Residual inferior glenohumeral instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair: radiological evaluation and functional results.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of anteroinferior shoulder instability by arthroscopy must restore stability while preserving joint motion. Inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) laxity is an important parameter in the pathomechanism of this condition. The goals of this study is to use the Shoulder HyperAbduction Test (SHART) radiological test to quantify the tension in the IGHL following surgery and look for an eventual correlation between ligament tightening and joint motion. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study that included patients with unilateral anteroinferior instability who were treated with an arthroscopic Bankart repair between September 2004 and December 2005. These patients did not experience any recurrence within a follow-up period of at least 2 years. Twenty-three patients were followed-up. This series included 16 men and seven women with an average age of 29.7±12 years. The average Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS) was 1.7±1.3 (from 0 to 3). The main outcome measures were the bilateral SHART test at the last follow-up visit and bilateral joint range of motion, before surgery and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The follow-up was 3.3 years on average. The average SHART on the operated side (116.9±11.7°) was lower than the healthy side (121.9±9.6°), P=0.01. A difference of less than 4° was statistically related to loss of external rotation, with an odds ratio of 16, P=0.03. At the last follow-up, the average Walch-Duplay functional score was 72.4±13.8/100 and the Rowe score 90.2±11.6/100. DISCUSSION: It is difficult to achieve a perfect compromise between shoulder stability and joint motion. Progress in arthroscopy technique has led to a greater demand for the tightening of capsulo-labral and ligament structures. An arthroscopic Bankart repair provides IGHL tightening that is quantifiable with the SHART. External rotation is reduced when excessive tightening is made.

[Hip degeneration]. / La hanche dégénérative.

Hip degeneration is typically easily diagnosed, based on the combination of clinical findings and plain films showing the four classifical findings: joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis and subchondral cysts. Some degenerated hips may have misleading features such as when joint space narrowing is mainly posterior or the main finding is a large subchondral cyst. Rapidly destructive coxopathy results in joint space narrowing and joint destruction over a few months. MRI is helpful in early cases with normal radiographs or in patients with known hip degeneration presenting with acute worsening of symptoms. Follow-up is achieved by measuring the joint space on consecutive radiographs obtained using a standard technique.

[Plain films of pelvis]. / Les clichés simples du bassin.

Plain films of the pelvis remain informative and allow most of the diagnoses. Assesment of the hip joint space, bone and subchondral structures, sacrum as well as sacroiliac joints is made on the AP view. Oblique views are useful. Five different oblique views are described: Lequesne's view, Ducroquet's view, Arcelin's view, medical and urethral views. They particularly allow assement of the acetabulum, the femoral head and neck as well as the femoral superior third. Radiological technique and major indications for these views must be known. Angle measurement and evaluation of possible dysplasia are made on coxometry views.

[Double localization of an osteoid osteoma of the ankle: percutaneous treatment by CT-guided drilling]. / Double localisation à la cheville d'un ostéome ostéoïde: traitement par forage percutané: à propos d'un cas.

A 26-year-old woman presented a rare double localization of an osteoid osteoma of the ankle. The first focus was situated in the tibial metaphysic, bordering the distal tibiofibular joint. The second focus was also superficial, located in the neck of the homolateral talus. Percutaneous drilling was performed for both localizations under computed tomographic (CT) guidance. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient has remained symptom-free at four years follow-up. Compared with disphyseal localizations, it is often more difficult to recognize an osteoid osteoma located in the foot or ankle. Scintigraphy and CT are necessary and sufficient for diagnosis. Progress in imaging techniques has greatly facilitated the treatment of osteoid osteomas, allowing excellent outcome with limited morbidity.

[Imaging of traumatic injuries of the elbow]. / Imagerie des traumatismes du coude de l'adulte.

Traumatic injuries to the elbow may result in dislocations and/or fractures of the distal humerus or proximal radius or ulna. Multiple and associated lesions are common. Plain radiographs usually allow accurate diagnosis. These lesions may lead to joint stiffness with poor functional prognosis.

