Imaging of progressive collapsing foot deformity with emphasis on the role of weightbearing cone beam CT.

The term progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is currently recommended as the replacement to adult-acquired flatfoot deformity and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction to better reflect its pathology, which consists of a complex three-dimensional deformity involving the foot and ankle. The new consensus has also provided a new classification that requires clinical and radiographic findings for patient stratification into each class. However, conventional radiographs are susceptible to errors resulting from the inadequate positioning of patients, incorrect angulation of the X-ray tube, and overlapping of bone structures. Weightbearing cone beam computed tomography (WBCBCT), which has greater diagnostic accuracy than conventional radiograph, is useful for evaluating progressive collapsing foot deformity to determine medial arch collapse, hindfoot alignment, peritalar subluxation, posterior subtalar joint valgus, intrinsic talus valgus, and lateral extra-articular bone impingement. The present review aimed to discuss the new recommendations for nomenclature, classification, and imaging evaluation of PCFD, with an illustrative and quantitative focus on the measurements used in conventional radiography and WBCBCT. The measurements presented here are important criteria for decision-making.

Acute Ligament Injuries of the Elbow.

Ulnar collateral, radial collateral, lateral ulnar collateral, and annular ligaments can be injured in an acute trauma, such as valgus stress in athletes and elbow dislocation. Recognizing normal anatomy in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography studies is important to identify ligamentous abnormalities in these imaging modalities.

Critical appraisal of the International Prophylaxis Study Group magnetic resonance image scale for evaluating haemophilic arthropathy.

A goal of the International Prophylaxis Study Group (IPSG) is to provide an accurate instrument to measure MRI-based disease severity of haemophilic arthropathy at various time points, so that longitudinal changes in disease severity can be identified to support decisions on treatment management. We review and discuss in this paper the evaluative purpose of the IPSG MRI scale in relation to its development and validation processes so far. We also critically appraise the validity, reliability and responsiveness of using the IPSG MRI scale in different clinical and research settings, and whenever applicable, compare these clinimetric properties of the IPSG MRI scale with those of its precursors, the compatible additive and progressive MRI scales.

Computed tomography (CT), X-ray, and MRI evaluation of two anterolateral knee reconstruction techniques: lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and the anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction.

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) and capsule of the knee are anatomical structures involved in rotational stability and pivot-shift control. As such, it has been demonstrated that the extra-articular anterolateral procedures improve clinical outcome when performed as an augmentation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in specific groups of patients. This review describes the postoperative imaging findings of two techniques used to perform these procedures, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and radiography. The first technique described is the lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET), which uses a strip of the iliotibial band that is harvested, passed underneath the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and fixed posterior, and proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle (LFE), preserving ITB insertion on Gerdy's tubercle. The second technique described is the ALL reconstruction, a procedure that attempts to recreate the anatomy of the ALL, using most often a gracilis autograft. In this procedure, femoral fixation is performed proximal and posterior to the LFE, and tibial fixation is slightly distal to the joint line, halfway from Gerdy's tubercle to the fibular head. The main objective of this review is to provide an overview of the postoperative imaging aspects of these two procedures with MRI, CT, and radiography and to describe possible complications. As they become more common, it is important for the radiologist and the orthopedic surgeon to understand their particularities in combination with the already well-known ACL reconstruction.

Evaluation of ulnar variance on wrist MR imaging: is it a reliable measure?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if ulnar variance can be evaluated by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and if this measure can be used as a reliable indicator when correlated to the gold standard technique, conventional radiography (CR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January to July 2018, the MR images of 64 participants, comprising 66 wrists (mean age 34.9 years; 33 females; 31 males), were obtained. Among those, 29 were referred for evaluation of the wrist for different medical reasons and 35 were asymptomatic volunteers from our radiology group. All subjects had a plain radiography of the wrist in a posteroanterior view with a mean interval between images of 1 day. Local ethics committee approved the study and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Two musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated the images. Correlation coefficients and a linear regression model were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-observer analyses were performed for both diagnostic methods with results showing concordance (intra-observer: kappa score: MR 0.915/CR 0.931; p < 0.05; inter-observer: kappa score: MR 0.857/CR 0.931; p < 0.05). The intraclass correlations of MR and CR to evaluate agreement between the radiologists was slightly higher for radiologist #1 (0.771) than for radiologist #2 (0.659). A linear regression model showed good model fit indicating that MR does correlate with the ulnar variance as measured by CR (CR = 0.554 + 0.897 × MR, R2 = 0.665). CONCLUSION: Although CR is the gold standard method for the evaluation of ulnar variance, our study demonstrated that MR can be used as a reliable qualitative option.

