MR imaging of the normal shoulder: anatomic correlation

The complex anatomy and the requirement to image in the peripheral magnetic field have made the shoulder difficult to examine with MR. However, the use of high-resolution scanning techniques and specialized surface coils has improved the quality of MR images obtained. Seventy-five scans of the shoulders of normal volunteers were correlated with multiplanar cryomicrosections of six cadaver shoulders to study the MR appearance of normal structures. MR was shown to provide excellent depiction of shoulder anatomy.     

Isokinetic evaluation of shoulder rotational strength between the plane of scapula and the frontal plane

The purpose of this study was to determine whether shoulder rotational strength was greater in the plane of the scapula or the frontal plane. Isokinetic shoulder rotational strength was evaluated in 20 subjects. Using the Merac (Universal Gym Equipment, Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA), test data was gathered in the right shoulders, in 45 degrees abduction, at a speed of 60 deg/sec, in the plane of the scapula and the frontal plane. Each subject returned within 1 week for retests to establish reliability. The average correlational coefficient across tests was 0.87. The Merac computer system was used to analyze data. Mean and standard deviations for peak torque to body weight were calculated. A paired t-test was used to examine the difference in the means for internal and external rotation between the two positions. The results indicated no significant difference between the two positions for shoulder internal rotational strength values. However, shoulder external rotational strength values in the plane of the scapula were statistically significantly higher than in the frontal plane (P less than 0.001). These preliminary results suggest isokinetic strength training and testing may be preferable in the plane of the scapula rather than the frontal plane.     

Combined chemical-shift and phase-selective imaging for fat suppression: theory and initial clinical experience

Incomplete fat suppression with a chemical-shift-selective (CHESS) or phase-selective (Dixon) technique is partially due to the olefinic fat component, which precesses at the same frequency as water. The authors developed a new method of fat suppression--the opposed-fat saturation (OP-ES) sequence--that combines both techniques to obtain superior fat saturation. Fat suppression was verified in phantom studies, which showed that the CHESS portion can eliminate most of the aliphatic fat signal except for a small residual component because of steady state effects and magnetic field imperfections. This residual component is cancelled by the olefinic fat with the phase-selective opposed portion of the sequence. Furthermore, this sequence was superior to another hybrid technique, chopper Dixon in combination with CHESS. When used in 10 healthy volunteers, the OP-FS sequence showed consistently better suppression of the subcutaneous and retroperitoneal fat compared with CHESS alone. Additional advantages for clinical abdominal imaging include its compatibility with respiratory compensation, use of a single excitation, and ease of implementation with gradient-echo imaging. Preliminary application in 10 patients illustrated other potential advantages, including clarification of fat-containing diseases and increasing conspicuity of some lesions.     

Ultrasonographic and clinical study of post-stroke painful hemiplegic shoulder

Aim of the work

To describe the structural abnormalities of the painful hemiplegic shoulder (PHS) by ultrasound (U/S) and their relationship with some clinical variables.

Materials and methods

Eighty consecutive patients with post-stroke PHS were subjected to both clinical assessment and ultrasonographic examination of both shoulders. Ultrasonographic imaging data were classified into five grades.

Results

The biceps tendon sheath effusion (51.25%) and the SA–SD bursitis (43.75%) were the most frequent abnormalities in the affected painful shoulder. No significant relationship (P = 0.114) was found between the U/S grades of the painful hemiplegic shoulder and the Brunnstrom motor recovery stages. Ultrasonographic grades of the unaffected shoulder were significantly correlated with the stroke duration (P < 0.001), the Brief Pain Inventory score (P < 0.05), shoulder pain duration (P < 0.001), and degree of spasticity (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Ultrasonography is an essential method in evaluation of post-stroke PHS. However, the U/S grades were not correlated with the stages of motor recovery. Avoiding overuse of the unaffected shoulder will be helpful for prevention of shoulder injuries following hemiplegic stroke.     

Superior labral anteroposterior lesions of the shoulder: part 1, anatomy and anatomic variants

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this article are to provide a pictorial review of labral anatomy and physiology, with particular attention to commonly seen anatomic variants and pitfalls, and to present standard imaging techniques and approaches to MRI interpretation to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of superior labral anteroposterior (SLAP) lesions. CONCLUSION: Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of SLAP tears. Knowledge of glenolabral anatomy, related structures and variants, proper imaging techniques, and a systematic approach to MRI interpretation is important in the diagnosis and treatment planning of the 10 types of SLAP lesions. Arthroscopy offers a means for definitive diagnosis.     

