MRI of the cartilaginous epiphysis of the femoral head in the piglet hip after ischemic damage

MRI of the cartilaginous epiphysis (CE) of piglet femoral head was performed after ischemic damage to study the changes in the CE found on MRI and to correlate these changes with histologic findings. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was induced with a suture ligature in nine piglets; one piglet was killed postoperatively on day 3 and on weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 (two piglets were killed on week 3). MRI of the ischemic and contralateral nonischemic hip joints were obtained with a 60-mm field of view (low resolution MRI). Biopsy cores of the femoral heads were imaged with a 15-mm field of view (high resolution MRI) and correlated with histologic sections. The CE for all operated hips, except for the 3-day postoperative specimen, showed evidence of ischemic changes on histologic assessment; the severity of damage increased with time. The MRI appearance of ischemic and nonischemic CE was clearly different by 2 weeks after the operation. No trilaminar signal pattern was evident in the high resolution T2-weighted (T2W) imaging of the ischemic CE from 2 weeks after the operation. In the 3- to 8-week postoperative specimens, focal areas of low signal intensity on high resolution T1-weighted (T1W) and T2W imaging corresponded to the areas of chondronecrosis found on histologic assessment. The regions of high signal intensity on T2W imaging corresponded to the areas of chondrocyte clusters with increased safranin-O staining. High resolution MRI can demonstrate changes in the CE associated with ischemic injury and may have a role in the assessment of the CE and its development after ischemic injury.     

The role of pre-treatment MRI in established cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Background

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) often results in functional impairment and premature osteoarthritis despite surgical treatment. Treatment decisions are commonly based on the clinical history and radiographic appearance. This study assesses the pre-treatment features of SCFE and correlates them to the clinical history to: (1) define the underlying pathological mechanisms; (2) correlate the morphological hip abnormalities with the clinical classifications; (3) identify specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that could carry prognostic implications for treatment approach and outcome.

Methods

Clinical history and pre- and posttreatment radiographs and pre-treatment MRIs of 14 patients with 15 affected hips were reviewed. Alignment, impingement, fulcrum formation, remodelling, osteopenia, synovitis, joint effusion, bone marrow and soft tissue oedema and status of the physis and the periosteal sleeve were assessed and related to the clinical history, in particular history of trauma, duration of clinical symptoms and ability to bear weight.

Results

Bone marrow oedema around the growth plate and joint effusion occurred in all patients. Synovitis occurred in 13/15 patients. 6 patients had a fall before presenting with SCFE. 5/6 had periarticular soft tissue oedema, complete disruption of the physis and partial periosteal sleeve disruption. 9 patients had no fall prior to presentation, physis and periost were intact in 7/9; periarticular oedema was not seen. 14/15 showed evidence of chronic remodelling. Despite an acute clinical history remodelling was present. A fulcrum-like alignment, impingement of the epiphysis on the metaphysis with a small area of physical contact, was seen in 8 patients, 6/8 had a prior fall. There was no case of avascular necrosis. Spontaneous reduction of SCFE occurred in 1 case, the only case without chronic remodelling. With MRI as gold standard radiographs underestimate the severity of SCFE.

Conclusion

Synovitis, periphyseal oedema and joint effusion are regular features of SCFE. The clinical history and findings are unreliable for the classification of SCFE. Radiographs underestimate the severity of SCFE. SCFE is often a Salter Harris I injury due to a fall with considerable periarticular soft tissue trauma and a potentially unstable alignment of epi- and metaphysis. This can lead to spontaneous reduction prior to surgery, MRI can potentially identify unstable, reducible slips. If the mode of surgical treatment depends on the particular nature of the SCFE then MRI contributes to surgical decision-making.

Level of evidence

Level 4, case series.     