Diagnostic accuracy of imaging studies for diagnosing root avulsions in post-traumatic upper brachial plexus traction injuries in adults.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus about which type of imaging study, computed tomography myelography (CTM) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provides better information concerning root avulsion in adult brachial plexus injuries. METHODS: Patients with upper brachial plexus traumatic injuries underwent both CTM and MRI and surgical exploration. The imaging studies were analyzed by two independent radiologists and the data were compared with the intraoperative findings. The statistical analysis was based on dichotomous classification of the nerve roots (normal or altered). The interobserver agreement was assessed using Cohen's Kappa. The accuracy of CTM and MRI in comparison with the intraoperative findings was evaluated using the same methodology. RESULTS: Fifty-two adult patients were included. CTM tended to yield slightly higher percentages of alterations than MRI The interobserver agreement was better on CTM than on MRI for all nerve roots: C5, 0.9960 (strong) vs. 0.145 (poor); C6, 0.970 (strong) vs. 0.788 (substantial); C7, 0.969 (strong) vs. 0.848 (strong). The accuracy regarding the intraoperative findings was also higher on CTM (moderate, kappa 0.40-0.59) than on MRI (minimal, kappa 0.20-0.39) for all nerve roots. Accordingly, the overall percentage concordance (both normal or both altered) was superior in the CTM evaluation (approx. 70-75% vs. 60-65%). CTM was superior for both sensitivity and specificity at all nerve roots. CONCLUSION: CTM had greater interobserver agreement and higher diagnostic accuracy than MRI in adult patients with root avulsions due to brachial plexus injury.

Diagnostic accuracy of MRI for detection of tears and instability of proximal long head of biceps tendon: an evaluation of 100 shoulders compared with arthroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of instability and tears of the proximal long head of biceps tendon (LHBT). To assess intraobserver and interobserver agreement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 100 consecutive shoulders who underwent non-contrast 1.5-T MRI prior to arthroscopic surgery due to rotator cuff injury. Images were independently analyzed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. LHBT was evaluated for presence of tearing (intact, longitudinal split, partial-thickness, or full-thickness) and position (normal, subluxated, and dislocated). Anterosuperior rotator cuff tears were also assessed. The reference standard was arthroscopic surgery. The ramp test was performed in order to evaluate LHBT stability. Diagnostic performance measures were determined and Kappa coefficients assessed agreement. RESULTS: Concerning the detection of overall tears, sensitivity ranged from 71 to 73% and specificity was 73%. The specificity for full-thickness tears ranged from 75 to 96%. Overall displacement showed sensitivity ranging from 51 to 58% and specificity ranging from 70 to 86%. The specificity of overall displacement combined with anterosuperior rotator cuff tears ranged from 73 to 91%. Interobserver Kappa values were between 0.59 and 0.69. Intraobserver Kappa values were between 0.74 and 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: MRI has moderate accuracy and good agreement for detection of LHBT tears and instability. There is a tendency for increased specificity for full-thickness tears and for instability in the coexistence of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of the Anterolateral Ligament in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in an Adolescent Population.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of anterolateral ligament (ALL) injuries in acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in adolescent patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and characterize other potential intra- and extra-articular knee injuries that are associated with ALL injuries. METHODS: Patients between 14 and 17 years of age with acute ACL injuries (trauma for <3 weeks before examination) were retrospectively evaluated with MRI over 24 months (January 2016-December 2017). Among this population, ALL was classified as not visible, normal, or injured. Injuries were separated into strains (partial injuries), complete injuries, or Segond fractures. Possible abnormalities of the menisci, collateral ligaments, popliteal tendon, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), iliotibial tract (ITT), and bone injuries were evaluated. Associations were calculated between ALL injuries and injuries of these other knee structures, as well as age and gender. RESULTS: ALL was visible in 171 of the 184 MRI-evaluated knees (92.9%). ALL was considered normal in 68 (39.8%) and damaged in 103 (60.2%) patients. ALL injuries were considered partial in 56 (54.4%) and total in 44 (42.7%) cases. Only 3 (2.9%) cases were Segond fractures. ALL injuries were associated with ITT (P < .0001), lateral meniscus (P = .04), lateral collateral ligament (P = .01), popliteal tendon (P = .001), and medial collateral ligament (P = .009) injuries, in addition to bone contusions in the lateral compartment of the knee (P < .0001). There was no correlation between ALL injuries and medial meniscus (P = .054) or PCL (P = .16) injuries. CONCLUSIONS: MRI evaluation showed ALL injuries are present in 60.2% of acute ACL injuries in adolescent patients. These injuries are associated with the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, ITT, lateral meniscus injuries, and bone contusions, but they are not associated with medial meniscus or PCL injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for subscapularis tear: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies.

