Ultrasound diagnosis of anterior iliopsoas impingement in total hip replacement

Iliopsoas impingement syndrome, an infrequent complication of total hip replacement, has been rarely reported in the radiological literature. It follows chronic friction of the posterior aspect of the iliopsoas muscle and tendon against the acetabular cup, a piece of cement, or cup fixation screws. Clinical findings are non-specific and an imaging modality is required to diagnose the condition. Computed tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard imaging modality in evaluating iliopsoas impingement. We report a case of a patient in which the diagnosis was made by ultrasound and later confirmed by CT.     

Efficient radiological assessment of the internal snapping hip syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value/significance of various imaging techniques for demonstrating the underlying causative pathology of clinically suspected internal snapping hip syndrome. We intended to define the most efficient diagnostic imaging algorithm that leads to a specific definite therapy for this rare hip disorder. The imaging studies of 54 patients (43 women, 11 men, average age 58 years) with the clinical suspicion of internal snapping hip syndrome were compared for their diagnostic value/significance for finding the underlying pathology. Radiological workup included plain radiographs of the pelvis and hip joints (n=54), ultrasound (US) of the hip joints (n=29), computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis and proximal femur (n=17), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis/hip joint (n=21). In order to establish an efficient diagnostic algorithm we compared the diagnostic value of each imaging technique alone and in combination with the other methods. The underlying causative pathology could be established in 37% of patients (n=20) by the use of conventional radiographs alone and in 46% of the patients (n=25) by US alone, and in combination in 83% of the patients (n=45). By adding CT to the radiological workup, we established final diagnosis in 88% (in combination with X-ray; n=15/17) and 94% (together with X-ray and US; n=16/17) of the patients. Whenever MR imaging was used a causative pathology was found in all patients (100%; n=21). The most efficient radiological algorithm in the assessment of patients with internal snapping hip syndrome is the combination of plain radiography and US. MR imaging can be retained for unresolved and difficult cases.     

The painful hip: new concepts

Hip pain is a common condition, and the work-up often includes imaging. This article reviews the normal MR anatomy of the hip and the imaging findings of internal derangements, snapping hip, and femoral acetabular impingement. We will describe the role of MR arthrography in evaluating the patient with suspected labral and articular cartilage abnormalities, as well as the pitfalls in interpretation. We will review the causes of a snapping hip, and the role of sonography in evaluating and guiding treatment of the snapping iliopsoas tendon. We will also review the radiographic and MRI signs of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a cause of early degenerative joint disease and hip pain.     

MRI and gross anatomy of the iliopsoas tendon complex

Objective The objective was to explain the anatomic basis of a longitudinal cleft of increased signal in the iliopsoas tendon seen on hip MR arthrograms. Materials and methods A prospective review of 20 MR hip arthrograms was performed using standard and fat-suppressed T1-weighted images to establish whether or not the cleft was composed of fatty tissue and to define the anatomy of the iliopsoas tendon complex. Three cadaver dissections of the hip region were then performed for anatomic correlation. Results Fourteen out of 20 MR hip arthrograms demonstrated a longitudinal cleft of increased T1 signal adjacent to the iliopsoas tendon, which suppressed on frequency selective fat-suppressed images, indicating fatty composition. Gross anatomic correlation demonstrated this fatty cleft to represent a fascial plane adjacent to the iliopsoas tendon, in one case separating the iliopsoas tendon medially from a thin intramuscular tendon within the lateral portion of the iliacus muscle. Also noted was a direct muscular insertion of the lateral portion of the iliacus muscle onto the anterior portion of the proximal femoral diaphysis in all 3 cadavers. Conclusion The anatomy of the iliopsoas tendon complex is more complicated than typically illustrated and includes the iliopsoas tendon itself attaching to the lesser trochanter, the lateral portion of the iliacus muscle attaching directly upon the anterior portion of the proximal femoral diaphysis, and a thin intramuscular tendon within this lateral iliacus muscle that is separated from the iliopsoas tendon by a cleft of fatty fascia that accounts for the MRI findings of a cleft of increased T1 signal.     