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a physeal lesion diagnosed by MRI, with radiographic and CT correlation

Objective. To define and compare early lesions associated with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and radiography. Design and patients. Thirteen patients with 15 symptomatic hips due to SCFE underwent radiography and MRI; CT was performed in 12 patients. SCFE was graded on radiographs, head/neck angles and qualitative changes were evaluated on CT, and morphologic/signal abnormalities were determined on MRI. Results. Physeal widening, apparent on T1-weighted MRI, was evident in every case of SCFE, including one presumed “pre-slip.” T2-weighted images demonstrated synovitis and marrow edema but obscured physeal abnormalities. CT head/neck angles ranged from 4–57° for symptomatic to 0–14° for asymptomatic hips. Physeal and metaphyseal changes were variably identified on both radiographs and CT in all cases of SCFE, but not in the pre-slip. Conclusion. MRI clearly delineates physeal changes of both pre-slip and SCFE, and demonstrates very early changes at a time when radiographs and CT may appear normal.     

Evaluation of femoral head vascularization in slipped capital femoral epiphysis before and after cannulated screw fixation with use of contrast-enhanced MRI: initial results

In this study we used contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the vascularization of the femoral head in children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) before and after cannulated screw fixation. Eleven consecutive children with SCFE, seven boys and four girls, aged 10–15 years were included in the study. There were no preslips; four children had acute, three acute-on-chronic, and four chronic SCFE. The MRI examinations were performed in a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner with use of a coronal STIR sequence, a coronal contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo sequence, and a sagittal three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence. Morphology, signal intensities, and contrast-enhancement of the femoral head were assessed by two radiologists in consensus. Morphologic distortion of the physis, bone marrow edema within the metaphysis and epiphysis, and joint effusion were the preoperative MRI findings of SCFE in each child. In nine children, the vascularization of the femoral head before and after surgery was normal. In one child, a preoperative avascular zone in the superolateral aspect of the epiphysis revascularized completely after surgery. One child with severe SCFE developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head after open reduction of the slip. We conclude that MRI allows for accurate evaluation of the femoral head vascularization before and after surgery in children with SCFE.     

Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC), after slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content in hip joint cartilage in mature hips with a history of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) using delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC).

Methods

28 young-adult subjects (32 hips) with a mean age of 23.8 ± 4.0 years (range: 18.1-30.5 years) who were treated for mild or moderate SCFE in adolescence were included into the study. Hip function and clinical symptoms were evaluated with the Harris hip score (HHS) system at the time of MRI. Plain radiographic evaluation included Tonnis grading, measurement of the minimal joint space width (JSW) and alpha-angle measurement. The alpha-angle values were used to classify three sub-groups: group 1 = subjects with normal femoral head-neck offset (alpha-angle <50°), group 2 = subjects with mild offset decrease (alpha-angle 50°-60°), and group 3 = subjects with severe offset decrease (alpha-angle >60°).

Results

There was statistically significant difference noted for the T1_Gd values, lateral and central, between group 1 and group 3 (p-values = 0.038 and 0.041). The T1_Gd values measured within the lateral portion were slightly lower compared with the T1_Gd values measured within the central portion that was at a statistically significance level (p-value <0.001). HHS, Tonnis grades and JSW revealed no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

By using dGEMRIC in the mid-term follow-up of SCFE we were able to reveal degenerative changes even in the absence of joint space narrowing that seem to be related to the degree of offset pathology. The dGEMRIC technique may be a potential diagnostic modality in the follow-up evaluation of SCFE.     