INTRODUCTION: The accuracy of MRI for subscapularis tear is lower than that of overall rotator cuff tears. Until now, no systematic reviews and meta-analysis have been conducted to compile these data. The purpose of this study was to determine, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in the detection of subscapularis tendon tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases up to April 2017 was performed. All studies assessing the sensitivity and specificity of the MRI (index test) compared to arthroscopic surgical findings (reference test) for subscapularis tendon tear were included. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, sROC curve, and diagnostic odds ratio values. RESULTS: A total of 497 citations were identified. After applying the eligibility criteria, 14 articles were included, including 1858 shoulders with 613 subscapularis tears. For overall subscapularis tears, sensitivity was 0.68 (95% CI 0.64-0.72) and specificity was 0.90 (95% CI 0.89-0.92). Sensitivity was 0.93 (95% CI 0.83-0.98) for full-thickness tears and 0.74 (95% CI 0.66-0.82) for partial tears. Specificity was 0.97 (95% CI 0.94-0.98) for full-thickness tears and 0.88 (95% CI 0.85-0.91) for partial tears. Analyzing only studies with field of strength ≥ 1.5 T, sensitivity was 0.80 (95% CI 0.76-0.84) and specificity 0.84 (95% CI 0.81-0.87). CONCLUSION: MRI is an accurate method for diagnosing subscapularis tendon tears; however, its accuracy is lower than that of overall rotator cuff tears, due to its lower sensitivity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, systematic review of Level II and III studies.

Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of the normal knee anterolateral ligament in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the anterolateral ligament (ALL) in normal knees of pediatric patients by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to establish the age at which it is possible to visualize its presence and whether there are differences between male and female populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI scans of patients younger than 18 years were retrospectively evaluated. The exams were performed in 1.5-T scanners. The ALL was characterized dichotomously as visualized or not visualized based on the assessment criteria of this structure in adult patients. The characterization of the ALL was divided according to sex and age. RESULTS: A total of 363 knee MRI scans were evaluated, 200 from male and 163 from female patients. The ALL was more frequently visualized in coronal sequences. The mean ALL visualization in pediatric patients was 69.4% and was lower in younger patients and higher in patients close to 18 years. It was not possible to visualize the ALL in female patients younger than 7 years or in male patients younger than 6 years. In patients between 17 and 18 years of age, the ALL was visualized in 100% of cases in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Visualization of the ALL increased with age in both sexes. Only after age 13 in females and age 15 in males was visualization of the ALL close to 70%; thus, below these ages, we believe that the characterization of this structure with conventional protocols is still imprecise.

Tomographic evaluation of Hill-Sachs lesions: is there a correlation between different methods of measurement?