[Dynamic radiographic evaluation of the antero-inferior gleno-humeral ligament]. / Etude radiographique dynamique du ligament gléno-huméral inférieur.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this work was to propose an objective radiographic evaluation of the antero-inferior gleno-humeral ligament for comparison with the clinical assessment proposed by Gagey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A test radiogram was obtained from 32 healthy volunteers (15 men, 17 women, mean age, 29 years, age range 21-54 years) free of shoulder disease. The dynamic test image consisted in a strictly AP view of the shoulder in forced abduction in neutral rotation. The subjects were awake and in dorsal decubitus. Displacements of the scapulo-thoracic articulation were limited by a counter-force applied to the acromion, in accordance with the method described by Gagey. Bilateral images were obtained for comparison. Several angles were measured between the humeral shaft and the scapula to search for the most reliable and reproducible measurement. RESULTS: Three series of angles were measured between the axis of the humeral shaft and the scapula. The mean angle between the axis of the humeral shaft and line drawn from the lower rim of the glenoid cavity to the lateral border of the scapular tubercle was 130.3 degrees (range 110-148 degrees) on the dominant side and 131.5 degrees (108-148 degrees) on the non-dominant side; giving 38 degrees variability on the dominant side and 40 degrees variation on the non-dominant side and a standard deviation of 10.4 degrees on the dominant side and 11.5 degrees on the non-dominant side. The mean difference in gleno-humeral abduction was 3.8 degrees (range 0-14 degrees) between the dominant and non-dominant side. DISCUSSION: Among the different angles measured between the scapula and the humerus, the angle between the axis of the humeral shaft and the line drawn from the lower rim of the glenoid cavity to the lateral border of the scapular tubercle was the most reliable and reproducible. Inter-observer measurements were well correlated. We observed that the variability in the radiographic values of the scapulo-humeral angle was much greater than the clinical values described by Gagey who, finding very constant values during forced abduction, described "invariable" scapulo-humeral abduction of the shoulder. Our study demonstrates that scapulo-humeral abduction is not an invariable parameter. More interestingly, the difference in amplitude between the dominant and non-dominant sides showed very strong interindividual correlation. Interobserver variability was low and reproducibility was good. CONCLUSION: This dynamic radiographic test enables a precise quantified assessment of pure gleno-humeral abduction which depends on the antero-inferior gleno-humeral ligament. This test is reliable and reproducible. Variations in the length of the antero-inferior gleno-humeral ligament evaluated radiographically were greater than described clinically. We did not find any difference in pure gleno-humeral abduction greater than 14 degrees between the dominant and non-dominant sides in healthy subjects.

[Arthroscopic treatment of a Hoffa ligament cyst]. / Traitement arthroscopique d'un kyste du ligament de Hoffa.

Cysts of Hoffa's ligament are exceptional. Twelve cases have been reported in the literature, two of which were treated arthroscopically. We report the first case in the French literature. A 21-year-old woman developed an atypical cystic formation of the knee. The diagnosis of ganglion cyst of Hoffa's ligament was strongly suggested at magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed at arthroscopy. We recall the different epidemiologic, pathogenic, clinical and radiological aspects of this condition and emphasize the importance of MRI for the differential diagnosis with other tumors.

[Shoulder imaging: what is the best modality?]. / Imagerie de l'épaule: quel examen choisir?

Specific pathologies of the shoulder include instabilities in young patients and tendinopathies in older patients. The choice of imaging modality depends on the information expected from each technique. In case of instability, plain films demonstrate bone abnormalities such as Hill Sachs and/or Bankart lesions. Arthro-CT or arthro-MRI need not be in all cases but can provide additional information performed about the intraarticular structures and the glenoid labrum. The rotator cuff is initially evaluated by plain films which demonstrate anatomical conditions resulting in impingement syndrome as well as indirect signs of tendinopathy. Direct visualization of tendons may be achieved by US, arthro-CT, arthro-MRI. US is a dynamic, non invasive and accurate technique for evaluation of rotator cuff tear but is very operator-dependent. Arthro-CT is more reproductive and reveals accurately partial tear as well as anterior tears involving biceps or subscapularis tendons. MRI is very useful to visualize the rotator cuff and adjacent bony structures. Nevertheless, MRI is still limited by its cost, accessibility and variable quality.