Neuromuscular scoliosis in the presence of spina bifida occulta and a transitional lumbosacral vertebra: A case report

Common and minor birth defects, such as spina bifida occulta (SBO) and lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), are largely asymptomatic and overlooked. However, it is important for clinicians to consider their potential impacts on spinal stability. Neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that affects children with pre-existing neuromuscular conditions that are often complex to manage. The purpose of this case report is to describe the association of dual lumbosacral anomalies with complicated NMS. A 12-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor by his mother for a consultation and possible care for the boy''s back pain, progressive scoliosis, and long-standing walking abnormality that worsened quickly in the past 12 months. His mother stated that the patient walked on the balls of his left foot instead of putting weight on the heel ever since he started learning to walk. He had visited several pediatricians and neurologists since childhood. No one had been able to solve his problems. Radiographs showed right thoracolumbar curve of Cobb angle 20°, left pelvic obliquity, a cleft in the L5 and S1, and articulation of the transverse processes of L5 with the bilateral sacral alae. The patient was diagnosed with NMS and functional leg length discrepancy attributed to SBO and a LSTV at L5 level. Multimodal chiropractic care and foot orthotics were used. After 18 months of interventions, normal spinal curve, heel-to-toe gait, and posture balance were retrieved successfully. To date, few reports have been published on the impacts of SBO along with LSTV upon the lumbosacral spine. This article will allow a better understanding of the potential impacts of these birth defects and considerable consequences they would have on the growing spine and, therefore, may help to alleviate their impacts.     

Intra-epiphyseal stress injury of the proximal tibial epiphysis: Preliminary experience of magnetic resonance imaging findings

Stress induced injuries affecting the physeal plate or cortical bone in children and adolescents, especially young athletes, have been well described. However, there are no reports in the current English language literature of stress injury affecting the incompletely ossified epiphyseal cartilage. We present four cases of stress related change to the proximal tibial epiphysis (PTE) along with their respective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances ranging from subtle oedema signal to a pseudo-tumour like appearance within the epiphyseal cartilage. The site and pattern of intra-epiphyseal injury is determined by the type of tissue that is affected, the maturity of the skeleton and the type of forces that are transmitted through the tissue. We demonstrate how an awareness of the morphological spectrum of MRI appearances in intra-epiphyseal stress injury and the ability to identify concomitant signs of stress in other nearby structures can help reduce misdiagnosis, avoid invasive diagnostic procedures like bone biopsy and reassure patients and their families.     

Computerized tomography scout view for determining distal femoral resection angle in intramedullary instrumentation of total knee arthroplasty

This study aims to investigate the results of distal femoral resection by determining the difference between mechanical and anatomical axes of femur using computerized tomography (CT) scout views in pre-operative planning of total knee arthroplasty. CT scout view of the lower extremities was taken before and after the operation in 16 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Distal femoral resection was performed according to the previously determined ideal resection angle (IRA) using intramedullary instrumentation. At post-operative scanogram, femoral component deviation (FCD) was measured. The results were statistically analyzed. The average IRA was 6.95 (5–9) degrees. At post-operative measurements, the average FCD was 0.63 (0–3) degrees. CT scout films improve the accuracy in distal femoral resection and femoral component alignment.     

Diffusion MRI in ischemic epiphysis of the femoral head: an experimental study

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether line-scan diffusion-weighted imaging (LSDWI) can provide temporal information of epiphyseal ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ischemia was induced by ligation of arteries of the unilateral femoral head in piglets (N = 25). LSDWI was performed at several time points after ligation. A comparison of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) was made between ischemic and control sides. The difference in percentage change of ADC in the ischemic hips between two neighboring time points was evaluated. A histological study was made after MR scanning. RESULTS: Three hours after ligation, ADCs were significantly lower in the ischemic hips than in the contralateral (control) hips. At 72 hours after surgery, ADCs in the ischemic hips were significantly higher than in the control hips and continued to rise up until the sixth week after operation. Histological study revealed necrosis of chondrocytes and osteocytes and abnormal thickening of the epiphyseal cartilage in the ischemic femoral head. CONCLUSION: The ADCs may be used as a marker of ischemia and necrosis in the femoral head; changes in the ADCs after the acute ischemia may reflect the evolution of ischemia and subsequent necrosis. LSDWI can be used for the evaluation of the duration and extent of ischemic injury in the epiphysis.     