BACKGROUND: Several methods are currently available to evaluate and quantify the glenoid or humeral bone loss; however, none is universally accepted, particularly in the case of Hill-Sachs (HS) lesions. PURPOSE: To establish whether there is correlation among different methods of measuring HS lesions, and to investigate the correlation between glenoid bone loss and the various HS lesion measurements and to assess the inter-observer reliability of such measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed computed tomography (CT) or arthro-CT scans taken from individuals with recurrent anterior glenohumeral dislocation. The scans were independently assessed by two examiners. The parameters assessed were as follows: HS lesion width and depth on the axial and coronal planes, articular arc loss on the axial plane, and percentage of glenoid bone loss on the sagittal plane. RESULTS: Scans from 50 shoulders were assessed. The percentage of articular arc loss and HS lesion width on the axial plane were the only measurements that exhibited strong correlation (r = 0.83; P < 0.001). The values of the correlation coefficient corresponding to HS lesion depth on the coronal plane were the lowest. Most of the measurements exhibited moderate correlation. The inter-examiner reliability was good relative to all measurements except for HS lesion width and depth on the coronal plane, for which it was moderate. CONCLUSION: The measurements of articular arc loss and HS lesion width on the axial plane exhibited strong correlation. The inter-examiner reliability relative to articular arc loss, HS lesion width and depth on the axial plane, and glenoid bone loss was good.

Assessment of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Injuries of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the epidemiology of injuries and abnormalities of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in cases of acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. METHODS: MRIs of patients with acute ACL injury were evaluated. Acute injuries of the ACL were considered in cases in which the patient reported knee trauma occurring less than 3 weeks prior and when bone bruise in the femoral condyles and tibial plateau was identified. ALL abnormality was considered when it showed proximal or distal bone detachment, discontinuity of fibers, or irregular contour associated with periligamentous edema. The ALL was divided into femoral, tibial, and meniscal portions, and the lesions and/or abnormalities of each portion were characterized. The correlation of ALL injury with injuries of the lateral meniscus was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 101 MRIs were initially evaluated. The ALL was not characterized in 13 (12.8%) examinations, resulting in 88 (87.1%) cases of injury evaluation. Of these, 55 (54.4%) patients had a normal ALL, and 33 (32.6%) showed signs of injury. Among the cases with injury, 24 (72%) patients showed proximal lesions, 7 (21%) showed distal lesions, and 2 (6.0%) patients presented both proximal and distal lesions. The meniscal portion of the ALL appeared abnormal in 16 (48%) patients. No relationship was found between ALL injury and lateral meniscus injury. CONCLUSIONS: Based on MRI analysis of acute ACL injuries with bone bruising of the lateral femoral condyle and lateral tibial plateau, approximately a third demonstrated ALL injuries of which the majority was proximal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Anterolateral ligament abnormalities are associated with peripheral ligament and osseous injuries in acute ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament.

PURPOSE: Few studies have used MRI to identify the ALL. As it was shown that it is not possible to precisely characterize this ligament in all examination, it is important to identify concomitant lesions that can help in diagnosing ALL abnormalities. It is important to characterise this injury due to its association with anterolateral knee instability. Thus, the present study was performed to determine the frequency of ALL injuries in patients with acute ACL rupture and to analyse its associated knee lesions. METHODS: Patients with acute ACL injuries were evaluated by MRI. Among this population, the ALL was classified as non-visualised, injured or normal. The possible abnormalities of the meniscus, collateral ligaments, popliteus tendon, posterior cruciate ligament, Iliotibial band (ITB), anterolateral capsule and osseus injuries were evaluated. The association of an ALL injury with these other knee structures as well as sex and age was calculated. RESULTS: Among the 228 knees evaluated, the ALL could not be entirely identified in 61 (26.7%). Of the remaining 167, 66 (39.5%) presented an ALL abnormality and only four (6.1%) were Segond fractures. ALL abnormalities were associated with lesions of the lateral collateral ligament, medial collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, ITB, anterolateral capsule and osseous contusions of the femoral condyle and tibial plateau. No correlation was found with medial meniscus, lateral meniscus and posterior cruciate ligament injuries. There was no association between ALL injuries and gender, and older patients were more likely to present an ALL injury. CONCLUSION: ALL injuries are present in approximately 40% of ACL injuries, and a minority of these are Segond fractures. These injuries are associated with peripheral ligament injuries, anterolateral structures lesions and bone contusions, but there is no association with meniscal injuries. Surgeons must be aware of these associations to consider an ALL lesion even if it is not completely clear in imaging evaluation, especially if a high degree of anterolateral instability is present on physical examination. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Accuracy of preoperative MRI in the diagnosis of subscapularis tears.