CT-guided obturator nerve block for diagnosis and treatment of painful conditions of the hip

Obturator nerve blocks (ONB) have been performed by anaesthesiologists mainly to eliminate the obturator reflex during transurethral resections. An effect on hip pain has also been described. However, being a time-consuming and operator-dependent procedure if performed manually, it has not been widely used for chronic hip pain. The purpose of this pilot study was to check whether CT guidance could improve reproducibility of the block ( = immediate effect) and to test its potential value for treatment of chronic hip pain. Fifteen chronically ill patients with osteoarthritis underwent a single ONB. Sixteen millilitres of Lidocaine 1 % mixed with 2 ml Iopramide was injected into the obturator canal. The patients were followed up to 9 months after the intervention. With a single injection pain relief was achieved for 1–8 weeks in 7 of 15 patients. Excellent pain relief for 3–11 months was achieved in another 4 patients. Reasons for a mid-term or even long-term effect based on a single injection of local anaesthetic are not exactly known. The CT-guided ONB is a fast, easy and safe procedure that may be useful for mid-term (weeks) and sometimes even long-term (months) treatment of hip pain. Received: 2 December 1999 Revised: 17 August 2000 Accepted: 21 August 2000     

Anatomy,pathology, imaging and intervention of the iliopsoas muscle revisited

The apparent incidence of iliopsoas muscle abnormalities is currently rapidly increasing secondary to the increased number of immuno-compromised patients, malignancies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, multi-systemic disease and the wide availability of cross-sectional imaging. Disease of the iliopsoas compartment can present with non-specific or indolent clinical features, particularly where normal immune responses are attenuated. Delay in diagnosis can lead to inappropriate initial treatment and, in some cases, serious complications. Wider availability and application of modern cross-sectional imaging offers rapid, confident diagnosis. An understanding of iliopsoas compartment anatomy and pathways of disease spread are essential to recognising these clinically important conditions. We review the anatomy, clinical presentation and common imaging findings of iliopsoas disease as it presents through the emergency room.     

Usefulness of MRI for diagnosis of painful snapping elbow

Painful snapping of the elbows is rare. We report on a 12-year-old boy with a painful snap in both elbows. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow using microscopy coils detected a synovial fold interposed in each humeroradial joint and was very helpful in establishing the cause of symptoms. Resection of the synovial folds was performed with subsequent relief of symptoms.     

Synovial cysts of the hip joint and iliopsoas bursitis: A spectrum of imaging abnormalities

Synovium-related soft tissue disease around the hip constitutes a spectrum ranging from isolated iliopsoas bursitis to pure articular synovial herniations without bursal involvement. The clinical, pathologic, and radiographic features of these entities are discussed as they pertain to the variety of underlying disorders which predispose to their occurrence. Nine case reports are utilized to illustrate the variable clinical and radiographic presentations which may be encountered. Based upon these cases as well as those in the literature, an imaging algorithm has been developed which should eliminate unnecessary studies and allow prompt and accurate diagnosis.     

Arthroscopic management of acute painful hip following occult subluxation: evidence-based case report

Arthroscopy of the hip joint has gained popularity in the recent past leading to an explosive increase in our knowledge of intra-articular hip pathologies. However, a spectrum of intra-articular hip lesions still needs to be explored to further advance the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of hip pathologies. The orthopedic surgeon occasionally affronts a situation when etiology of traumatic painful hip joint is not vivid and lack of definitive diagnosis prolongs the patient’s suffering; however, an elaborate history taking and pragmatic apt arthroscopic intervention can curtail the illness span. Radiological examination generally fails to provide complete diagnosis in hip joints due to compact anatomy of the joint, and a negative report should not be considered as a deterrent for arthroscopic intervention. We report two evidence-based cases to highlight the significance of arthroscopic evaluation and management for occult subluxation of the hip. In both the cases, there was significant and prompt relief of symptoms after arthroscopic debridement.     