Osteoarthritis of the hip: agreement between joint space width measurements on standing and supine conventional radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of standing position on joint space width (JSW) measurements of the hips with and without osteoarthritis (OA) on pelvic radiographs. METHODS: Adult patients aged 18 or more had pelvic anteroposterior conventional radiographs standing and supine performed by a single radiologist in the same radiology unit according to standardised guidelines. JSW measurements in mm were made by a single reader blind to patients' identity and type of view, using a 0.1 mm graduated magnifying glass directly laid over the radiograph, at the narrowest point for OA hips or at the vertical joint space for non-OA hips. Agreement of JSW between both views was assessed using the Bland and Altman graphical analysis. RESULTS: JSW was greater on standing than supine radiographs, for example, 7.1% for OA hips. Mean (SD) differences and limits of agreement (mm) between both views were 0.08 (0.27) and -0.46 to 0.62 for the 70 non-OA hips, 0.02 (0.31) and -0.60 to 0.64 for the 46 OA hips. Corresponding 95% confidence intervals of mean difference were 0.02, -0.14 mm and -0.07, -0.11 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of JSW of the hip on pelvic standing and supine radiographs are concordant. Changes less than or equal to 0.64 mm between the two views are similar or inferior to radiological progression of OA.

Variability in knee radiographing: implication for definition of radiological progression in medial knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess reproducibility of medial knee joint space width (JSW) measurement in healthy subjects and osteoarthritic (OA) patients. (2) To define minimal relevant radiological change in knee JSW based on the reproducibility of its measurement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: (1) Healthy volunteers: in the first part of the study, 20 knees of healthy adult volunteers were radiographed in the weightbearing, anteroposterior extended view, twice, two weeks apart, using three different radiographic procedures: (a) without guidelines, (b) with guidelines and without fluoroscopy, (c) with guidelines and fluoroscopy. (2) Knee OA patients: in the second part of the study, 36 knees of OA patients were radiographed twice with guidelines and without fluoroscopy. JSW was measured blindly using a graduated magnifying glass. Based on the Bland and Altman graphic approach, cut off points defining minimal relevant radiological change are proposed. RESULTS: Standard deviation (SD) of differences in JSW measurement between two sets of knee radiographs in healthy subjects were 0.66 mm for radiography performed without guidelines, 0.37 mm for radiography performed with guidelines and without fluoroscopy, and 0.31 mm for radiography with guidelines and fluoroscopy. SD of differences in JSW measurement in OA patients were 0.32 mm for radiography performed with guidelines and without fluoroscopy. A minimal relevant change in JSW between two radiographs performed in healthy subjects can be defined by a change of at least 1.29 or 0.59 mm when radiographs are taken without guidelines, and with guidelines and fluoroscopy, respectively. When radiographs are taken with guidelines and without fluoroscopy, the change must be at least 0.73 mm. A similar figure, 0.64 mm was observed in knee OA patients. CONCLUSION: Definition of radiological progression varies greatly according to the radiographic procedure chosen. Use of guidelines reduces the threshold of progression required to consider that change between two measures is relevant.

Knee joint space width measurement: an experimental study of the influence of radiographic procedure and joint positioning.

We studied the influence of the radiographic procedure and joint positioning on knee joint space width (JSW) in 10 healthy volunteers, and the intrareader reproducibility of JSW measurements on radiographs performed 2 weeks apart using a standardized procedure. Results show that a 5 or 10 downward inclination of the X-ray beam and 15 or 30 of induced external foot rotation significantly reduced JSW. In contrast, knee flexion increased JSW. The mean differences and S.D. in the measurement of JSW between two sets of radiographs taken 2 weeks apart were not statistically significant, ranging from -0.07 mm (S.D. 0.38) to 0.020 mm (S.D. 0.38). Our findings indicate that modifications in knee flexion, foot rotation and X-ray beam inclination influence JSW. Therefore, standardization of joint positioning and of the radiographic procedure is necessary to obtain comparable radiographic images on successive X-rays.

