The Effect of Axial Traction MRI on the Articular Cartilage Visibility in Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Thumb carpometacarpal arthritis has a high incidence. However, the degree of damage to the cartilage has not been accurately assessed. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of axial traction of the thumb carpometacarpal joint during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the visibility of articular cartilage in patients with thumb carpometacarpal arthritis and to evaluate the articular cartilage defect using MRI findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with thumb carpometacarpal arthritis (14 males, 30 females) and a mean age of 67.3±8.6 years were classified according to Eaton Stages 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 2, 14, 24, and 4 patients, respectively. Axial traction MRI was performed with and without traction (3 kg) using 3-Tesla MRI (Siemens Magnetom Skyra) with a 3D T2* multiecho data imaging combination. The effectiveness of traction was verified using the joint space width before and after traction at five points (central, volar, dorsal, radial, and ulnar margins) and the original articular cartilage outline visibility classification (poor, intermediate, complete). The rate of remaining cartilage on each joint surface was also evaluated. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 in this study. RESULTS: Joint space width increased significantly at all points with traction (P<0.01). The grade of articular cartilage outline visibility significantly improved from seven intermediate and 37 poor cases to 15 complete, 23 intermediate, and six poor cases (P<0.01). Significantly more articular cartilage remained in Stages 1-2 compared with Stages 3-4 arthritis of both articular surfaces (P<0.01 in first metacarpal, P=0.01 in trapezium). CONCLUSION: Axial traction of the thumb increased the joint space width and improved articular cartilage visibility in the thumb carpometacarpal joint. Our results suggested that axial traction MRI can be used for noninvasive evaluation of articular cartilage defects in patients with thumb carpometacarpal arthritis and aid in selecting the optimal surgical procedure.

A favourable suture method for size-mismatched nerve transfer: a case series of intercostal-to-musculocutaneous nerve transfer for brachial plexus injury.

We review a nerve suture method for size-mismatched nerve transfers and report a case series involving patients with brachial plexus injury who underwent intercostal-to-musculocutaneous nerve transfer using this method.

A favorable suture method for size-mismatched nerve transfer: comparison with standard perineural suture in an experimental rat study.

BACKGROUND: In nerve transfer for peripheral nerve injury, it is sometimes necessary to suture size-mismatched nerves. In 1993, a favorable suture method called the Ochiai suture method for size-mismatched nerve transfer was reported. However, there is currently a lack of substantial evidence beyond the original report. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the advantages of using the Ochiai suture method for size-mismatched nerve transfer. METHODS: A total of 18 rats were evaluated in this study and randomly divided into two groups. All rats underwent femoral to sciatic nerve transfer. Specifically, group A (n = 10) underwent the Ochiai suture method, while group B (n = 8) underwent the perineural suture method. After 12 weeks postoperatively, we conducted the sciatic functional index (SFI) test, measured muscle wet-weight, and performed histological evaluations. All data were compared between the two groups, with Welch's t test for normally distributed data and Mann-Whitney's U test for non-normally distributed data. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean number of axons was significantly greater in group A than in group B at 5 mm distal to the stump (p = 0.04). Additionally, the average axonal diameter was significantly greater in group A than in group B at 5 mm and 10 mm distal to the stump (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). However, the SFI test and measured muscle wet-weight values showed no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that the Ochiai suture method for size-mismatched nerve transfer in rats increases the regenerative axon numbers and diameters. These findings suggest that the Ochiai suture method could be a valuable approach for achieving effective motor function restoration in cases of size-mismatched nerve transfer.

