression and heat mapping were used to evaluate the agreement between tAI-L and tAI-S. RESULTS: There was poor agreement between tAI-S and tAI-L on the Bland-Altman plots with wide limits of agreement and no proportional bias. The two AI measurements were in agreement as to the presence and severity of dysplasia in only 63% of hips at two years of age and 81% at five years of age, leaving the remaining hips classified as various combinations of normal, mildly and severely dysplastic. CONCLUSION: AI-L and AI-S have poor agreement on the presence or degree of acetabular dysplasia in DDH and cannot be used interchangeably. Clinicians are cautioned to prudently evaluate both measures of AI in surgical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

The "Trigonometric Technique" for simple measurement of volar angulation in boxers' fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Subcapital fractures of the 5th metacarpal bone (MCV) represent a common injury. Volar angulation measurement is essential for treatment decision-making and therefore needs a reliable and valid method. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a new technique for volar angulation measurement, called the "Trigonometric Technique" (TT), and to compare the TT with the reference standard based on computed tomography (CT). HYPOTHESIS: Quantifying volar angulation in MCV neck fractures with the TT shows no difference compared to the angle measured on CT scans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (14 men and 1 woman) with a mean age of 37±16years (range, from 16 to 72 years) who suffered MCV neck fracture and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for this prospective cohort study. Radiologic investigation included simple dorsopalmar (DP) radiographs and CT scans from the injured hand. Volar angulation measurements were performed by three observers at two time points comparing the TT to measurements obtained on CT scans. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were determined to assess inter- and intra-observer reliability. RESULTS: The TT showed a mean volar angulation of 39±5 degrees (range, from 26 to 46 degrees) compared to 41±7 degrees (range, from 28 to 54 degrees) on CT measurement, which revealed a significant correlation between the two measurement techniques (R=0.922, p<0.001). Overall, the inter-rater (R=0.977; 95% CI 0.945-0.992) as well as intra-rater (R=0.857; 95% CI 0.739-0.941) reliability for the volar angulation using the TT was excellent. CONCLUSION: The TT presented in this study uses plain radiography and trigonometric identities to precisely determine volar angulation in MCV neck fractures. The TT correlates excellently with the obtained volar angulation angles measured on CT scans. We recommend the TT for volar angulation measurement in boxer's fracture as a reliable alternative to the conventional techniques. However, rotational abnormalities may remain undetected and should therefore be ruled out during clinical examination. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, study of diagnostic test.

Radiographic Methods Are as Accurate as Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Graft Sizing Before Lateral Meniscal Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Accurate allograft matching is deemed critical for meniscal transplantation; thus, precise measurements are essential to correctly calculate meniscal size. Several methods for meniscal sizing have been described, but there remains a discussion on which is the most accurate for the lateral meniscus. PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of radiographic, anthropometric, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods of determining width and length of the lateral meniscus with actual dimensions after anatomic dissection. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees without any evidence of meniscal or ligamentous injury were primarily imaged using radiography and MRI and subsequently underwent dissection to assess the anatomic size of each meniscus. Four methods were used to predict the size of the lateral menisci: anthropometric, radiographic (Pollard and Yoon), and MRI. Absolute differences in length and width between actual and predicted sizes were determined. RESULTS: The anatomic lateral meniscal width and length were 33.01 ± 4.25 mm (mean ± SD; range, 24.84-40.18 mm) and 31.41 ± 5.06 mm (range, 25.2-40.05 mm), respectively. Regarding width, the anthropometric method demonstrated an absolute difference from anatomic measurement significantly greater when compared with the Pollard technique and MRI (P = .002). Regarding length, the Pollard method presented an absolute difference significantly greater than all other techniques (P = .003). In terms of the ability to measure width and length, MRI accurately predicted meniscal size within 10% of the anatomic size in 65% of measurements, the Yoon method in 54%, and the Pollard method in 20% (P = .01). Radiographs tended to overestimate the true size of the lateral meniscus, while the anthropometric technique overestimated width in all specimens. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that MRI and the Yoon radiographic method are comparable in terms of accuracy for graft sizing before lateral meniscal transplantation. While MRI is useful, a contralateral MRI is required, which makes the Yoon radiographic method recommended given the ease and cost advantage. The original Pollard technique and the anthropometric method are not recommended. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Over- and undersizing of meniscal transplants has been implicated in graft failure. Therefore, increasing the reliability of preoperative meniscal measurements is deemed important for the success of meniscal allograft transplantation.

Improved identification of unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries in a clinical population using the acromial center line to dorsal clavicle radiographic measurement.