单侧外固定器治疗股骨远端复杂性骨折

目的探讨应用外固定器治疗股骨远端复杂性骨折的适应证及疗效。方法采用单侧外固定器结合切开复位有限内固定治疗股骨髁部复杂性骨折21例;所有病例均为高能量创伤和高处坠落伤所致C1~C3型骨折(AO/ASIF)。结果本组21例全部骨折愈合,平均愈合时间5.5个月(4~7.5个月)。去除外固定器康复2个月后,膝关节功能活动平均100°(40~135°),16例膝关节功能恢复达到120°以上,1例因创伤严重致膝关节黏连,关节活动<50°,手术松解后达到100°以上。结论单侧外固定器结合有限切开复位固定治疗复杂性股骨髁部骨折是安全、可靠、患肢功能恢复满意的治疗方法。     

逆行交锁髓内钉治疗股骨远端骨折的近期疗效分析

目的　评价逆行交锁髓内钉治疗股骨远端骨折的效果。方法　 2 0 0 0年 6月～ 2 0 0 1年 1 2月 ,对1 9例股骨远端骨折 (A型 7例 ,C型 1 2例 )采用逆行交锁髓内钉治疗 ,并用Merchan膝关节功能评分对结果进行评价。结果　 1 8例随访 8～ 2 6个月 ,平均 1 8.5个月 ,骨折均愈合。按Merchan膝关节功能评分 ,优 9例 ,良7例 ,可 2例 ,优良率 88.9%。结论　使用逆行交锁髓内钉治疗股骨远端骨折具有关节面复位好、固定可靠、便于膝关节早期功能锻炼等优点 ,初期疗效满意     

Evidence of knee extensor dysfunction during sit-to-stand following distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon advancement in young adults with cerebral palsy: A pilot study

A distal femoral extension osteotomy with patellar tendon advancement (DFEO + PTA) is a common treatment for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) who walk in crouch. Musculoskeletal modeling suggests that the typical patella baja position post-DFEO + PTA may limit one’s abilities to perform sit-to-stand (STS) tasks; however, STS function has not been assessed. Our purpose was to compare how well individuals who received a DFEO + PTA can perform a 5-times STS test (FTSST) eight or more years after surgery compared to their peers who did not receive a DFEO + PTA (non-DFEO + PTA group).Twenty-one participants completed the task (12 DFEO + PTA, 9 non-DFEO + PTA). Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were captured. Kinetics were non-dimensionalized to facilitate group comparisons.Non-DFEO + PTA participants performed the FTSST moderately faster than the DFEO + PTA group (median(IQR), 14.6(9.3) seconds vs. 20.3(10.1) seconds, non-parametric effect size ɣ = 0.97, p = 0.241). Peak negative knee power was larger for the non-DFEO + PTA group (Mean ± SD, −0.063 ± 0.025 vs. −0.048± 0.020, Cohen’s d = 0.66, p = 0.165). A similar but weaker trend was observed for negative hip power (median(IQR) −0.120(0.066) vs. −0.105(0.044), ɣ = 0.43, p = 0.671). Both groups used their hips approximately twice as much as their knees to perform the task.The functional deficit among DFEO + PTA participants may be due to patella baja decreasing the knee extensor moment arm, which concurs with the modeling prediction. The group differences may also be due to the non-DFEO + PTA group being slightly higher functioning. Future research is warranted to determine if optimizing patella position during a DFEO + PTA may improve unaided STS function without compromising gait improvements.     