Diagnosis of digital pulley rupture by computed tomography.

Seven patients who presented with a rupture of the digital pulley were investigated by computed tomography. The rupture involved the A2 and A4 pulleys in four cases, the A2 pulley in two cases and, in the final case, the A4 pulley alone. A sagittal-plane CT scan gave a precise analysis of the rupture in all cases. Two cases were surgically repaired and CT scanning was used in their postoperative assessment. When performed by a radiologist with an interest in musculoskeletal pathology, we have found CT scanning to be an excellent imaging procedure in the investigation and diagnosis of digital pulley injury. This can be useful when the diagnosis of digital pulley rupture cannot be made by history and physical examination.

C1-2 arthrography.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique of C1-2 arthrography and recommend it as a suitable treatment for pain due to C1-2 abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with the following conditions were studied: cervical pain or neuralgia without radiographic changes (group 1, n = 23), osteoarthritis (group 2, n = 37), rheumatoid arthritis (group 3, n = 23), ankylosing spondylarthritis (group 4, n = 5) and diverse conditions (group 5, n = 12). The technique consists of lateral puncture of the posterior aspect of the C1-2 joint with a 20-gauge needle under fluoroscopic control, arthrography using 1 ml contrast medium, and a 1-ml long-acting steroid injection subsequently. RESULTS: The articular cavity has an anterior and a posterior recess. Sometimes the posterior recess is large. In 18% of cases the contralateral joint also opacifies. CONCLUSIONS: C1-2 arthrography appears to be an efficient and safe technique for the treatment of upper cervical pain due to C1-2 articular disorders.

Epidural lipomatosis. Interest of magnetic resonance imaging in a weight-reduction treated case.

An obese patient with bilateral sciatic pain had epidural lipomatosis on magnetic resonance examination. Treatment that used a weight-reduction program eliminated the symptoms, and after magnetic resonance imaging, revealed reduction of the lipomatosis deposits.

[Chemolysis of intravertebral disk hernia and spinal syndrome]. / Hernie intra-spongieuse, nucléolyse et syndrome rachidien.

The authors report a 31 year old patient who underwent L5-S1 chemonucleolysis. The prenucleolysis discogram disclosed intravertebral discal displacement. Severe spinal symptoms and development of geodes in the endplates adjacent to the treated disk occurred after the procedure. This case suggests that intraosseous discal displacement may be a risk factor for postchymopapain nucleolysis discitis and may contraindicate chemonucleolysis.

[Aseptic osteonecrosis of the knee induced by corticoids. MRI aspects]. / Ostéonécroses aseptiques des genoux induites par les corticoïdes. Aspects IRM.

Authors report the results of a series of 29 knees examined by magnetic resonance imaging in 16 patients subjected to a long-term corticosteroid therapy (6 systemic lupus erythematosus and 10 kidney transplanted people). Abnormal signals of condyles or tibial plateaus were observed in 12 patients (19 knees). Lesions, which were asymptomatic in 37% of the cases studied, mostly showed (12/24 condyles) a fatty signal area marked out by a hypointense signal strip in T1 edged with a hyperintense signal in T2. Some developed lesions were hypointense whichever the sequence. Our study confirmed the frequency of the lateral condyle involvement (60%) and the bilateral aspect of the lesions (50%) in osteonecrosis of the condyles following the corticosteroid therapy. The associated lesions of articular surfaces (3 cases) could be well assessed through magnetic resonance imaging on T2 or T2* weighted images. In two cases, the abnormal signals of the condyles suggesting a medullary edema (hypointense signal in T1 and hyperintense signal in T2) spontaneously disappeared 6 and 9 months after their discovery. Abnormal signals related to medullary infarcts (10 knees) were always associated with abnormal condyles. Most time their aspect in magnetic resonance imaging, except old calcified lesions, was characteristic: serpiginous hypointense signal isolating areas of fatty signal edged with a hyperintense signal strip in T2. In risk patients, magnetic resonance imaging allows early detecting knee necroses, precising the extent of epiphyseal and metaphyso-diaphyseal lesions and their impact on articular surfaces.