髂腰肌囊扩张的影像学诊断

目的　探讨髂腰肌囊扩张的CT、MRI表现和诊断价值。方法　回顾性阅读经穿刺抽吸或手术病理证实的 2 3例髂腰肌囊扩张病人的CT(2 3例 )、MR(8例 )片并记录、分析各种征象。结果2 3例扩张髂腰肌囊均发生于单侧 ,出现于全部或部分髋臼层面上 ,上下范围 2 0～ 6 5cm。最大显示层面面积 (横径×纵径 )为 1 0cm× 1 0cm～ 2 8cm× 3 8cm。均为圆形、卵圆形或倒水滴状囊性肿物 ,位于髋关节囊前方 ,髂外或股动静脉外后方和髂腰肌 (腱 )内侧。 16例有髂外或股动静脉向前和(或 )向内推移 ,10例髂腰肌内侧有与该囊相应的弧形压迹。 15例表面有厚薄不一的肌束覆盖 ,自上而下逐渐变薄 ,直至消失。 3例沿髋臼或髂骨基底内侧面向上延伸并突入髂腰肌内。 8例延续到髋臼下方 ,位于耻骨肌前外侧 ,止于股骨小转子以上 ,其中 5例呈倒水滴状。CT扫描均为低密度 ,CT值为12～ 46HU。 11例显示薄层囊壁 ,其余 12例囊壁难以辨认。 7例行增强扫描 ,其中 5例囊壁呈细线样轻度强化。 8例行MR检查 ,T1WI呈低信号 ,T2 WI呈水样高信号。冠状面亦呈圆形或卵圆形 ,边缘锐利 ,沿髂腰肌 (腱 )上下走行。结论　CT、MR扫描对髂腰肌囊扩张可做出正确诊断     

Ultrasound in the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborns. The European approach. A review of methods, accuracy and clinical validity

Based on soft evidence that ultrasound screening tends to reduce the rate of late developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and the need for surgical interventions, different screening strategies including universal or selective ultrasound screening have been established in several European countries and centres during the last decade. We performed an extensive search for articles on ultrasound diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip over the last 26 years. A few studies reported an adequate repeatability for the static [Graf, Morin, modified Morin (Terjesen)] and for the combined static/dynamic methods [modified Graf (Rosendahl)], while no such reports were found for the dynamic (Harcke) ultrasound techniques. The effect of newborn ultrasound screening on late DDH have been addressed in two randomised trials (RCTs), both concluding that both selective and universal ultrasound screening tend to reduce the prevalence of subluxed or dislocated DDH, thus without reaching statistical significance. Finally, several observational studies have shown that morphologically normal hips tend to remain normal with or without a co-existing instability, and 97% of sonographically immature hips tend to normalise spontaneously within 3 months. Two studies report on a similar pattern for mildly dysplastic, but stable hips. From the data available we suggest that selective ultrasound screening is worthwhile in areas with a high prevalence of late cases, given a well-organised, high-quality service can be provided.     

Effect of prolonged bed rest on the anterior hip muscles

Prolonged bed rest and inactivity is known to cause muscular atrophy with previous research indicating that muscles involved in joint stabilisation are more susceptible. The anterior hip muscles are important for hip joint function and stability but little is known about the effects of prolonged inactivity on their function. This study investigated the effect of prolonged bed rest on the size of the anterior hip muscles and their pattern of recovery. The effect of resistive vibration exercise (RVE) as a countermeasure to muscle atrophy was also investigated. 12 male participants, randomly assigned to either a control or an exercise group, underwent 8 weeks of bed rest with 6 months follow-up. Changes in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the iliacus, psoas, iliopsoas, sartorius and rectus femoris muscles were measured by magnetic resonance imaging at regular intervals during bed rest and recovery phases. CSAs of iliopsoas and sartorius decreased at the hip joint (p < 0.05) during bed rest but iliacus, psoas, and rectus femoris CSAs were unchanged (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups for all muscles (all p > 0.1), suggesting inefficacy of the countermeasure in this sample. These findings suggest that prolonged bed rest can result in the atrophy of specific muscles across the hip joint which may affect its stability and function.     