肱骨内上髁分离骨骺的复位再愈合对肱骨远端形态的影响

对经切开复位缝合固定或双克氏针内固定的肱骨内上髁骨骺分离患者进行随访时，随机拍摄了１６人的双肘对比Ｘ线正位片。对１６例患者的双肘Ｘ线正位片进行测量分析表明，分离骨骺被复位后再愈合对肱骨远端形态可产生以下影响：①内外上髁间距增大Ｐ＜０．００１）；②肱骨滑车下关节面连线和肱骨纵轴的内下象限夹角变小（ｐ＜０．００１）；③内上髁高度下降（ｐ＜０．００５）；④内上髁与肱骨滑车内侧端相交处出现尺神经切迹；⑤肘携物角有增大趋势。本文还对这些变化的临床意义及机制进行了探讨。     

Abnormal geometry of the distal radioulnar joint: MR findings

Previously developed criteria of normal distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) axial geometry were applied to routine magnetic resonance (MR) images of 50 wrists. All wrists lacked clinically evident DRUJ instability. An attempt to apply the three geometric criteria to seven of the cases was not possible, since the prescribed landmarks were not visible. The remaining 43 cases were retrospectively divided into a symptomatic group (25 wrists), with clinical abnormalities referable to the ulnar side of the wrist, and an asymptomatic group (18 wrists), with no such abnormalities. Abnormal DRUJ geometry was found in 12 symptomatic and 2 asymptomatic wrists. This difference between the groups is significant (p=0.02), suggesting that many symptomatic wrists exhibit different DRUJ geometry than is found in most asymptomatic wrists.     

人工股骨头置换与动力髋螺钉内固定治疗老年股骨粗隆间骨折的对比研究

目的对比人工股骨头置换术(FHR)与动力髋螺钉(DHS)治疗高龄不稳定股骨粗隆间骨折的临床疗效。方法对43例75岁以上高龄股骨粗隆间骨折患者,随机选择FHR或DHS内固定,其中采用FHR治疗21例,DHS治疗22例。记录手术时间、术中出血量、术后下地时间、Harris评分、术后并发症、死亡率。结果随访6～20个月,在手术时间、术中出血量方面两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但FHR组在术后下地时间、Harris评分方面与DHS组比较有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论人工股骨头置换术具有允许术后早期负重、功能恢复满意和并发症发生率低等优点,是治疗高龄不稳定型股骨粗隆间骨折较理想的方法之一。     

不稳定型股骨转子间骨折人工股骨头置换和股骨近端髓内钉内固定疗效分析

目的回顾分析老年骨质疏松性不稳定型股骨转子间骨折的人工股骨头置换、股骨近端髓内钉(PFNA)内固定的疗效。方法 66例股骨骨质疏松性转子间粉碎骨折的老年患者分别行骨水泥型人工股骨头置换31例和PFNA内固定35例,比较两组平均手术时间、围手术期平均出血量、平均患肢完全负重时间,Harris髋关节功能评分。术后随访12~27个月,平均21个月。结果人工股骨头置换组平均手术时间(60±16)min,围手术期平均出血量500ml,平均患肢完全负重时间6d。Harris髋关节功能评分:优28例,良3例,差0例;优良率100%,平均住院费用(38846±5329.6)元。PFNA组平均手术时间(79±13)min,围手术期平均出血量514ml,平均患肢完全负重时间32d。Harris髋关节功能评分:优25例,良6例,差4例;优良率88.6%,平均住院费用(36126±6316.6)元。手术时间、平均负重时间、Harris评分两组间比较有显著差异(P0.05)。围手术期出血量和平均住院费用比较无显著差异(P0.01)。结论两种方式均能很好地治疗不稳定型股骨转子间骨折,但人工股骨头在术后髋部疼痛缓解、早期下床、功能锻炼方面具有明显的优势。     

加长PFNA与重建钉治疗股骨干合并同侧转子间骨折疗效对比

目的比较分析加长型股骨近端防旋髓内钉(PFNA)与股骨重建髓内钉治疗股骨干合并同侧转子间骨折的临床效果。方法收集2009年1月~2015年1月采用加长PFNA或股骨重建髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折合并同侧转子间骨折患者100例,依据采用的髓内钉不同分为重建组(50例)和加长PFNA组(50例),两组患者的一般资料具有可比性,记录两组患者手术时间、术中出血、术中透视次数、切口长度、骨折愈合时间、术后并发症率、Harris评分及髋关节功能恢复情况。结果加长型PFNA组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术中透视次数、切口长度均高于重建钉组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),加长型PFNA组患者骨折愈合时间及术后6、12个月髋关节功能均优于重建钉组(P0.05),两组患者并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论相比股骨重建髓内钉,加长型PFNA治疗股骨干骨折合并同侧转子间骨折术中创伤较大、出血量及透视次数较多,但固定牢靠,术后骨折愈合时间短,患者功能恢复好。     