INTRODUCTION: The subscapularis has received little attention in the orthopedic literature, although such lesions are evident in up to 40 % of arthroscopies. An accurate diagnosis is important in clinical practice, as it affects both patient prognosis and surgical planning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative MRI for the identification of subscapularis tears. Our secondary aim involved the identification of factors that may be predictive for the presence of subscapularis tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case series included patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy due to rotator cuff injury. MRI was performed using a 1.5 T unit, and the results were assessed by a musculoskeletal radiologist. The findings were compared to those of arthroscopic inspection. RESULTS: A total of 93 shoulders were analyzed. The overall accuracy was 82 %, with values of 79 % for partial tears and 89 % for full-thickness tears. Tears requiring repair demonstrated an accuracy of 88 %. Infraspinatus tears, fatty degeneration of the subscapularis, biceps instability and age were identified as predictive factors for the presence of injury. CONCLUSIONS: MRI of the shoulder demonstrated an accuracy of 82 % for the diagnosis of subscapularis tears. The accuracy values for partial and full-thickness tears were 79 and 89 %, respectively. LEVEL DE EVIDENCE: III, development of diagnostic criteria with universally applied reference-nonconsecutive patients.

Serial structural MRI evaluation of arthroscopy rotator cuff repair: does Sugaya's classification correlate with the postoperative clinical outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Sugaya's classification is the most commonly used for postoperative evaluation of rotator cuff repairs. However, the correlation between this classification and clinical outcomes after supraspinatus tendon repair were not performed with serial MRI examinations in standardized time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective case series involved 54 patients undergoing repair of the supraspinatus tendon tear. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 1.5 T) was used to determine the Sugaya's classifications at 3, 6, and 12 months, and these data were correlated with the visual analog scale for pain (VAS), Constant and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) assessments. RESULTS: Patients with types I, II, and ≥III of Sugaya's classification experienced pain of 1.27 ± 1.95, 1.00 ± 1.40, and 3.43 ± 3.36, respectively (p = 0.010), according to the VAS. The Constant and UCLA scales did not differ significantly. Type II predominated, though their percentage decreased over time (from 77.8 to 66.7 %), whereas type I became more frequent (from 1.9 to 20.4 %). CONCLUSIONS: The pain was more intense in patients classified as types III, IV, or V of Sugaya's classification. The postoperative appearance of the supraspinatus tendon was not correlated with the Constant and UCLA scales. The occurrence of type II, the most prevalent, decreased over time, whereas the occurrence of type I increased; these differences were not significant. Level de evidence: prospective cohort evaluation-level III.

Full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears: correlation of findings by arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to correlate measurements of the width and retraction of isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with measurements recorded by arthroscopy using a continuous millimetre scale. METHODS: A total of 53 individuals with isolated supraspinatus tears and retraction < 30 mm underwent arthroscopy at our centre. Tear width and retraction measured by arthroscopy (reference standard) and MRI (index test) on a continuous millimetre scale were compared. All measurements were performed by a single radiologist blinded to intra-operative findings and one surgeon who had previous access to MRI results. RESULTS: The average tear retraction was 12.60 ± 4.89 mm by arthroscopy and 16.81 ± 6.29 mm by MRI. Those measures exhibited moderate correlation (r = 0.643, p < 0.001) and an average difference of 4.21 mm (p < 0.001). Average tear width was 12.87 ± 4.15 mm by arthroscopy and 14.19 ± 5.20 by MRI. Those measures exhibited moderate correlation (r = 0.526, p < 0.001) and an average difference of 1.32 mm, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.109). CONCLUSION: Measures of retraction and width obtained by MRI and arthroscopy exhibited moderate correlation in small- or medium-sized supraspinatus tears.