BACKGROUND: Accurate classification and subsequent management of acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries remains a contentious topic. The updated Rockwood classification acknowledges "stable IIIA" and "unstable IIIB" injuries, a watershed accepted by ISAKOS and important in guiding clinical management. Traditionally, the coracoclavicular distance is used to classify these injuries, despite well-documented limitations. This study aimed to evaluate displacement in AC joint injuries by measuring both coracoclavicular (CC) distance and the newly proposed acromial center line to dorsal clavicle (AC-DC) distance, in a cohort of patients, and correlate the results between the 2 measurements and relationship to Rockwood grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety consecutive cases of AC joint injury were evaluated radiographically for Rockwood classification, CC distance on anteroposterior radiographs, and AC-DC distance on Alexander view radiographs. Inter- and intraobserver reliability for each measurement was calculated as well as correlation between the 2 measurement types and the degree to which each measurement accurately represented the Rockwood classification. RESULTS: Although both CC and AC-DC measurements showed very high inter- and intraobserver reliability, the CC distance systematically underestimated the degree of AC joint displacement when compared with the AC-DC measurement as the severity of injury increased, particularly in the presence of posterior horizontal displacement such as that seen in Rockwood IV injuries. CONCLUSION: The AC-DC measurement and use of the Alexander view provides the clinician with a more realistic appreciation of true AC joint displacement, especially in defining watershed cases (ie, IIIA/IIB/IV) and may better inform the decision-making process regarding management options and recommendations.

Relationship Between Hallux Valgus and Pes Planus: Real or Fiction?

Hallux valgus is one of the most common and painful deformities, occurring due to adductor/abductor imbalance of the big toe. Many structural foot disorders have been suggested as the cause of hallux valgus deformity. In this study, we aimed to show the relationship between hallux valgus and pes planus in adult males. A total of 213 patients were included in this study between May 2013 and May 2014. 54 patients with hallux valgus angle (HVA) >20° and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) >9° were evaluated in the case group and 159 patients randomly selected from those admitted for a recent foot ankle trauma with the HVA <15° and IMA <9° were the control group. All patients' HVA, IMA, and talonavicular coverage angle on anteroposterior (AP) foot radiographs and talar-first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle), calcaneal pitch angle, and lateral talocalcaneal angle on lateral foot radiographs were measured. There was no significant difference in talonavicular and Meary's angles between the groups. Calcaneal pitch angle was significantly lower in the case group, whereas talonavicular angle was higher in the control group. Calcaneal pitch angle and lateral talocalcaneal angle showed significant negative correlation with HVA and IMA. There are few reports in the literature about the relationship between pes planus and hallux valgus. Our results strongly showed a high correlation between pes planus and hallux valgus. Further larger patient cohort studies are needed to support our results.

Heart to spine measurements to detect left atrial enlargement in dogs with mitral insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Radiography is useful to determine left atrial (LA) size when echocardiography is not available. Recently, the authors have described Radiographic Left Atrial Dimension (RLAD) as a new radiographic measurement to assess LA size. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of 2 new radiographic measurements to detect and quantify left atrial enlargement (LAE) compared to RLAD and using left atrium to aortic root (LA/Ao) ratio as gold standard. These new measurements, bronchus-to-spine (Br-Spine) and RLAD-to-spine (RLAD-Spine) may be more precise in cases were LA boundaries are not well defined. Fifty dogs, 25 with and 25 without LAE were recruited. Reference LA/Ao ratio was assessed by 2D echocardiography and LAE was considered if LA/Ao > 1.6. Br-spine was measured as a straight vertical line from the main stem bronchus to the ventral border of the vertebra situated immediately dorsal to the heart base. RLAD-Spine was measured from RLAD endpoint perpendicularly to spine. The correlation of RLAD, Br-Spine and RLAD-Spine methods with LA/Ao and their sensitivity and specificity for detecting LAE were calculated. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate the optimal cut-off for each method. RESULTS: Correlations between Br-Spine, RLAD-Spine, RLAD and LA/Ao ratio were - 0.66, - 0.76 and 0.89 respectively (P < 0.001). Sensitivity at the optimal cut-off values for detecting LAE were 32.0, 64.0 and 96.0%, respectively. Specificity was 96.0% in all cases. CONCLUSION: Br-Spine and RLAD-Spine were less sensitive radiographic measurements than RLAD in detecting LAE in dogs. Both Br-Spine and RLAD-Spine may not be good alternatives to RLAD.