The anterior diaphragmatic attachments: an anatomic and radiologic study with clinical correlates

A study of the anterior attachments of the respiratory diaphragm was performed using gross anatomic specimens, plain radiography, and computed tomography with multiplanar image reformatting. The anterior portions of the diaphragm are affixed to the lower six ribs and the sternum. The line of attachment of each hemidiaphragm begins at the anterior axillary line and extends cranially and medially to meet at the xiphoid process. These structures can be visualized along with contiguous pathologic subdiaphragmatic and/or infradiaphragmatic air collections. In the semierect patient, free intraabdominal air may preferentially collect in the anterior subdiaphragmatic regions rather than below the domes of the diaphragm, providing a subtle but reliable indication of pneumoperitoneum. An understanding of the normal anatomy of the anterior diaphragmatic attachments is valuable in assessing a variety of anterior paradiaphragmatic air collections.     

Pericruciate fat pad of the knee: anatomy and pericruciate fat pad inflammation: cadaveric and clinical study emphasizing MR imaging

Objective

The pericruciate fat pad is located in the intercondylar fossa, intimate with the cruciate ligaments. With MR imaging, signal abnormality of the pericruciate fat pad has been observed in patients with posterior knee pain. The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomy of the pericruciate fat pad in cadaveric specimens and to document the clinical spectrum of pericruciate fat pad inflammation.

Materials and Methods

Twelve cadaveric knees underwent MR imaging with T1 and T2 multiplanar images. Cadaveric sections were then prepared for macroscopic evaluation, with additional histologic analysis performed in four cases. MR images in seventeen patients (ten males, seven females; average age, 31.5?years; age range, 19–57?years) involved in intensive sporting activity and with posterior knee pain were reviewed.

Results

MR images in cadaveric specimens showed a fat pad that was located above and between the cruciate ligaments, near their attachment sites in the inner portion of the femoral condyles, within the intercondylar fossa. Fatty tissue covered by a thin layer of synovial membrane was confirmed at histology. Seventeen patients with posterior knee pain and without gross cartilage, meniscal, or ligamentous abnormalities all revealed an increased signal in this fat pad in fluid-sensitive fat-suppressed images, mainly in the sagittal and axial planes. In eight cases, enhancement of this fat pad was demonstrated following intravenous gadolinium administration.

Conclusions

The pericruciate fat pad is a structure located in the intercondylar fossa, intimate with both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. Inflammatory changes in this fat pad may be found in patients, especially athletes with posterior knee pain.     

带脂肪皮肤移植的实验研究与临床应用

为提高带脂肪皮肤移植的成活率，进行了实验和临床研究。以小猪躯干部带脂肪皮肤移植为实验模型，计算经局部加温、降温，局部及全身使用抗缺氧剂（ＱＳＤ及ＱＨＤ）等处理后皮片的成活率。观察了临床应用带脂肪皮肤移植１５９例的治疗效果。结果表明经局部加温、局部及全身使用抗缺氧剂ＱＳＤ及ＱＨＤ后，皮片的成活率分别为９３．５％±５．８％、９１．５％±４．９％和８４．０％±４．３％，三者均明显高于未处理组。临床应用１５９例带脂肪皮肤移植的成活率达９９．２％，治疗效果满意。     

Jugular foramen: anatomic and computed tomographic study

The computed tomographic (CT) appearance of the jugular foramen was examined in detail, and anatomic and CT sections were correlated. The pars nervosa and pars vascularis were identified, and, with intravenous contrast enhancement, a rapid sequence of scans at a gantry angle of +30 degrees to the canthomeatal line demonstrated cranial nerves IX, X, and XI. The osseous margins of the jugular foramen were best shown by CT at planes of sections parallel and positive (0 degrees - 30 degrees) of the canthomeatal line. CT can be used to evaluate osseous anatomy and the jugular foramen with precision sufficient to confidently exclude an intracanalicular mass.     

Orbital apex: correlative anatomic and CT study

A detailed analysis of the coronal anatomic and CT appearances of the orbital apex is presented. In cadavers, coronal CT 9800 scans of the orbital apex and precisely corresponding cryomicrotomic sections were obtained. The CT appearance of the optic nerve, anulus of Zinn, and cranial nerves III-VI at the superior orbital fissure and orbital apex were determined. These anatomic structures were also demonstrated in clinical CT studies. Practical applications of the anatomic landmarks in evaluating orbital apex tumors are illustrated.     

