Scaphotrapezial ligament: normal arthro-CT and arthro-MRI appearance with anatomical and clinical correlation.

The purpose of our study was to demonstrate and describe the MR and arthro-CT anatomic appearance of the scaphotrapezial ligament and illustrate some of the pathologies involving this structure. This ligament consists of two slips that originate from the radiopalmar aspect of the scaphoid tuberosity and extend distally, forming a V shape. The ulnar fibers, which are just radial to the flexor carpi radialis sheath, inserted along the trapezial ridge. The radial fibers were found to be thinner and inserted at the radial aspect of the trapezium. Twelve fresh cadaver wrists were dissected, with close attention paid to the scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal (STT) joint. An osseoligamentous specimen was dissected with removal of all musculotendinous structures around the STT joint and was performed with high-resolution acquisition in a 128-MDCT scanner. Samples of the wrist area were collected from two fetal specimens. A retrospective study of 55 patients with wrist pain that were submitted to arthrography, arthro-CT, and arthro-MRI imaging was performed (10 patients on a 3-T superconducting magnet and 45 patients on a 1.5-T system). Another ten patients had high-resolution images on a 3-T superconducting magnet without arthrographic injection. MR arthrography and arthro-CT improved visualization and provided detailed information about the anatomy of the scaphotrapezial ligament. Knowledge of the appearance of this normal ligament on MRI allows accurate diagnosis of lesions and will aid when surgery is indicated or may have a role in avoiding unnecessary immobilization.

[How to read radiography of the traumatic spine?]. / Comment interpréter les radiographies du rachis traumatique en urgence?

In this paper, the imaging features of traumatic injuries of the spine in an emergency department will be reviewed. Three themes are discussed. 1) Review of current indications for additional imaging work-up. Conventional radiographs are not always mandatory, especially at the cervical level since validated criteria are available from the literature. The low sensitivity of conventional radiographs often requires additional imaging by CT (bone lesions) or MRI (disk and ligamentous lesions). The degree of urgency in scheduling these different examinations will be defined by the clinical setting and risk level (low/intermediate/high) of the injury. 2) Review of imaging features associated with stable and unstable lesions. The analysis of conventional radiographs is based on biomechanical concepts. The features of the main lesions will be illustrated by clinical cases and diagrams. 3) Review of key points that must urgently be transmitted to clinicians. The preliminary radiology report is an essential document for the management of patients with traumatic injury to the spine. It will have an impact on the type of immediate management (medical, orthopedic or surgical). A final report validating the initial interpretation should, of course, soon follow.

[Imaging of traumatic injuries of the hip]. / Imagerie des traumatismes de la hanche.

Traumatic injuries of the hip, mostly fractures of the proximal femur, are in constant progression. Though morbidity has decreased due to improved surgical and anesthesiologic techniques and postsurgical rehabilitation, mortality from hip fractures remains significant. Radiographs of the hip remain helpful, but MDCT and MRI have become indispensable tools. Findings on imaging studies must be well characterized to ensure rapid and cost-effective management. Difficult or cases with imaging features that are difficult to interpret or misleading will be presented to avoid incorrect interpretations that could lead to inadequate management of patients.

[Imaging work-up for recent spinal trauma]. / Le bilan d'imagerie dans les traumatismes récents du rachis.

We focus on the current role of the different imaging techniques used for the work-up of recent spinal trauma. We detail the different imaging modalities and discuss their respective strengths and weaknesses. We summarize the scope of lesions involved, including bony, ligamentous, vascular and nervous injuries. The review ends with proposed diagnostic strategies based on these different elements.

Intra- and inter-observer agreement in MRI assessment of rotator cuff healing using the Sugaya classification 10years after surgery.

BACKGROUND: The long-term outcomes of rotator cuff repair are unclear. Recurrent tears are common, although their reported frequency varies depending on the type and interpretation challenges of the imaging method used. The primary objective of this study was to assess the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of the MRI assessment of rotator cuff repair using the Sugaya classification 10years after surgery. The secondary objective was to determine whether poor reproducibility, if found, could be improved by using a simplified yet clinically relevant classification. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that reproducibility was limited but could be improved by simplifying the classification. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In a retrospective study, we assessed intra- and inter-observer agreement in interpreting 49 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed 10years after rotator cuff repair. These 49 scans were taken at random among 609 cases that underwent re-evaluation, with imaging, for the 2015 SoFCOT symposium on 10-year and 20-year clinical and anatomical outcomes of rotator cuff repair for full-thickness tears. Each of three observers read each of the 49 scans on two separate occasions. At each reading, they assessed the supra-spinatus tendon according to the Sugaya classification in five types. RESULTS: Intra-observer agreement for the Sugaya type was substantial (κ=0.64) but inter-observer agreement was only fair (κ=0.39). Agreement improved when the five Sugaya types were collapsed into two categories (1-2-3 and 4-5) (intra-observer κ=0.74 and inter-observer κ=0.68). CONCLUSION: Using the Sugaya classification to assess post-operative rotator cuff healing was associated with substantial intra-observer and fair inter-observer agreement. A simpler classification into two categories improved agreement while remaining clinically relevant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective randomised low-power study.