第三代Gamma钉治疗青年股骨近端长段粉碎性骨折及对尖顶距的影响分析

目的探讨青年股骨近端长段粉碎性骨折采用第三代Gamma钉治疗的效果及对尖顶距的影响。方法安阳市人民医院2014年1月—2017年5月收治81例青年股骨近端长段粉碎性骨折患者,依据治疗方法不同分为两组,43例患者通过第三代Gamma钉治疗(研究组),38例患者予以动力髋螺钉解剖锁定钢板固定术治疗(对照组)。研究组中,男性23例,女性20例;年龄:23～41岁,平均31. 25岁;骨折原因:道路交通伤21例,高处坠落伤11例,摔伤9例,其他2例。对照组中,男性20例,女性18例;年龄22～41岁,平均31. 22岁;骨折原因:道路交通伤19例,高处坠落伤10例,摔伤6例,其他3例。对比观察两组并发症发生率、术后负重时间、骨折愈合时间、术后6个月髋关节功能评分以及尖顶距。结果研究组并发症发生率为4. 65%,低于对照组的21. 05%,差异有统计学意义(P <0. 05);研究组术后负重时间、骨折愈合时间短于对照组,术后6个月髋关节功能评分高于对照组,尖顶距低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P <0. 05)。结论通过第三代Gamma钉治疗青年股骨近端长段粉碎性骨折并发症少,可促进骨折愈合,且髋关节功能预后及恢复良好。     

脑外伤对中青年股骨干骨折骨愈合时间与骨痂形态的影响

目的探讨脑外伤对中青年单纯股骨干骨折患者采用髓内钉固定术后骨痂生长情况的影响。方法回顾性分析74例中青年股骨干骨折愈合情况,其中合并脑外伤20例,无脑外伤54例,所有患者均采用闭合复位股骨交锁髓内钉内固定术治疗,分析脑外伤程度、脑外伤类型和性别对骨痂桥接时间(BCF)和终末期骨痂平均厚度(MCT)的影响。结果脑外伤组的BCF和MCT与无脑外伤组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),但脑外伤类型和性别在BCF和MCT的比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论脑外伤与骨折加速成骨有明显相关性,但脑外伤严重程度、脑外伤类型与性别差异不能作为脑外伤后骨折加速愈合的预测因素。     

Arthroscopically assisted retrodrade intramedullary fixation for fractures of the distal femur: technique, indications and results

The purpose of this study is to present our experience with the technique, the problems and the potential pitfalls of arthroscopically assisted retrograde femoral nailing for supracondylar femoral fractures. In a 2-year period, nine patients (seven women, two men, average age 72 years) with supracondylar femoral fractures were treated in our department with a retrograde nailing under arthroscopic control. The mean operative time was 63.8 min (42–84 min) and the mean follow up period was 34.5 months (ranged 12–52). Solid union of the fracture was achieved in all patients without additional intervention, in 14 weeks (range 12–18). There was no malalignment (more than 5° in any plane) or implant failure. In conclusion we believe that the arthroscopically assisted technique is a very good method to treat supracondylar fractures of the femur. It has very low morbidity since the knee is not opened through the operation, and the surgeon has the ability to inspect the joint for any additional damage. It is very helpful in multitrauma patients and in young patients, where the precision of the entry point is critical. However, we do not recommend the technique in intraarticular fractures because the reduction is difficult and the fixation is performed with safety only under direct vision.