Kager's fat pad inflammation associated with HIV infection and AIDS: MRI findings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Kager's fat pad inflammation in HIV-positive patients with lipodystrophy due to protease inhibitor treatment and posterior ankle pain. METHODS: A case-control, cross-sectional study; group 1 included 14 HIV-positive patients using protease inhibitors, presenting lipodystrophy syndrome and having posterior ankle pain; group 2 (CGHIV-) included 112 HIV-negative patients without lipodystrophy syndrome who were being evaluated for posterior ankle pain; group 3 (CGHIV + 1) included 23 HIV-positive patients not using a protease inhibitor, without lipodystrophy syndrome and with posterior ankle pain; group 4 (CGHIV + 2) comprised 18 HIV-positive patients who were being treated with a protease inhibitor and had lipodystrophy syndrome but did not have posterior ankle pain. Images were evaluated for the presence of edema by two radiologists who were blinded to clinical features. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate differences among the groups. Interobserver variation was tested using Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic. RESULTS: The presence of edema within Kager's fat pad was strongly associated with symptoms in HIV-positive patients who had lipodystrophy (p ≤ 0.0001). Concordance between observers was excellent (κ > 0.9). CONCLUSION: MRI findings of Kager's fat pad inflammation related to HIV/AIDS is a source of symptoms in HIV patients with posterior ankle pain using protease inhibitors and having lipodystrophy syndrome.

MRI evaluation of the anterolateral ligament of the knee: assessment in routine 1.5-T scans.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the ability of routine 1.5-T MRI scans to visualize the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and describe its path and anatomic relations with lateral knee structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine 1.5-T MRI scans of the knee were evaluated. The scans included an MRI knee protocol with T1-weighted sequences, T2-weighted sequences with fat saturation, and proton density (PD)-weighted fast spin-echo sequences. Two radiologists separately reviewed all MRI scans to evaluate interobserver reliability. The ALL was divided into three portions for analyses: femoral, meniscal, and tibial. The path of the ALL was evaluated with regard to known structural parameters previously studied in this region. RESULTS: At least a portion of the ALL was visualized in 38 (97.8%) cases. The meniscal portion was most visualized (94.8%), followed by the femoral (89.7%) and the tibial (79.4%) portions. The three portions of the ALL were visualized in 28 (71.7%) patients. The ALL was characterized with greater clarity on the coronal plane and was visualized as a thin, linear structure. The T1-weighted sequences showed a statistically inferior ligament visibility frequency. With regard to the T2 and PD evaluations, although the visualization frequency in PD was higher for the three portions of the ligament, only the femoral portion showed significant values. CONCLUSION: The ALL can be visualized in routine 1.5-T MRI scans. Although some of the ligament could be depicted in nearly all of the scans (97.4%), it could only be observed in its entirety in about 71.7% of the tests.

Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in an Acute-on-Chronic Rectus Femoris Injury of a Professional Soccer Player: A Case Report.

