Rotational injuries of the cervical spine

Injuries which are caused in part by a rotational mechanism include atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF), traumatic isolation of the articular pillar (TIAP), and unilateral interfacetal dislocation (UID). The anatomy, classification, radiographic findings, and frequency of neurological signs are reviewed. Key points include: AARF: (1) Mild injury is not diagnosed radiographically since the appearance is the same as for physiologic rotation. More significant injuries demonstrate widening of the atlanto-dens interval ( > 3 mm in adults) and/or abnormal rotation ( > 45 °) of C1 on C2. (2) AARF refers to an inability to return the head to a neutral position. This may be due to trauma resulting in subluxation or dislocation or may be due to muscle spasm in torticollis. TIAP: (1) Radiographic diagnosis depends on visualizing ipsilateral pedicle and lamina fractures. (2) Rotation of an articular mass from its normal orientation on radiographs implies the presence of this injury. However, rotation of the articular mass is not always present, and the ipsilateral pedicle and lamina fractures must be seen on radiographs or CT. UID: (1) Less rotational discrepancy than expected can occur in two circumstances: articular mass fracture with dislocation or significant subluxation on the contralateral side. (2) Less anterolisthesis than expected can occur if there is articular mass fracture with dislocation.     

Rotatory palmar subluxation of the lunate in post-traumatic ulnar carpal translocation

Post-traumatic ulnar carpal translocation is a rare, severe ligamentous injury to the wrist. Radiologic findings include widening of the radiocarpal joint space at the radial styloid process and ulnar displacement of the carpus. Less than 50% of the lunate articulates with the radius in the neutral position; the lunate is tilted dorsally with palmar subluxation due to a ruptured radioscapholunate (RSL) ligament. This malposition should be called rotatory palmar subluxation of the lunate (RPSL), by analogy to rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid (RSS). In contrast to dorsiflexed intercalated segment instability (DISI), in RPSL the RSL ligament is ruptured and, in the majority of cases, the scapholunate ligament remains intact. A prompt diagnosis should lead to successful treatment.     

Condylus tertius with atlanto-axial rotatory fixation: an unreported association

The “condylus tertius” or the “third occipital condyle” is an embryological remnant of the proatlas sclerotome. Anatomically, it is attached to the basion and often articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas and the odontoid apex; hence, it is also called the “median occipital condyle”. It is a rare anomaly of the cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ) that can lead to instability and compression of important surrounding neurovascular structures. We report a case of a 16-year-old boy who presented with suboccipital neck pain, torticollis and right sided hemiparesis. Plain radiographs revealed an increased atlanto-dental interspace (ADI) with a retroflexed odontoid. Open mouth view showed asymmetry of the articular processes of the atlas with respect to the dens. Computed tomography (CT) of the CVJ delineated the third occipital condyle. Furthermore, on dynamic CT study, a type 3 atlanto-axial rotatory fixation (AARF) was clearly demonstrated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the CVJ revealed severe right-sided spinal cord compression by the retroflexed and rightward deviated dens. It also revealed disruption of the left alar and transverse ligaments. The patient was treated with 8 weeks of cranial traction and reasonable alignment was obtained. This was followed by C1–C2 lateral mass screw fixation and C1?C2 interlaminar wiring to maintain the alignment. A review of the literature did not reveal any cases of condylus tertius associated with non-traumatic AARF. An accurate knowledge of the embryology and imaging features of this rare CVJ anomaly is useful in the prompt diagnosis and management of such patients.     

CT三维重组诊断寰枢关节不全脱位的实验及临床研究

目的 比较寰枢关节的影像检查方法及技术，评价CT三维重组（CT3D）诊断寰枢关节不全脱位的临床价值。方法 实验研究寰枢关节骨标本1套，模拟出寰枢关节正常及脱位的模型，进行X线、常规CT及CT3D检查。前瞻性分析影像学特点及诊断准确率。临床患者87例进行中立位CT3D检查，其中28例加行左、右旋转位。分析CT3D显示脱位征象的特点及诊断寰枢关节不全脱位的临床效果。结果 实验组CT3D能清楚、直观的显示寰枢关节不全脱位各种征象，诊断准确率达100％。表面阴影法（SSD）CT3D显示寰枢外侧关节面错位最清楚，寰椎下关节面错位程度测量值与标本测量值差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。87例患者中诊断为寰枢关节不全脱位72例，其中旋转型脱位52例，前脱位13例，后脱位7例。中立位显示寰枢外侧关节面错位72例，旋转位显示为旋转固定8例，旋转不对称15例。结论 CT3D能显示寰枢关节不全脱位的各种征象，特别是寰枢外侧关节面错位。其中SSD法3D较X线、常规CT的诊断准确率高，具有成为诊断寰枢关节不全脱位金标准的条件。     

The helical three-dimensional CT in the diagnosis of torticollis with occipitocondylar hypoplasia

Congenital anomalies of the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints are rare. Those most commonly reported are atlantoaxial instability, basilar impression, anomalies of the odontoid process, laxity of the transverse atlantal ligament and atlanto-occipital fusion. Occipital condylar hypoplasia is infrequent and difficult to recognise. We recently diagnosed it using helical 3D CT in association with torticollis in two patients. The first patient had a several year history of torticollis. The second patient had acute cervical lymphadenitis associated with post-operative torticollis. 3D CT distinctly revealed atlantoaxial subluxation with hypoplasia of the occipital condyles in both cases.     

Rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid

Rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid is an uncommon abnormality which is not widely understood. It can be difficult to diagnose and, if incorrectly managed, can lead to a severe and disabling radio-carpal arthritis. While complicating many forms of wrist trauma, its place in the lunate-perilunate dislocation spectrum being especially important, the abnormality may occur in the absence of trauma, such as with rheumatoid arthritis; its association with Kienb?ck's disease is documented in this paper. The mechanisms underlying the subluxation are discussed and the importance of early diagnosis is stressed. Eight cases of rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid are reported to illustrate the presentations, symptomatology and complexities of diagnosis.     

Cuboid subluxation in ballet dancers.

Cuboid subluxation is a common but poorly recognized condition. Its symptoms include lateral midfoot pain and an inability to "work through the foot." In addition, pressing on the plantar surface of the cuboid in a dorsal direction produces pain. The normal dorsal/plantar joint play is reduced or absent when compared to the uninjured side, and subtle forefoot valgus is present. Frequently, there is a shallow depression on the dorsal surface of the foot and palpable fullness on the plantar aspect of the cuboid. Documentation by radiograph, CT scan, or magnetic resonance imaging is difficult because of the normal variations found in the relationship between the cuboid and its surrounding structures. The diagnosis is primarily subjective, and must be made on the basis of the patient's history and physical findings. Treatment requires recognition of the condition, manual reduction by a therapist or physician familiar with the condition, and follow-up to be certain that the cuboid remains in place. Therapists and orthopaedists involved in the care of dancers should be alert to the possibility of cuboid subluxation and be able to recognize it when it occurs.     

Adolescent butterfly swimmer with bilateral subluxing sternoclavicular joints

Sternoclavicular joint subluxation/dislocation injuries in the athlete are uncommon. They can be organised by degree (subluxation, dislocation), timing (acute, chronic, recurrent, congenital), direction (anterior, posterior), and cause (traumatic, atraumatic). The unusual case reported is an adolescent butterfly swimmer with recurrent bilateral sternoclavicular subluxation associated with pain and discomfort. The condition was treated and resolved with conservative management. The diagnosis, investigations, and treatment options are discussed.     

寰枢关节脱位的影像诊断

寰枢椎脱位是较为常见的上颈部创伤,若不及时诊断治疗常进行性加重,压迫颈髓危及生命。日常工作中常因对寰枢椎旋转脱位影像特征认识不足而导致误诊、漏诊,延误治疗。鉴于此,从齿突距寰椎两侧块间距(寰齿间距),双寰椎侧块冠状面形态、大小,双侧寰枢椎侧块间隙,双侧侧块上下关节面关系及齿突距寰椎前结节间距(寰齿前间隙)等5方面分析寰枢椎相对关系,准确认识寰枢椎正常中立静止状态、相对水平移动、正常旋转时X线及CT表现,以及寰枢椎各类型脱位时X线及CT特征,提高诊断准确率。     

纵隔开放性损伤救治的一些探讨

纵隔内有许多重要结构,一旦发生开放性损伤,则非常紧急、危重、复杂,救治甚为困难。因此,笔者对胸部开放性损伤作了细分,将纵隔开放性损伤作为胸部开放性创伤中的一大类单独进行讨论。它不仅只是心脏穿透伤,还包括了很多其他少见的纵隔创伤。由于其发生、发展和预后相似,诊治理念相通,因此综合在一起进行讨论,对临床救治工作有重要的指导意义。     

Lipoma arborescens of the glenohumeral joint causing bone erosion: MRI features with gadolinium enhancement

Lipoma arborescens is a rare benign intra-articular lesion that principally affects the knee joint. We present a case of lipoma arborescens involving the glenohumeral joint and associated with prominent large bony erosions. The gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of this lesion are also described. The characteristic MRI findings permit precise preoperative diagnosis of this rare condition even if it occurs in an atypical location and there are confusing radiological findings.     

Bilateral congenital subluxation of the proximal tibiofibular joint with magnetic resonance imaging findings: a case report

There appear to be no criteria in the differential diagnosis of traumatic and congenital subluxation of the proximal tibiofibular joint in the literature. We report a case with bilateral congenital subluxation of the proximal tibiofibular joint and describe the magnetic resonance imaging features for the differential diagnosis.     

Atraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle. A review.

Atraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle (AODC) in athletes is a stress failure syndrome of the distal clavicle. It is related to intolerable exercise doses. For some athletes, the acromioclavicular joint is the weak link in the musculoskeletal system. There is never a history of a major injury to the acromioclavicular joint. It occurs principally in young athletes who have a long history of training and performance. It is further characterised by athletes who generally have an associated intense strength training programme. The condition will inexorably progress to decrease the level of performance and later interfere with activities of daily living. If the athlete is unwilling to alter his or her exercise training and performance regimen, she or he will eventually become surgical candidates. The results of excision of the distal clavicle for AODC are good or excellent in virtually all cases. The diagnosis of AODC is confirmed by the history of accumulative exercise doses and the key historical feature of intensive participation in strength training. Local tenderness will be found at the acromioclavicular joint, plain radiographs will show degenerative changes in the vast majority of cases and joint scintigraphy must be positive to confirm the diagnosis.     

Spine concerns in the Special Olympian with Down syndrome

As with any child participating in sports, the safety of The Special Olympian participating in athletics is paramount. The preparticipation medical clearance is necessary to ensure these athletes' safety. In response to evidence that 15% of all individuals with Down syndrome have atlanto-occipital and/or atlanto-axial instability or subluxation, the Special Olympics Inc have additionally mandated preparticipation spine clearance for all individuals with Down syndrome. Spine clearance for the Special Olympian is challenging for the healthcare provider. In addition, controversy has arisen surrounding The Special Olympics Inc policy statement. The purposes of this article are to provide healthcare providers with a review of atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial instability and subluxation, review spine clearance guidelines, discuss the details and controversy surrounding The Special Olympics Inc mandate, and provide recommendations on how to improve screening and ensure safety of the participants based on the current medical literature.     

Evaluation of a simulated pivot shift test: a biomechanical study

Purpose  

Double-bundle anterior cruciate reconstructions have led to an increased interest in quantifying anterolateral rotatory stability. The application of combined internal rotation and valgus torques to the knee can more nearly recreate the anterolateral subluxation that occurs in the pivot shift test in vitro compared to coupled internal rotation torque and anterior tibial loads.     

Bilateral, spontaneous, anterior subluxation of the sternoclavicular joint: a case report and literature review

A case of atraumatic, spontaneous, bilateral, sternoclavicular joint subluxation in a 20-year-old man on combat duty in Iraq is reported. There was no history of an underlying pathologic condition and no history of injury to the area. The patient demonstrated recurrent, mildly painful, subluxation whenever either arm was abducted past 80 degrees to 90 degrees. Computed tomographic scans of the joints in both reduction and subluxation were obtained, and pseudodislocation was excluded. The patient was reassured that the subluxation would not affect his upper extremity strength, was treated with conservative measures, and returned to duty. The literature was reviewed for comparison of surgical and nonsurgical options. Surgical stabilization of sternoclavicular joint dislocations is associated with a high incidence of serious complications. Spontaneous sternoclavicular joint subluxations have a benign course and do not fare well after surgical repair. It is recommended that all grade I and II sternoclavicular joint sprains be treated conservatively.     

Ankle fractures: Understanding the mechanism of injury is the key to analyzing the radiographs

Injuries to the ankle joint are common. Complete ligament ruptures and fractures of the malleoli and adjacent bones can affect the stability of the ankle joint. If fractures or ligament injuries are present on both sides of the joint, the ankle will usually be unstable. On the other hand, injuries confined to one side of the joint will usually be stable. Unstable ankle joints require operative fixation, whereas stable ankles do well with conservative treatment. Specific ligament injuries precede several fractures. Recognition of the various patterns of injury permits reliable prediction of these ligament injuries. Therefore, it is important for radiologists and others who interpret trauma radiographs to understand the common mechanisms of injury and to recognize these patterns. Correct classification of the injury mechanism should lead to prompt, appropriate diagnosis and treatment and should decrease long-term morbidity.     

Isolated rotatory subluxation of the carpal navicular.

Rotatory subluxation of the carpal navicular can cause wrist pain and may lead to severe and disabling degenerative changes. Correct diagnosis depends on recognition of the typical roentgenographic signs. Sixteen patients with neither rheumatoid arthritis nor a lunate or a perilunate dislocation had rotatory subluxation in nineteen wrists. Many had only vague or remote histories of trauma. There were a navicular-lunate gap in all nineteen wrists, and foreshortening of the navicular in sixteen wrists, usually with a ring sign. The abnormalities were best demonstrated on well-centered posteroanterior roentgenograms of the wrist with the hand in slight radial deviation. In two patients, wrist arthrography demonstrated abnormal communication between radiocarpal and intercarpal joints.