[Computed tomography demonstration++ of calcaneal morphotypes in plantar arch abnormalities]. / Morfotipi del calcagno evidenziabili con tomografia computerizzata nelle alterazioni dell'arco plantare.

CT and MR investigations of the foot generally follow clinics, to confirm the presence of pathologic changes. Plantar arch alterations, which predispose to pain in overload, are not included and thus CT and MR examinations are not usually performed because the patient is not standing. A series of 80 patients (49 males and 31 females, age range: 8-74 years old) was divided according to the presence of clinical signs of plantar arch alterations. Plantar and coronal CT scans were performed according to strict protocols. On plantar scans some patterns were identified, corresponding to the typical signs of conventional radiographs, which are suggestive of flat, cavus and normal feet. On coronal bimalleolar scans, other heel patterns were detected, which are suggestive of medial-concave, varus and orthogonal feet. In our opinion, the above patterns are an example of heel adaptation to plantar arch variability. Especially in the patients with flat feet, the calcaneus-cuboid-metatarsal angle was almost 180 degrees on plantar scans; high agreement was observed, on coronal slices, with the medial-concave heel pattern. The varus morphotype was very frequent among the patients with cavus foot on coronal slices; on plantar scans it corresponded to a calcaneus-cuboid-metatarsal angle (< 180 degrees). CT signs must be accurately described for they help interpret pain related to foot architecture, especially in the patients in whom the possible relationship between symptoms and plantar arch alterations was underestimated.

[Partial agenesis of the musculus pectoralis major]. / Agenesia parziale del muscolo grande pettorale.

The authors report a rare case of partial agenesia of the pectoralis major muscle with presence of the "pars clavicularis" only. Full range of movement was possible in this case, in accordance with other reports in the literature.

[Sports pathology of the shoulder: its imaging diagnosis]. / Patologia sportiva di spalla: diagnostica per immagini.

Success and diffusion of various sports have produced more frequent capsular-ligamentous lesions of the shoulder. Diagnosis up to now has relied on traditional radiology using many projections to demonstrate extremity lesions and their congruences; however for capsular-ligamentous lesions, arthrography in used successfully. Since the last few years new investigating methods are used (U.S., C.T., M.N.R.). After examining benefits of each diagnosing method compared to traditional radiology, the authors conclude that traditional radiology still has a pre-eminent role in diagnosing sports pathology of the shoulder.

[Arthrodesis of the tarsal tibia for the outcomes in fractures of the collum tali. A review of cases and long-term follow-up]. / Artrodesi della tibio tarsica per esiti di fratture del collo piede. Revisione della casistica e controllo a distanza.

In the wards of the CTO Hospital in Florence, isolated arthrodeses of the tarsal tibia for ankle fractures, or their effects or complications, have been performed on 29 patients in the past 13 years. Of these 29 patients we were able to personally check up on 23, with a follow-up time ranging from one to thirteen years. The patients we followed-up on had been operated on using the Scaglietti technique or its variations in 15 cases, the Charnley technique in 7 cases, and the fixation according to Ilizarov in one case. We examined the pre-operatory clinical-radiographic conditions and the surgical techniques utilized with all of their advantages, disadvantages, limits, and pre and post-operatory complications. In the follow-up studies, for instance, in addition to the subjectivity of the patient we clinically evaluated the commemorative signs and post-ambulatory adaptation phenomena as a function of the residual degree of equinism and, radiologically, the condition of the arthrodesis and the articulation proximal to the tarsal tibia. Tibio-tarsal arthrodesis, notwithstanding the inconveniences common to all types of arthrodesis, has in essence retained its validity regarding the seriously crippling effects of ankle fractures.