This is the case of an 18-year-old male professional soccer player, an attacking midfielder, who presented acute-onset pain in his right thigh during a training match but continued playing and training until the end of the session. Two weeks after the initial symptoms, the athlete's pain increased after kicking the ball and stopping training. He came for consultation a week later with tenderness in his right thigh and impaired gait. A 3 â€‹cm gap in his right mid-quadriceps muscle and tenderness during resisted knee extension and leg raises with no hip or knee range of motion limitations were observed on physical examination. He was scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after the consultation, revealing an acute-on-chronic type 2A lateral muscle tear of the distal rectus femoris. A 2 â€‹ml seroma aspiration was performed five weeks after the initial injury with a subsequent intra-lesional 1 â€‹ml liquid leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) injection using intermittent ultrasound guidance within 5 â€‹min after preparation. The LR-PRP preparation was classified as 3 14-1 3-0 0 according to the Universal Coding System (UCS) by Kon et al. Nine physiotherapy sessions, including an initial assessment, were conducted over five weeks. The rehabilitation started with pulley exercises with hip flexion, tension arch, leg extension, and squatting with supporting exercises for core and hip strength, with a gradual increase in loading. As the player's symptoms improved, he started doing eccentric exercises such as the reverse Nordics and leg extension. He also followed a running program, gradually increasing speed to a full sprint without pain or irritation. The return-to-sports clearance consultation was conducted seven weeks after the injury, previously confirming satisfactory healing on an MRI. The patient was cleared after passing the Rehabilitation Department battery tests and physical examination. The patient was asymptomatic and had no complaints despite his right quadriceps gap, returning to competition nine weeks after injury. After a one-year follow-up, the patient remains playing at a competitive level, asymptomatic, with no reported reinjury. Adequate reporting of rehabilitation programs and PRP injection characterization is crucial for future research quality improvement and reproducibility.

Where is tibial edema located in cases of osteomeniscal impingement?

Objective: To characterize the location of tibial edema related to meniscal degeneration with a flap displaced into the meniscotibial recess (osteomeniscal impingement) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: We evaluated 40 MRI examinations of patients submitted to surgery due to inferior displacement of a meniscal flap tear into the meniscotibial recess and peripheral bone edema. Tibial edema was quantified in the coronal and axial planes. Results: On coronal MRI sequences, edema started in the tibial periphery and extended for a mean of 5.6 ± 1.4 mm, or 7.4 ± 2.1% of the tibial plateau. In the craniocaudal direction, the mean extension was 8.8 ± 2.9 mm. The mean ratio between the extent of craniocaudal and mediolateral edema was 1.6 ± 0.6. In the axial plane, the edema started in the medial periphery and extended for a mean of 6.2 ± 2.0 mm, or 8.2 ± 2.9% of the tibial plateau. In the anteroposterior measurement, the mean start and end of the edema was 21.4 ± 5.4 mm and 35.7 ± 5.7 mm, respectively, or 43.4 ± 10.2% and 72.8 ± 11.1% of the tibial plateau. Conclusion: Apparently, tibial edema resulting from osteomeniscal impingement always starts in the periphery of the meniscus. In the coronal plane, it appears to be more extensive in the craniocaudal direction than in the mediolateral direction. In the axial plane, we found it to extend, on average, approximately 6.2 mm in the mediolateral direction and to be most commonly located from the center to the posterior region of the medial tibial plateau.

Objetivo: Caracterizar a localização do edema ósseo tibial relacionado a lesão meniscal degenerativa com fragmento deslocado no recesso meniscotibial (impacto osteomeniscal) por meio de ressonância magnética (RM). Materiais e Métodos: Quarenta RMs de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia por fragmento deslocado do menisco medial no recesso meniscotibial e edema ósseo periférico foram avaliadas. Edema ósseo tibial foi quantificado nos planos coronal e axial. Resultados: No plano coronal, o edema iniciou-se na periferia tibial e estendeu-se por 5,6 ± 1,4 mm, ou 7,4 ± 2,1% do platô. Na direção craniocaudal, o edema estendeu-se em média 8,8 ± 2,9 mm. A média entre a extensão do edema craniocaudal e mediolateral foi 1,6 ± 0,6. No plano axial, o edema iniciou-se na periferia medial e estendeu-se por 6,2 ± 2,0 mm, ou 8,2 ± 2,9% da medida da tíbia. Na medida anteroposterior, o edema iniciou-se em 21,4 ± 5,4 mm e terminou em 35,7 ± 5,7 mm ou iniciou-se em 43,4 ± 10,2% e terminou em 72,8 ± 11,1% do platô tibial. Conclusão: O edema ósseo tibial relacionado aos casos de impacto osteomeniscal sempre se inicia na periferia do menisco. Ele é mais extenso na direção craniocaudal do que mediolateral no plano coronal. No plano axial, ele estende-se por 6,2 mm de medial a lateral e é mais frequentemente localizado no centro da região posterior do platô medial.