Abduction and external rotation in shoulder impingement: an open MR study on healthy volunteers initial experience

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate rotator cuff contact with the glenoid in healthy volunteers placed in the unloaded and loaded abduction and external rotation (ABER) positions in an open magnetic resonance (MR) imager. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was institutional review board approved and HIPAA compliant, and informed consent was received. Eight male volunteers with no history of shoulder pain or pathology were imaged in a 0.5-T open MR imager. Volunteers were imaged in an unloaded ABER position with the arm at 90 degrees abduction and in a loaded ABER position, with a 1-kg load that produced an average external rotation of 111 degrees+/-6 (standard deviation). Two radiologists graded rotator cuff contact on a three-point scale. Three-dimensional anatomic models generated from the MR images were used to measure distances. Minimum distances were computed between the tendon insertion sites and the glenoid, acromion, and coracoid for the loaded ABER position. Minimum distances were compared by using a paired Student t test. RESULTS: In the unloaded ABER position, contact was seen between the infraspinatus and supraspinatus tendons and the glenoid in all eight volunteers. In the loaded ABER position, contact was also observed between the infraspinatus and supraspinatus and the posterior and posterosuperior glenoid, respectively. Deformation of the infraspinatus on the glenoid was seen in four volunteers, whereas supraspinatus deformation was only seen in one volunteer. The minimum distance between the supraspinatus insertion and acromion in the loaded ABER position decreased significantly (P<.01). Supraspinatus tendon to glenoid and infraspinatus tendon to glenoid minimum distances also decreased significantly (P<.01). CONCLUSION: The unloaded and loaded ABER positions resulted in contact of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus with the glenoid in all volunteers. Distances between the rotator cuff insertion sites and the glenoid decreased in the loaded ABER position.     

Restoration of sagittal and transverse plane proprioception following anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction

Purpose

To investigate the restoration of knee proprioception after anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Methods

Eleven subjects who underwent anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction (12.5–15 months following surgery) and eleven healthy control subjects participated in the study. Sagittal and transverse plane threshold to detect passive motion (TTDPM) were assessed utilizing a customized isokinetic dynamometer by passively rotating the tibia about a fixed femur in both the sagittal plane and transverse plane at 0.25°/s until the subject signalled recognition of movement and movement direction. Based on the normality assumption, either dependent t test or Wilcoxon test was utilized to determine whether significant differences were present between the ACL-reconstructed and the uninjured contralateral limbs. Independent t test or Mann–Whitney test was utilized to compare between the ACL-reconstructed/uninjured contralateral and the external control limbs.

Results

There were no significant differences in TTDPM measurement in eleven out of twelve comparisons between the ACL-reconstructed and the uninjured contralateral/external control limbs. The only statistical significant difference was found on TTDPM towards internal rotation direction from the externally rotated-test position between the ACL-reconstructed and the uninjured contralateral limbs (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Based on a small sample of eleven subjects, the current results indicate a restoration of both sagittal and transverse plane TTDPM following the anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Level of evidence

III.     

鼻至斜坡区解剖特点及经扩大的鼻入路切除斜坡区肿瘤的可行性与安全性

 目的 研究扩大的内镜下经鼻至斜坡区手术入路的解剖要点及其位置关系。方法 防腐尸头标本10例,显微镜下解剖观察扩大的经鼻至斜坡区手术入路的解剖结构。新鲜尸头标本5例,模拟扩大的内镜经鼻入路斜坡手术。另外,对2例侵犯斜坡区的病例,采用扩大的内镜下经单鼻孔手术入路,结合影像检查资料,观察肿瘤影像解剖结构及切除情况。结果 扩大的内镜经鼻至斜坡区中线部位主要标志点由前至后依次为中鼻甲、后鼻孔、咽鼓管咽口、鼻咽部黏膜、双侧蝶窦口、头长肌和颈长肌、咽结节、枕骨大孔前缘中点等结构。手术中斜坡能够磨除的最大范围(分别以两侧颅内翼管和破裂孔为界,各自距中线最短距离):翼管左侧(9.25±0.26)mm,右侧(9.19±0.27)mm;破裂孔左侧(10.64±0.43)mm和右侧(10.75±0.51)mm。内镜下完全模拟手术操作表明,内镜经鼻入路可充分显露颅颈交界区及斜坡的解剖结构,完全达到真实内镜下操作要求。2例肿瘤全切,术中、术后未发现严重手术并发症。结论 采用扩大的单纯内镜经鼻入路可更直接到达斜坡区,并可安全切除肿瘤,避免损伤重要的神经血管和脑组织。     

Remarkable anatomic anomalies of coronary arteries and their clinical importance: a multidetector computed tomography angiographic study