Correlations between 3D preoperative planning and postoperative reduction in the osteosynthesis of distal humeral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional preoperative planning has been applied to the osteosynthesis of distal humerus fractures. The present study investigated the correlations between 3D preoperative planning and postoperative reduction for the osteosynthesis of distal humerus fractures using 3D parameters. METHODS: Twenty-three elbows of 23 distal humerus fracture patients who underwent osteosynthesis with three-dimensional preoperative planning were evaluated. 3D images of the distal humerus were created after taking preoperative CT scans of the injured elbow. Fracture reduction, implant selection, and placement simulations were performed based on 3D images. Postoperative CT images were taken 1 month after surgery. Correlations were evaluated with preoperative plans and postoperative 3D images. The longitudinal axis and coordinates of the humerus were defined on the 3D images. The coronal angle (CA) was defined as the angle formed by the long axis and the line connecting the medial and lateral margins of the trochlea of the humerus on a coronal plane image. The sagittal angle (SA) was defined as the angle formed by the long axis and the line connecting the top of the lateral epicondyle and the center of the humeral capitellum on a sagittal plane image. The axial angle (AA) was defined as the angle between the sagittal plane and the line connecting the medial and lateral margins behind the trochlea of the humerus. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of each measurement value were assessed between preoperative planning and postoperative images. RESULTS: Preoperative planning and postoperative measurement values were CA: 85.6 ± 5.9°/85.8 ± 5.9°, SA: 140.9 ± 8.5°/139.4 ± 7.9°, and AA: 84.0 ± 3.1°/82.6 ± 4.9°, respectively. ICCs were CA: 0.75 (P < 0.01), SA: 0.78 (P < 0.01), and AA: 0.34 (P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D preoperative planning of distal humeral fractures achieved the good correlations of coronal and sagittal angles, but the relatively poor correlation of the axial angle. This may be attributed to an inability to assess the rotation angle during surgery. We propose the measurement indices shown in the present study as a three-dimensional evaluation index for distal humerus fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered as NCT04349319 at ClinicalTrials.gov.

'Hook' Shape Lister Tubercle Is Associated with a Greater Incidence of Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Rupture after Distal Radius Fracture.

Background: A rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon located close to the Lister tubercle is an uncommon complication of distal radius fractures. This study aimed to determine whether the size and shape of Lister tubercle in patients with EPL rupture differs from a matched group of patients with distal radius fractures without EPL rupture. Methods: We identified 15 patients with EPL rupture (3.5%) out of 426 with distal radius fractures treated conservatively at our hospital over 4 years. Out of the remaining 411 patients with distal radius fractures without EPL rupture, we selected patients using simple random sampling and pseudo-randomised them such that their age, sex and fracture type were matched with patients exhibiting EPL rupture. The size and shape of the Lister tubercle and the size of the EPL groove were measured in both groups using computed tomographic scans and compared. Results: There was no difference in the size of the Lister tubercle or the EPL groove between both groups. A 'hook'-shaped Lister tubercle was noted in 8 out of 15 patients with EPL rupture but in only 1 out of 15 matched patients without EPL rupture. Conclusions: A 'hook'-shaped Lister tubercle was seen more often in patients with EPL rupture following distal radius fracture. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Union evaluation of lumbar spondylolysis using MRI and CT in adolescents treated conservatively.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the union rate of acute lumbar spondylolysis in patients treated conservatively, according to the protocol. METHODS: The subjects included high school students and younger patients who were diagnosed with lumbar spondylolysis presenting bone marrow edema. We investigated the union rate, the period until union, unilateral or bilateral, vertebral level, laterality (right or left), and pathological stage at the first visit. Some unilateral cases included bilateral spondylolysis with contralateral pseudarthrotic lesion; therefore, the union rate of the "true" unilateral case in which the contralateral side was normal was calculated. We excluded multi-level lesions. RESULTS: With conservative treatment for lumbar spondylolysis of 189 lesions in 142 cases, 144 healed and 45 were considered as nonunion. The average treatment period until union was 106 days. The union of "true" unilateral cases in which the contralateral side was normal was noted in 68/71 lesions, but that of bilateral cases was noted in 71/94 lesions. The union in L3, L4, and L5 vertebrae was noted in 15/17, 40/49, and 89/123 lesions, respectively. The union was observed in 63/87 on the right and 86/102 on the left. The union was noted in the pre-lysis, early, and progressive stages in 36/39, 81/97, and 27/53 lesions, respectively. Furthermore, the union was noted in stages 0, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 2 in 13/15, 47/52, 30/36, 34/42, and 20/44 lesions, respectively. CONCLUSION: Accurate union evaluation using CT and MRI showed a union rate of 76% with conservative treatment for spondylolysis. The union rate of the "true" unilateral cases in which the contralateral side was normal was 96%, which was significantly higher than that of the bilateral cases. Moreover, the union rate of lesions in the axial progressive stage and sagittal stage 2 was significantly lower than that of lesions in other stages. STUDY DESIGN: clinical retrospective study.

Features of sacral alar fatigue fractures in adolescent athletes with overuse.