髋关节镜在急性髋关节后脱位检查和治疗中的应用

目的 探讨髋关节后脱位急性期行髋关节镜检查和治疗的临床疗效. 方法2005年8月-2009年4月,对32例急性髋关节后脱位患者行髋关节镜检查和治疗.其中男26例,女6例;平均年龄38.5岁(23～55岁).全部患者均根据临床症状、体征及常规前后位骨盆摄片或CT扫描证实为髋关节后脱位.镜下观察髋关节内损伤情况,并在关节镜下行关节清理.8例患者Ⅱ期行髋臼骨折切开复位内固定术.根据Sanders评分评价术后髋关节功能. 结果术中发现29例关节腔内有大小不等游离体,3例股骨头圆韧带断裂,12例髋臼盂唇损伤,8例髋臼骨折需Ⅱ期行切开复位内固定术.术中及术后未出现血管、神经损伤.随访时间平均10个月(5～24个月).根据Sanders评分:优23例,良5例,一般4例. 结论髋关节后脱位急性期行髋关节镜检查能够充分评估关节内的损伤情况,进而对关节内游离体、股骨头圆韧带及盂唇损伤进行有效清理.     

Prospective evaluation of two different injection techniques for MR arthrography of the hip

The aim of the study was to evaluate prospectively the technical feasibility and discomfort of two different injection techniques for MR arthrography of the hip. Sixty-one consecutive patients undergoing MR arthrography of the hip (68 hips) were randomly injected either at the femoral head (36 hips) or the femoral neck (32 hips). The patients rated discomfort during and 0–72 h after arthrography using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0=did not feel anything, 100=unbearable). The volume injected, the distance between the needle tract and the neurovascular bundle, the duration of the procedure and the extra-articular contrast leakage were measured. No significant differences were found for the volume injected, the distance between the needle tract and the neurovascular bundle, or the procedure duration. Volume of extra-articular contrast leakage was statistically significantly different (head 1±2 cm³, neck 3±5 cm³, P=0.024). The VAS score for needle advancement was significantly different (head 25±20, neck 19±23, P=0.031). No significant differences were found for the VAS score regarding delayed discomfort. Before the examination the arthrography-related discomfort was overestimated by 74% (50/68), correctly anticipated by 22% (15/68) and underestimated by 4% (3/68) of the patients. MR-related discomfort was overestimated by 32% (22/68), correctly anticipated by 57% (39/68) and underestimated by 10% (7/68) of the patients. Both hip puncture techniques were well tolerated. The neck injection technique produced less discomfort and was associated with greater extra-articular contrast leakage.     

99Tcm-MDP显像用于人工髋关节置换术后关节感染的鉴别诊断

目的 探讨99Tcm-MDP显像用于髋关节置换术后关节感染与无菌性假体松动鉴别诊断的适合方法.方法 回顾性分析2008年2月至2011年8月间74例人工髋关节置换术后出现关节疼痛的患者资料,其中男32例,女42例,年龄(64.3±11.2)岁.所有患者均行99Tcm-MDP血流、血池和骨骼三时相显像及血清C反应蛋白和血红细胞沉降率测定.99Tcm-MDP显像分别以假体周围软组织放射性浓聚、假体周围骨骼放射性浓聚或两者同时存在作为关节感染的诊断依据;无上述阳性表现者即认为关节疼痛由无菌性假体松动所致.依据最终临床诊断,采用x2检验比较99Tcm-MDP显像中骨骼相、血流-血池相、血清学检查结果间诊断效能的差异.结果 74例患者中,有症状关节74个,其中感染关节24个,无菌性假体松动50个.诊断关节感染的灵敏度和特异性:血流-血池相分别为91.7％(22/24)和90.0％ (45/50),骨骼相分别为70.8％ (17/24)和48.0％ (24/50),血清C反应蛋白分别为62.5％ (15/24)和78.0％ (39/50),血红细胞沉降率分别为62.5％ (15/24)和76.0％ (38/50).血流-血池相对假体周围感染诊断的准确性优于单纯骨显像[90.5％ (67/74)和55.4％ (41/74);x2=23.159,P＜0.001],也优于血清C反应蛋白[73.0％(54/74) ;x2 =7.656,P＜0.05]和血红细胞沉降率[71.6％(53/74);x2 =8.633,P＜0.05]检测.结论 在髋关节置换术后关节感染与无菌性假体松动鉴别诊断中,99Tcm-MDP血流-血池相具有较高的临床价值,建议作为常规检查方法.     

