Magnetic resonance imaging of cartilaginous tumors: a retrospective study of 79 patients

Objective: Hyaline cartilaginous tumors are characterized by extremely high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Recently, some distinctive MR features of cartilaginous bone tumors were reported in small series. Low signal intensity septa surrounding high signal intensity cartilage lobules were seen on T2-weighted images in low-grade chondrosarcomas. On spin-echo T1-weighted images after Gd contrast injection, marked ‘septal’ or ‘ring-and-arc’ enhancement was observed in low-grade chondrosarcomas and enchondromas. The purpose of this study was to determine sensitivity and specificity of these MR findings in diagnosis of cartilaginous tumors, and to assess the value of MR in diagnostic workup of these lesions. Materials and methods: Retrospective evaluation of MR findings in 79 cartilaginous tumors and in 79 non-cartilaginous tumors. All lesions were biopsy proven. Each MR examination was independently reviewed by two experienced radiologists without knowledge of clinical data, radiographic and/or CT findings, or histological diagnosis. All lesions were evaluated for morphology (lobular or non-lobular), presence of a high signal intensity mass on T2-weighted images, presence of low signal intensity septa separating high signal intensity lobules on T2-weighted images, and evidence of septal (‘ring-and-arc’) enhancement.Results: None of the reviewed parameters is useful in diagnosing osteochondromas. Since osteochondromas have a characteristic appearance on plain radiography, the value of MR imaging in the workup of these lesions remains limited. MR findings in enchondromas have a low specificity and a low sensitivity. Low-grade chondrosarcomas, often hard to diagnose on plain radiography and difficult to differentiate from enchondromas, are characterized by the MR tandem of ‘low signal intensity septa on T2-weighted images’ together with ‘septal or ring-and-arc enhancement’ (sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 76.5%). High-grade chondrosarcomas are easily recognized on plain radiography. Conclusions: In differentiating cartilaginous from non-cartilaginous tumors, MR features are highly specific but lack sensitivity. Grading potentials of MR parameters are promising due to the high accuracy in diagnosing low-grade chondrosarcomas.     

Physical impairments in longstanding hip and groin pain: Cross-sectional comparison of patients with hip-related pain or non-hip-related groin pain and healthy controls

ObjectivesTo compare physical impairments between patients with hip-related pain and those with non-hip-related groin pain, and to compare both patient groups with healthy controls.DesignCross-sectional.ParticipantsEighty-one hip and groin pain patients were consecutively included and categorized into having hip-related pain or non-hip-related groin pain. Twenty-eight healthy controls were recruited.SettingsTertiary care.Main outcome measuresAll participants performed physical impairment testing including hip ROM, muscle function, and functional tasks. An analysis of covariates was used for analysis between patients groups and controls.ResultsPatients with hip-related pain showed reduced hip ROM in internal rotation compared to patients with non-hip-related groin pain and controls (p ≤ 0.026, d −0.65; −0.97). No differences in muscle function or performance in functional tasks were observed between patients with hip-related pain and those with non-hip-related groin pain (p ≥ 0.136, d 0.00; 0.68). Both patient groups had worse muscle function and worse performance in functional tasks compared to controls (p ≤ 0.048, d −0.67; −1.83).ConclusionsBoth patients with and without hip-related pain had worse muscle function and worse performance in functional tasks compared to matched controls but no differences were observed between the patient groups. Only patients with hip-related pain had reduced ROM in internal rotation.     

MR imaging following herniography in patients with unclear groin pain

The aims of the present study were to assess if MRI gives the same diagnostic information as herniography concerning the presence of hernias and reveals other causes of groin pain. The prospective study enrolled 20 patients referred for herniography, 6 women and 14 men, mean age 48 years. After herniography the patients underwent MRI using T1-weighted, fat-suppressed inversion recovery (STIR), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) pulse sequences. No contrast medium was administered at MRI. Herniography revealed 11 hernias and MRI depicted 8 of these. Magnetic resonance imaging depicted well the anatomy in the groins. In 3 patients where hernias were not revealed, MRI revealed inflammatory changes in the symphysis region as a possible cause of groin pain. The primary diagnostic tool for diagnosing hernias is herniography. If the herniogram is normal, MRI may reveal other causes of groin pain and may also better visualize related structures in the groin.     

Death due to an unrecognized groin abscess in a drug addict: A retrospective study

Intravenous drug injection persists despite health risks and medical complications. Venous thrombosis, septic thrombophlebitis, artery necrosis, arterio-venous fistula, mycotic aneurysm, dissecting hematoma, pseudoaneurysm formation, and soft tissues infections (i.e. abscesses, cellulitis, infected ulcers), are some of the major clinical consequences lives threatening. The aim of this work is to present this unusual autoptic case of a drug addict man died for an unrecognized groin abscess referred to the Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Chieti, causing femoral vein's erosion, and to analyse the most common patterns of vascular lesions among drug addicts.It could be stimulated a new scientific debate because groin injections and their vascular complications increase over years; while soft tissue infections may hide vascular lesions' diagnosis. So physicians should have a high index of suspicion for serious vascular problems, among intravenous drug users (IDUs): prevention for avoiding groin injection and a proper treatment are necessary.     