Three types of sacral alar fatigue fractures are elderly, postnatal, and sport-related. They are most prevalent in athletes during adulthood; there are few reports of sacral alar fatigue fractures in young athletes. The purpose of this study was to analyze sacral alar fatigue fractures in adolescent athletes. Of the 920 patients hospitalized with low back pain, 13 were diagnosed with sacral alar fatigue fractures with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities. We investigated age, sex, sports discipline, span from symptom onset to consultation, laterality, complication with spondylolysis, computed tomography (CT) findings, and treatment span. The average age was 14.5 years old (8-men and 5-women). The most frequent discipline was basketball. The span to consultation was 13.2 days. The number of right-side cases was 9. Seven cases were complicated by bilateral spondylolysis. MRI abnormalities were observed in all the cases. Only two patients showed abnormal findings on CT. Averagely 67 days after treatment, participants returned to their sports. Sacral alar fatigue fractures suggest that the span from onset to consultation is short. Fracture lines are often unclear on CT, and MRI is useful for diagnosis. More than half of the cases in this study were complicated by lumbar spondylolysis.

Characteristics of adolescent lumbar spondylolysis with acute unilateral fatigue fracture and contralateral pseudoarthrosis.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the characteristics of lumbar spondylolysis with acute lumbar spondylolysis on one side and pseudoarthrotic spondylolysis on the other, relative to acute lumbar spondylolysis on one side only. Patients and Methods: Short-tau inversion recovery images obtained through magnetic resonance imaging were used to diagnose 58 patients with acute lumbar spondylolysis with bone marrow edema on one side only. A total of 20 patients who had pars defects on the contralateral side (terminal-stage pseudoarthrotic spondylolysis) were included in the contralateral pseudoarthrosis group (P group). The remaining 38 patients with normal images for the contralateral pars interarticularis were included in the unilateral lesion group, in which the contralateral side was normal (U group). We investigated the union rate, age, sex, lesion laterality, vertebral level, pathological stage, and existing spina bifida occulta in both groups. Results: The P group was characterized by a higher proportion of right-side cases, L5 lesions, more progressed pathological stage, and spina bifida occulta and a significantly lower union rate than the U group. Conclusion: The union rate in patients with lumbar spondylolysis with acute lumbar spondylolysis on one side and pseudoarthrotic spondylolysis on the opposite side was only 15%. We should inform patients with acute unilateral spondylolysis lesions and contralateral pseudoarthrosis about this poor union rate and urge them to choose their therapy accordingly.

Positional anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation in the acceleration phase of throwing: a case report.

Positional anterior sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation is relatively rare and needs careful treatment. We report our course of treatment and tips for surgery in a case. The patient was a 16-year-old male outfield baseball player. Three years ago, he had 3 recurrent episodes of right shoulder dislocation. During these injuries, there were forward dislocations of the proximal right clavicle edge accompanied by a creaking sound during the throw acceleration period. Thereafter, the anterior dislocation of the SCJ occurred during the acceleration phase of throwing, and the SCJ naturally repositioned on the shoulder resting position. This situation lingered and he often felt shoulder apprehension during throws, so he opted for surgical treatment just 1 month after the first injury. We performed a modified version of the figure-of-8 technique reported by Wang et al, using the ipsilateral palmaris longus (PL) tendon. The bilateral edge of the PL was attached to a Krackow suture and passed through the bone tunnels opened at the proximal clavicle and proximal sternum so that it became a figure of 8 on the anterior of the SCJ. The stability of the SCJ was confirmed after the surgery.

Clinical features of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.

Objective: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is rare and therefore difficult to diagnose. This study evaluated the clinical features of this condition in patients admitted to our hospital. Patients and Methods: We evaluated 12 patients with spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma who were treated at our hospital. We investigated the following variables in these patients: underlying diseases, medications used, initial symptoms, spinal level affected, whether transported to the hospital by ambulance, department where first evaluated, mass lesion on computed tomography with soft tissue window settings, time interval between symptom onset and diagnosis, treatment received, and Frankel classification on arrival and when last observed. Results: Five patients reported the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. All patients in this study reported acute onset of severe pain as the initial symptom, and 10 patients reported some degree of paralysis accompanying the pain. With respect to the morbidity level, the cervical region was the most common site of involvement (n=7). Ten patients were transported to the hospital at night via ambulance. Five patients first visited the Department of Internal Medicine. Seven patients presented with a mass lesion on computed tomography with soft tissue window settings. The time interval between symptom onset and diagnosis ranged from 2 hours to 6 days. Three and 9 patients received conservative and surgical treatments, respectively. No patient showed worsening of Frankel classification. Conclusion: Acute onset of severe pain was the most characteristic clinical symptom. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma should be included in the differential diagnosis. Computed tomography with soft tissue window settings may rule out cerebrovascular disease and cardiovascular disease, and specifically detect a hematoma. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging can diagnose a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma at an early stage.