An atypical case of calf pain: Plantaris tendon axial instability.

Plantaris tendon (PT) might induce calf or Achilles pain. In this case report, a 59-year-old woman presented with axial instability of plantaris tendon; post Achilles tendon lengthening. She beneficiated from a needle tenotomy of the PT and had a prompt symptom alleviation. The patient was fully satisfied and had a SANE score of 95% at 12 months follow up and was able to return to moderate sports activities without limitations (hiking, Nordic walking). The instability of the PT might be considered for the differential diagnosis of medial calf pain for which needle tenotomy may be considered a valuable option.

Three-dimensional reconstruction and virtual reposition of fragments compared to two dimensional measurements of midshaft clavicle fracture shortening.

BACKGROUND: Midshaft clavicle fracture shortening measurement is a reported key element for indication to surgical management and reporting of clinical trials. Determination of pre-fracture clavicle length for shortening measurement remains an unresolved issue. The purpose of the study was to assess accuracy of a novel technique of three-dimensional reconstruction and virtual reposition of bone fragments (3D-VR) for determination of pre-fracture clavicle length and measurement of shortening. METHODS: Accuracy of 3D-VR measurements was assessed using 5 synthetic bone clavicle fracture models. Measurements were compared between caliper and 3D-VR technique measurements. Correlation between 3D-VR and 2D measurements on standard radiographs was assessed on a cohort of 20 midshaft fractures. Four different methods for 2D measurements were assessed. RESULTS: Mean difference between caliper measurements and 3D-VR was 0.74 mm (95CI = - 2.51;3.98) (p = 0.56) on synthetic fracture models. Mean differences between 3D-VR and standard radiograph shortening measurement methods were 11.95 mm (95CI = 7.44;16.46) for method 1 (Jeray et al.) and 9.28 mm (95CI = 4.77;13.79) for method 2 (Smekal et al.) (p < 0.05). Differences were - 1.02 mm (95CI = - 5.53;3.48) for method 3 (Silva et al.) and - 2.04 mm (95CI = - 6.55;2.47) for method 4 (own method). Interobserver correlation ranged between 0.85 and 0.99. A false positive threshold of 20 mm was measured by the two observers in 25% of the case according to method of method 1, 30-35% with method 2, 15% with method 3 et al. and 5-10% with the method 4. CONCLUSION: 3D VR is accurate in measuring midshaft clavicle fracture length and shortening. Two dimensional measurements may be used for approximation of clavicular shortening.

Spinal disorders mimicking infection.

Spinal infections are very commonly encountered by radiologists in their routine clinical practice. In case of typical MRI features, the diagnosis is relatively easy to interpret, all the more so if the clinical and laboratory findings are in agreement with the radiological findings. In many cases, the radiologist is able to make the right diagnosis, thereby avoiding a disco-vertebral biopsy, which is technically challenging and associated with a risk of negative results. However, several diseases mimic similar patterns, such as degenerative changes (Modic) and crystal-induced discopathy. Differentiation between these diagnoses relies on imaging changes in endplate contours as well as in disc signal. This review sought to illustrate the imaging pattern of spinal diseases mimicking an infection and to define characteristic MRI and CT patterns allowing to distinguish between these different disco-vertebral disorders. The contribution of advanced techniques, such as DWI and dual-energy CT (DECT) is also discussed.

[An update for the treatment of osteoid osteoma]. / Le point sur le traitement percutané des ostéomes ostéoïdes.

Osteoid osteoma is frequent benign tumor, descripted initially by Bergstrand in 1930 followed by Jaffe in 1935. The painful feature of the osteoid osteoma explains the specific consideration by the medical community for this entity. The debate was focused on pathologic and imaging pattern as well as the treatment modalities. Currently, the treatment options are varied and percutaneous treatment is increasingly used. The radiofrequency is widely validated as efficient method without serious adverse and with low rate of recurrence. We hope through this this work to revue the current knowledge of the treatment of osteoid osteoma.