Sports-related groin pain: evaluation with MR imaging

Our purpose was to assess the role of MRI in evaluating themusculoskeletal system in athletes with chronic pain laterally in the groin of unknown etiology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pubic ring was performed in 11 young athletes (soc cer players) with long-standing groin n pain. MR findings were: compared with plain films and isotope examination (bone scan Tc 99M). Abnormal MRI findings included a broadend andirregular symphysis witha characteristics pattern of low signal intensity on T1W and high signal intensity on T2W images localized in the superior pubic ramus at a distance from the symphasis. Positive findings wer also observed on plain films and on nuclear medicine studies. However, the imaging findings in the superior pubic ramus of the symphysis was located considerably more laterally on MRI. MRI is :a valuable method for evaluating discrete and ambiguous pelvic pain in athletes. particularly for identifying concomitant changes in the superior ramus, which may give rise to long-standing localized laterally in the groin.     

Diagnostics in athletes with long-standing groin pain

Chronic adductor dysfunction, osteitis pubis and abdominal wall deficiency are mentioned as pathologies explaining long-standing groin pain (LGP) in athletes. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of diagnostic tests used to identify these pathologies in athletic OKE. Additionally, starting points for intervention were searched for. A systematic literature search was performed to retrieve all relevant diagnostic studies and studies describing risk factors. The methodological quality of the identified studies was evaluated. Seventeen studies provided an insight into pathologies; eight provided relevant information for intervention. Adduction provocation tests are moderately valid for osteitis pubis. A pelvic belt might provide some insight into the role of the pubic symphysis during adduction provocation. Palpation can be used for provocation of adductors and symphysis. Roentgen, bone scan and herniography show poor validity. Bilateral abdominal abnormalities on ultrasound appear to be a valid marker for LGP. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize edema and other abnormalities, although the relation to groin pain is not unambiguous. The methodological quality of the studies ranged from poor to good. MRI and ultrasound should be the primary diagnostic tools after clinical examination.     

Review: imaging of groin pain in the athlete

Chronic groin pain is a common entity in the sporting population and causes considerable morbidity. The differential diagnosis is wide, and this article presents a review of the common causes with particular reference to anatomy, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.     

Masses and pain in the groin: a review of imaging findings

The inguinofemoral region is a crossroads of numerous vascular, nervous and muscular structures. As even the most astute clinician can have difficulty in correctly diagnosing the cause of complaints or a mass in the groin and thigh region, radiological investigation is frequently warranted. For the radiologist involved, knowledge of the anatomy and specific pathology of the groin is essential. This paper deals with the imaging characteristics of the various diseases in the inguinofemoral triangle. Furthermore, this article provides an overview of the role of the various imaging modalities in the evaluation of disease in the groin and upper thigh. A sound working knowledge of groin anatomy and pathology is mandatory. The various imaging modalities used should be considered complementary. Received 5 June 1997; Revision received 27 August 1997; Accepted 5 November 1997     

Clinical examination of athletes with groin pain: an intraobserver and interobserver reliability study

Background: Groin pain is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to sports medicine. The literature provides no consensus on definitions of or diagnostic criteria for groin pain in athletes. To compare the results of research and treatments, the methods used to diagnose and evaluate the degree of groin pain must be clearly defined and reproducible.

Objectives: To describe clinical examination techniques for groin pain in athletes and evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of these.

Methods: Eighteen athletes, nine with sports related groin pain and nine without groin pain, were examined by two doctors and two physiotherapists. The examiners were trained in the examination techniques before the study. The examiners were blinded to the symptoms and identity of the subjects. The subjects were examined twice by each examiner in random order. The examinations included evaluation of adductor muscle related pain and strength, iliopsoas muscle related pain, strength, and flexibility, abdominal muscle related pain, and strength and pain at the symphysis joint. Kappa statistics and percentage of agreement were used to evaluate the data.

Results: Overall, the κ values and percentage of agreement were in accordance and showed good reliability of the examinations. The κ values for the intraobserver agreement were above 0.60 in 11 of 14 tests, and those for the interobserver agreement of the pain tests were above 0.60 in eight of 10 tests. The only test without acceptable interobserver reliability was the strength test for iliopsoas muscle.

Conclusion: All but one of the tests investigated were reproducible and subject only to limited intraobserver and interobserver variation.