Relationship between radiologist training level and radiation exposure for therapeutic hip injections

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the level of training of the performing radiologist and patient radiation exposure, as measured by fluoroscopy time (FT) and dose area product (DAP), during fluoroscopic guided hip injections.Materials and methodsThis IRB-approved retrospective review of our institutional radiology report database identified all fluoroscopic guided hip injections performed between August 1st, 2012 and May 30th, 2015. Performing radiologists were divided into groups based on their level of training at the time of the procedure: first-year residents (R1), second-year residents (R2), third-year residents (R3), fourth-year residents (R4), staff fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists, and non-musculoskeletal radiologists. A mixed effects model was applied, using level of training as an independent predictor to model FT and DAP separately.ResultsThere were 20, 19, 18 and 20 residents in the R1, R2, R3 and R4 groups, respectively. There were 5 performers in the non-MSK radiologist group, and 7 in the MSK radiologist group. A total of 1362 hip injection procedures met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The overall average FT was 26 s (±17 SD) and overall average DAP was 20.4 uGy*m² (±22.3 SD). The mixed effects model showed no statistically significant difference between the groups, for FT (p = 0.31) and for DAP (p = 0.82).ConclusionThere is no association between radiologist level of training and patient radiation exposure for fluoroscopic hip injections. Resident trainees maintain radiation exposure to patients at levels comparable to their more experienced colleagues.     

Immunoscintigraphy with antigranulocyte monoclonal antibodies for the diagnosis of septic loosening of hip prostheses

To determine the value of immunoscintigraphy (IS) with antigranulocyte monoclonal antibodies (Mab) in the diagnosis of subacute or chronic infection of hip prostheses, we prospectively studied 57 patients (23 women and 34 men; age 29–92 years, mean 72.7 years) sent to our institution in the past 6 years for clinical suspicion of septic loosening of a hip prosthesis. Nineteen patients had bilateral prostheses and one of them was studied twice. A total of 78 prostheses were examined. All patients had three-phase bone scans followed by IS with technetium-99m antigranulocyte Mab BW 250/183. Intervals between bone scans and IS varied from 2 days to 4 weeks. Final diagnosis was assessed by culture in 48 cases (articular puncture or intraoperative sampling) and by clinical follow-up of at least 8 months in 30 cases. Twelve prostheses were considered septic and 66 non-septic. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 92% and 64% respectively for bone scans, 67% and 75% for IS and 67% and 84% for both modalities together. In three cases, IS was doubtful and the final clinical diagnosis was negative for infection. False-positive results were observed in the presence of massive loosening of the prosthesis or in association with metaplastic peri-articular bone formation. In three of the four false-negative results, infection was proven only after enrichment of the culture, and the bacterium wasStaphylococcus epidermidis. In 12/33 (36%) positive bone scans IS allowed the diagnosis of infection to be excluded. Overall accuracy of both modalities together was 81% and the negative predictive value was 93%, which compares favourably with the results reported for other non-invasive methods.     

Arthroscopic treatment of the painful "internal" snapping hip: results of a new endoscopic technique and imaging protocol

BACKGROUND: Traditional surgical treatment for a painful snapping iliopsoas tendon has been an open lengthening of the tendon. HYPOTHESIS: An endoscopic release will alleviate painful snapping of the tendon. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Six patients with painful snapping hips who had no pain relief after magnetic resonance arthrography, which included injection of bupivacaine into the hip joint, subsequently had an ultrasound evaluation of their iliopsoas tendons and an anesthetic injection into the psoas bursa. In all 6 patients, the injection relieved their hip pain, and in 4, real-time imaging demonstrated snapping of the tendon. All hips were evaluated with the 100-point Harris hip scoring system before and at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative hip scores averaged 58 points. After surgery, all patients had hip flexor weakness, used crutches for 5 weeks, and had 6-week scores that averaged 62 points. The patients continued to improve, and at 6 and 12 months, their scores averaged 90 and 96 points, respectively, and none had recurrence of their snapping or pain. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided anesthetic injection of the psoas bursa is useful to confirm snapping of the iliopsoas tendon as the cause of a patient's hip pain. Endoscopic release of the tendon is a safe outpatient procedure that provides effective relief of the snapping and pain.