OBJECTIVE: An anomalous origin and course of the coronary arteries can be benign or life threatening. Recently, because of new advances in computed tomography technology, radiologists have begun to interpret the diseases of coronary arteries. We aimed to demonstrate some remarkable anomalies of coronary arteries, some of which were not shown by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography previously, and to discuss the clinical importance of these anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred twenty-five consequent patients referred to Florence Nightingale Hospital and Atatürk University Hospital for MDCT coronary angiography were included in this study. The patients were between the ages of 33 and 78 years (mean +/- SD, 59 +/- 13.86 years). Four hundred ninety-seven patients (68.6%) were men, and 228 (31.4%) were women. All the examinations were evaluated by both a radiologist and a cardiologist. RESULTS: The incidence of anomalous anatomical origin and course of the coronaries found in our study group was 5.79% (n = 42). The anomalies found in our study are absence of the right coronary artery (RCA; n = 1, 0.13%), ectopic origin of RCA from the left anterior descending (LAD) artery (n = 1, 0.13%), absence of the left main coronary artery (n = 4, 0.52%), ectopic origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva (n = 1, 0.13%), double LAD and ectopic origin of LAD from RCA (n = 1, 0.13%), ectopic origin of the left circumflex artery from the right sinus of Valsalva (n = 3, 0.39%), ectopic origin of the left circumflex artery from RCA (n = 2, 0.26%), and myocardial bridging (n = 29, 4%). CONCLUSIONS: An anomalous origin of the coronary anatomy must be present in the interpretations because of its importance for patients, cardiologists, and surgeons. As a conclusion, our study showed that MDCT, especially volume rendering and maximum intensity projection techniques, may be useful for assessment of complex variations, when the conventional angiography may not be sufficient.     

The cochlear-carotid interval: anatomic variation and potential clinical implications

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A temporal bone CT study in a patient with episodic mid-tone sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus demonstrated absence of bone between the petrous internal carotid artery and the basal turn of the cochlea. The potential implications with respect to increasingly popular cochlear implant surgery compelled us to retrospectively analyze a series of temporal bone CT scans to establish typical measurements for this region, which we termed the "cochlear-carotid interval" (CCI). METHODS: After IRB exemption, 2 observers independently measured the bony interval between the cochlea and the petrous internal carotid artery canal on coronal images from 30 consecutive temporal bone CT studies. The 1-mm thick coronal images were either acquired directly or were reconstructed from an axial dataset acquired at 0.75 or 0.6 mm section thickness. All measurements were performed by using electronic calipers on a Sienet MagicView VE 42 Siemens PACS station. Mixed model analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences between readers and sides with respect to the mean CCI but adjusted for age and accommodating the correlation among observations generated for the same subject. RESULTS: The patient in our case report had a right CCI of 0.2 mm and left CCI of 0.0 mm. In the other 30 patients, the right CCI ranged from 0.2 to 3.8 mm (mean, 1.2 +/- 0.8 mm; median, 0.9) and the left CCI from 0.2 to 5.0 mm (mean, 1.1 +/- 0.9 mm; median, 0.8). The CCI did not exhibit a significant association with subject age (P = .1336), and there were no significant differences between readers (P = .824) or sides (P = .350) in terms of mean CCI. CONCLUSION: The CCI varies widely between patients and may be as small as zero. Analysis of anatomic relationships suggests a potential relationship between small CCI and mid-tone sensorineural hearing loss, as in our reported patient. Preoperative knowledge of thin or absent bone between the cochlea and petrous carotid canal may help prevent inadvertent penetration of the carotid canal during cochlear implant surgery.     

The application of shock-waves therapy in the treatment of resistant chronic painful shoulder. A clinical experience

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwaves therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronic painful shoulder. METHODS: Experimental design: a prospective design was used with a short term follow-up. Setting: data were collected at the Service of Physioterapy in Villa Stuart Clinic-Rome. Patients: 72 patients of both sexes with an average age of 38 years (range 18 to 69) affected by chronic painful shoulder, whose symptoms lasted more than 6 months. Interventions: all patients received on average, 2,000 impulses of ESWT at level 5 energy (0.21 mJ/mm2) according to Dornier Epos equipment one session per week for 8 weeks. Measures: all cases underwent an instrumental examination with X-ray conventional imaging and clinical assessment of pain (visual analogue scale) and functional limitation of the shoulder, two weeks before the treatment and at one month follow-up. RESULTS: 53% of patient scored excellent results, 14% good, 13% fair and 20% poor. In the group of calcifying tendinitis we had a reduction in 37% and no changes in 63%. CONCLUSIONS: Even with a limited number of cases our early results show the efficacy and safety of ESWT in the treatment of chronic painful shoulder resistant to other conservative approaches.     

寰枢椎椎弓根内固定技术的解剖学与临床研究进展

1910年,Mixter等[1]用丝线固定寰椎后弓和枢椎棘突,开创了寰枢椎内固定技术的先河.此后,学者们创建了一系列寰枢椎内固定技术,按入路分为前路技术和后路技术.     

寰枢椎椎弓根内固定技术的解剖学与临床研究进展

1910年,Mixter等[1]用丝线固定寰椎后弓和枢椎棘突,开创了寰枢椎内固定技术的先河.此后,学者们创建了一系列寰枢椎内固定技术,按入路分为前路技术和后路技术.