     

Herniographic findings in athletes with unclear groin pain

BACKGROUND: Groin pain in athletes is a common symptom and may, among many other entities, be caused by skeletal changes in the symphysis and the pubic bone or hernia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Herniographies in 51 athletes -- mainly soccer players -- with unclear groin pain were reviewed. The prevalence of various hernias and skeletal changes at the symphysis and os pubis was registered. A questionnaire was also sent to the patients 3-20 years after the herniography. RESULTS: A hernia was found in 13 patients. Four patients had an indirect inguinal hernia. Eight patients had a direct inguinal hernia and 1 had an obturator hernia. The prevalence of direct inguinal hernia was higher than expected in young men. This may be explained by strain at physical exercise. Bone changes at the pubic symphysis were found in 32 patients, 21 of whom had advanced changes. CONCLUSION: A hernia can be found with herniography in one-fourth of athletes with long-standing unclear groin pain. Therefore herniography should be included in the diagnostic procedure. Lesions of the symphysis may be the result of strain of tendons, ligaments and fascias. This may predispose for an inguinal hernia as well.     

Postural balance impairment in Tunisian second division soccer players with groin pain: A case-control study

ObjectiveTo compare postural balance outcomes between soccer players with and without groin pain (GP).DesignCase-control study.SettingLaboratory.ParticipantsFifty-four soccer players, 27 with GP (GP group: GPG) and 27 healthy ones (control group: CG).Main outcome measuresStatic and dynamic postural balance were assessed with a force platform and Y-balance test (Y-BT), respectively. Hip abduction, internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER) and total rotation (TR) of both limbs were evaluated.ResultsThe GPG exhibited significant higher centre of pressure values in the bipedal posture only on the foam surface in eyes opened and closed compared to controls. Besides, they had lower anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances and composite Y-BT score on the injured limb (IL) compared to non-injured limb (NIL) and dominant-limb (DL) of the CG. Moreover, they showed lower abduction, IR, ER, and TR on the IL compared to NIL and DL.ConclusionsDynamic unipedal postural balance disorder could be one of the limiting factors of performance in soccer players with non-time loss GP. Hence, postural balance data in these players could enable sport coaches and physical therapists to better understand the mechanisms contributing for performance decrease.     

Evaluation of groin pain in athletes

The evaluation and treatment of groin pain in athletes is challenging. The anatomy is complex, multiple pathologies often coexist, different pathologies may cause similar symptoms, and many systems can refer pain to the groin. Many athletes with groin pain have had symptoms significantly limit their activity, have tried prolonged rest and various treatment regimens, and received differing opinions as to the cause of their pain. Often times the diagnosis given depends on the physician’s specialty. This article focuses on the groin structures and looks at three specific entities—“sports hernia,” public bone edema, and entrapment neuropathies—as potential causes of chronic groin pain. Potential diagnostic and treatment strategies are also discussed.     

Hip and groin pain in the professional athlete

Hip and groin pain is a common condition in professional athletes and may result from an acute injury or from chronic, repetitive trauma. It is responsible for significant morbidity, which leads to time away from training and competition, and may result in a career-ending injury. The anatomic and biomechanical causes for hip and groin injuries are among the most complex and controversial in the musculoskeletal system. This makes clinical differentiation and subsequent management difficult because of the considerable overlap of symptoms and signs. This review article will evaluate several pathologic conditions of the hip and groin in athletes, divided into acute (secondary to single event) and chronic (secondary to altered biomechanical load or repetitive microtrauma) injuries, with an emphasis on imaging in the diagnosis of these injuries. Appropriate use of imaging along with clinical findings can allow accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate management of these patients to ultimately allow return to athletic activity.     

The sports hernia: a cause of chronic groin pain.

The management of chronic pain in sportsmen and women requires consideration of a wide differential diagnosis. A syndrome caused by a distension of the posterior inguinal wall is described, effectively an early direct inguinal hernia. The diagnosis can be made from certain aspects of the history and examination, which are described. The results of surgical repair to the posterior inguinal wall are excellent. The procedure was carried out on 14 sportsmen and one woman. There is an 87% return to full sporting activity, with a follow-up of 18 months to 5 years. The remaining 13% were improved by the repair. Many of the athletes had received other treatments without success. The sports hernia should be high on the list of differential diagnoses in chronic groin pain.     

MR imaging of groin pain in the athlete

Groin pain is a frequently encountered symptom in the athlete. The differential diagnosis for an athlete presenting with groin pain is broad and diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in reaching the correct diagnosis, allowing appropriate therapy to be instituted. In this article we present the radiological differential diagnosis of athletes presenting with groin pain. The common mechanisms of injury, presenting symptoms, and imaging findings for each of these entities are addressed.