Pelvic, acetabular and hip fractures: What the surgeon should expect from the radiologist.

Pelvic ring fractures when caused by trauma, either violent or in demineralized bone, generally consist of injuries in both the anterior (pubic symphysis and rami) and posterior (iliac wing, sacrum, sacroiliac joint) portions. Injury classifications are based on injury mechanism and pelvic stability, and are used to determine treatment. Acetabular fractures, associated or not to pelvic ring disruption, are classified on the basis of fracture line, into elementary fractures of the acetabular walls, columns and roof, and into complex fractures. Fractures of the proximal end of the femur occur often on demineralized bone following low-energy trauma. The fractures are categorized by anatomic location (neck, trochanter and subtrochanteric region) and degree of displacement. These variables determine the risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, which is the main complication of such fractures.

[MR tomography of aneurysmal bone cyst]. / MRT der aneurysmalen Knochenzyste.

The preoperative findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in six histology-proven aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are examined and compared with previous publications concerning MRI of ABC. The signal intensities differ considerably, and not all of our cases conform with the literature data. They can be summarised in three different subheadings: one form that is very inhomogeneous in T1- and T2-weighting, with fluid-fluid levels in the cystic spaces; one intermediate form without fluid-fluid levels, which is inhomogeneous only in T2-weighted images; and finally, an unusual form of ABC that has homogeneous low signal both in T1- and T2-weighting, and which has not been described in literature so far.

CT and MRI of suprasellar lesions.

The authors report their experience of CT and MRI imaging in the study of suprasellar pathologies. The problems concerning the differential diagnosis between meningioma developed in the suprasellar region and pituitary tumour with suprasellar extension are discussed and illustrated; the demonstration of bone abnormalities (blistering, hyperostosis) is particularly useful for the diagnosis of presellar meningioma. The CT and MRI features of craniopharyngioma are compared; CT, of course, is more reliable than MRI in detecting calcifications; with both methods it may be difficult to visualize the cystic components. Glioma of the chiasma is readily diagnosed by MRI, provided the tumour is not too large. Non-thrombosed suprasellar aneurysms have typical features at CT and MRI. Cystic lesions are easily identified by MRI. The CT and MRI images of inflammatory lesions are not very typical.

[An indirect sign of cervical disc hernia: angulation of the alignment of the spinal apophyses in the frontal plane (author's transl)]. / Un signe indirect de hernie discale cervicale. L'angulation de l'alignement des apophyses épineuses dans le plan frontal.

An indirect sign of cervical disc hernia is described, consisting of angulation of the alignment of the spinal apophyses of the cervical vertebrae above the site of the hernia in relation to the alignment of those of the vertebrae situated below the lesion.

[Axial osteomalacia. Comparative analysis with fibrogenesis imperfecta ossium (author's transl)]. / L'ostéomalacie axiale. Analyse comparée avec la fibrogénèse imparfaite.

Axial osteomalacia is an infrequent osseous disease, etiopathogeny of which is yet unknown. The authors report three cases of such affection and two cases of fibrogenesis imperfecta ossium. They stress the clinical, biological and radiological specific signs of these diseases. Biopsy is necessary for diagnose some doubtful cases, especially in order to exclude other causes of osteomalacia as fibrogenesis imperfecta ossium. The latter osteopathy which frequency may be underestimated has often similar radiological data.

[Radiological aspects of cerebral and spinal cysticercosis. Apropos of 2 cases]. / Aspects radiologiques de la cysticercose cérébrale et rachidienne. A propos de 2 observations.

Two cases of neurocysticercosis are reported, one cerebral and the other spinal. Results of radiologic imaging of this affection, a rare parasitosis in occidental Europe, are discussed with emphasis on computed tomography findings. In fact, when perfect conditions can be established the CT scan provides data confirming the diagnosis of cerebral cysticercosis in most cases. However, this scan is insufficient for investigation of ventricular or cisternal forms when gas or positive contrast is sometimes necessary for visualization of parasitic cysts. Radiologic diagnosis of extra- and intra-medullary forms is based an myelography with water-soluble contrast completed by a scan.

[Head and brain injuries. Place of imaging]. / Traumatismes cranioencéphaliques. Place de l'imagerie.