L'ostéome ostéoïde est une tumeur osseuse bénigne relativement fréquente initialement décrite par Bergstrand en 1930, puis comme une entité propre grâce aux recherches de Jaffe en 1935. Malgré sa bénignité, elle a concentré toute l'attention des radiologues comme des cliniciens car très symptomatique. Dès lors, l'ostéome ostéoïde a fait l'objet de nombreux débats dans la communauté scientifique en particulier concernant son étiologie, ses caractéristiques pathologiques, son bilan d'imagerie et son traitement. C'est sur cette dernière question que les avancées ont été les plus marquantes et c'est ainsi que les possibilités thérapeutiques bien décrites dans la littérature apparaissent variées. Toutefois, les résultats très favorables des traitements percutanés et en particulier de la radiofréquence, de même que le faible taux de récidives et de complications de ces traitements, ont amené de nombreux pays à les considérer comme le meilleur traitement en première intention. A travers cette revue de la littérature et de notre pratique clinique, nous souhaitons rapporter les connaissances actuelles thérapeutiques en perpétuelle progression grâce au progrès technique.

An improperly positioned menstrual cup complicated by hydronephrosis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Menstrual cups are increasingly used as alternatives to tampons, collecting menstrual fluid with very few side-effects, as previously reported in the literature. CASE: We present the case of a 47-year-old woman with pain in her right flank and an entrapped bladder caused by an incorrectly placed menstrual cup, complicated by acute unilateral hydronephrosis. We describe the computed tomography features that made it possible to make a correct diagnosis. We conducted a literature review in order to be able to list the reported side-effects of the use of menstrual cups. CONCLUSION: Given their common use today, it is important that physicians become familiar with menstrual cups and are capable of recognizing cup misplacement to avoid complications such as hydronephrosis.

The greater tuberosity angle: a new predictor for rotator cuff tear.

BACKGROUND: The implication of scapular morphology in rotator cuff tears has been extensively studied. However, the role of the greater tuberosity (GT) should be of equal importance. The aim of this study was to propose a new radiographic marker, the GT angle (GTA), which measures the position of the GT in relation to the center of rotation of the humeral head. The hypothesis was that a higher angle value would be associated with a higher likelihood in detecting a rotator cuff tear. METHODS: During 1 year, patients were prospectively recruited from a single institution specialized shoulder clinic in 2 different groups. The patient group consisted of individuals with a degenerative rotator cuff tear involving at least the supraspinatus. The control group consisted of individuals with no rotator cuff pathology. Individuals in both groups with congenital, post-traumatic, or degenerative alterations of the proximal humerus were excluded. The GTA was measured on an anteroposterior shoulder x-ray image with the arm in neutral rotation by 3 observers at 2 different times. RESULTS: The study recruited 71 patients (33 patients, 38 controls). Mean GTA value was 72.5° (range, 67.6°-79.2°) in patients and 65.2° (range, 55.8°-70.5°) for controls (P <.001). A value above 70° resulted in 93-fold higher odds of detecting a rotator cuff tear (P <.001). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were high. CONCLUSIONS: GT morphology is implicated in rotator cuff tears. The GTA is a reliable radiographic marker, with more than 70° being highly predictive in detecting such lesions.

Ossifying metaplasia of urothelial metastases: original case with review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Ossifying metaplasia is an unusual feature of urothelial carcinoma, with only a few cases reported. The largest series included 17 cases and was published in 1991. The mechanism of ossification is unknown and hypotheses of osteogenic precursor cells, inducing bone formation, are proposed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75 year-old patient was treated for a high grade transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder by surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Histology showed foci of bone metaplasia, both at the periphery of the tumor, and in a lymph node metastasis. 1 year later, a heterotopic bone formation was discovered in the right retroperitoneal space, near the lumbar spine, increasing rapidly in size during follow-up. Several imaging exams were performed (2 CT, 1 MRI, 1 Pet-CT), but in the absence of typical features of sarcoma, diagnosis remained unclear. Histology of a CT-guided percutaneous biopsy showed urothelial carcinoma and mature lamellar bone. Integration of these findings with the radiological description of extraosseous localization was consistent with a diagnosis of osseous metaplasia of an urothelial carcinoma metastasis. The absence of bone atypia in both the primary and metastases argues against sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma with osteosarcomatous differentiation. CONCLUSION: Osseous metaplasia of an urothelial carcinoma metastasis is unusual, and difficult to distinguish from radiotherapy induced sarcoma, or from sarcomatoid carcinoma. Rapid progression, sheathing of adjacent structures such as vessels (like inferior vena cava in our case) and nerves and bony feature of lymph node metastases necessitate histological confirmation and rapid treatment. Our case illustrates this disease and evaluates the imaging features. In addition we discuss the differential diagnosis of osseous retroperitoneal masses.

Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction (MBIR) for the Reduction of Metal Artifacts on CT.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to study the added value of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) on metal artifact reduction on CT compared with standard filtered back projection (FBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ex vivo imaging was performed on several metal implants. Datasets were reconstructed with standard FBP and MBIR algorithms. The sizes of the artifacts surrounding the metal implant were recorded and compared. In vivo imaging was performed on 62 patients with metal implants. Each dataset was reconstructed with FBP and MBIR algorithms. Objective image quality was assessed by measuring the size of the artifact generated by the metal implant. Subjective image quality was graded on a 3-point scale, taking into account the visibility of the bone-metal interface, as well as the visibility of the neighboring soft tissues. RESULTS: Ex vivo analysis yielded a reduction of 82% in the size of the artifact when using the MBIR algorithm, compared with the FBP algorithm. The mean (SD) size of the artifacts was 1.4 ± 0.8 and 0.25 ± 0.06 cm(2) with FBP and MBIR, respectively. In vivo, the mean size of the artifacts decreased from 7.3 ± 1.5 cm(2) to 4.0 ± 0.9 cm(2) for FBP and MBIR, respectively (p = 0.012). The subjective image quality analysis showed an equal or better bone-metal interface of MBIR algorithm in 85% of cases. Visibility of the soft tissue surrounding the metal implant was determined to be equal or better in 97% of cases in which MBIR was used. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the MBIR algorithm allows a clear reduction of metal artifacts on CT images and, hence, a better analysis of the soft tissue surrounding the metal implant compared with FBP.

[The infected diabetic foot: diagnosis and management]. / Pied diabétique infecté: du diagnostic a la prise en charge.

Foot infections are a frequent and potentially harmful complication of diabetes mellitus. In one skin ulceration out of two, further evolution towards infection occurs and often leads to amputation increasing morbidity and health care costs. Skin disruptions, favored by the sensorimotor neuropathy and vascular disease, constitute the initial factors leading to this complication. To ensure effective care, these cases must be managed by a multidisciplinary team in a specialized center. All caretakers involved with patients suffering from diabetes mellitus must be capable of preventing and recognizing diabetic foot infections, as well as informing the patients about this complication and its management.

Radiological assessment of irreducible posterolateral knee subluxation after dislocation due to interposition of the vastus medialis: a case report.

Knee dislocation is a serious and relatively uncommon traumatism that every emergency room is supposed to diagnose and treat rapidly. Most of the time these dislocations reduce spontaneously or with closed reduction. If a subluxation persists, an incarceration of soft tissue in the joint must be suspected. Irreducible knee subluxations after dislocation are rare entities better described in the orthopaedic than in the radiological literature. However, the initial radiological assessment is an important tool to obtain the correct diagnosis, to detect neurovascular complications, and to plan the most suitable treatment. In cases of delayed diagnosis, the functional prognosis of the joint and even the limb may be seriously compromised primarily because of vascular lesions. Thereby, vascular imaging is essential in cases of dislocation of the knee, and we will discuss the role of angiography and the more recent use of computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography. Our patient presented with an irreducible knee subluxation due to interposition of the vastus medialis, and we will review the classical clinical presentation and 'do not miss' imaging findings on conventional radiography, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, we will also report the classical imaging pathway indicated in knee dislocation, with a special emphasis on the irreducible form.