This article considers the various mechanisms of brain injury and specifies the most efficient radiologic technique for assessing patients, depending on clinical presentation. The brain injuries include either extracerebral and intracerebral lesions. The former require rapid diagnosis and therapy and the latter determine management in an intensive therapy, unit and outcome. Standard X-rays are obsolete. The CT, rapidly performed, is the most relevant imaging procedure for surgical lesions. Cortical contusions and diffuse axonal injuries are underestimated by CT and best depicted by MRI. Only late MRI has a strong correlation with neuropsychological outcome. In terms of prognosis, MRI needs to be evaluated. The indications include: a) unstable neurological status: CT; b) moderate head injury: CT may help to decide hospital admission; c) severe head injury: initial CT may be followed by MRI; d) long-term consequences: MRI. Special Indications: a) angio-MRI: suspicion of vascular lesion; b) CT with thin slices and bone window: depressed skull fracture; c) teleradiology (image transfer): to decide a patient transport from a peripheral hospital to a neurosurgical centre. In conclusion, CT remains the first-line examination to detect immediately life-threatening lesions. MRI is the examination of choice for full assessment of brain lesions.

[Massive gas embolism following lung inflation for thoracic tomodensitometry in a multiple trauma patient with lung contusions]. / Embolie gazeuse massive lors d'une insufflation pulmonaire en vue d'une tomodensitométrie thoracique chez un polytraumatisé atteint de contusions pulmonaires.

We report a case of gas embolism into both right and left circulation in a polytrauma patient with lung contusions, revealed by thoracic CT scan showing the heart and aorta filled with gas. It followed a lung inflation with a O2/N2O mixture for about 30 seconds at a pressure of at least 40 cmH2O in order to obtain apnoea for CT scan and to recruit atelectatic territories. The presumed mechanism was the passage of the O2/N2O mixture during the lung inflation manoeuvre out of disrupted airways into torn pulmonary blood vessels and pushed back into the heart chambers. The patient recovered fully. Lung inflation manoeuvre to obtain a prolonged apnoea during CT scan examinations of thorax is contraindicated in case of thorax trauma, as it carries a risk of gas embolism.

[Screw fixation of fractures of the odontoid process]. / Ostéosynthèse par vissage des fractures de l'apophyse odontoïde.

In the year 1981, J. Böhler completed for the first time a screw fixation for unstable fractures of the odontoid process of the axis. This surgical technique preserves the anatomy and the physiology of the articulation between the atlas and the axis, as a guarantee for a good functional recovery. It is not a very difficult technique when performed by a trained surgeon with a very good X-ray image intensification for the per-operative control. We have treated 32 unstable fractures of the odontoid process without any neurological complication per- or post-operatively. We had a follow-up on only 29 cases. In 19 cases the fracture healed in leading to a good bone union, complete mobility and no residual pain. Seven patients complained of residual pain or a limitation in cervical movement, because of the association with other cervical fractures, an age superior of 70 years, or a major initial instability. In 2 cases the authors noted a non-union and a secondary displacement because of technical faults at the beginning of their experience. These good results determined the authors to prefer the direct screw fixation for the unstable fractures of the odontoid process, to the posterior arthrodesis which leads to functional limitations.

[Computed tomographic analysis of humeral retrotorsion and glenoid retroversion]. / Analyse tomodensitométrique de la rétrotorsion humérale et de la rétroversion glénoïdienne.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Analysis of the anatomic relations of the humeral head and the glenoid cavity is particularly important for clinical study of shoulder arthroplasty and glenohumeral instability. Analysis of humeral retroversion and glenoid retroversion is quite difficult and data in the literature are scarse. We conducted a computed tomography (CT) analysis of stable shoulders to detail retroversion of the entire height of the glenoid cavity and to measure humeral retrotorsion using two comparative methods. We also compared glenoid retroversion and humeral retrotorsion observed in individual subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study used a standardized CT analysis method. Both shoulders of 30 persons free of glenohumeral instability were studied. Two methods, described by Dähnert and Bernageau, were used to analyze humeral retrotorsion. The Benageau method was used to analyze glenoid retroversion. RESULTS: According to the Dähnert method, humeral retrotorsion was 10 degrees +/- 13 degrees; it was 24 degrees +/- 13 degrees with the Bernageau method; data dispersion was 60 degrees and 65 degrees respectively. According to the Dähnert method, retrotorsion was more pronounced on the dominant side compared with the non-dominant side. There was a significant correlation between retrotorsion values for the two sides. For 95% of the shoulders, glenoid retorversion decreased progressively from the superior part of the glenoid cavity (12.8 degrees +/- 6.4 degrees ) to the lower part (3.1 degrees +/- 4.4 degrees ). Glenoid retroversion was greater on the dominant side. For 21 of the 30 persons (70%), there was a significant correlation between retroversion for the two sides. Correlation coefficients between glenoid retroversion and humeral retrotorsion were negative. Greater humeral retrotorsion was thus related with less pronounced glenoid retroversion and vice versa. DISCUSSION: This study allowed quantification of glenoid retroversion and humeral retrotorsion. There is a spiral twist in the joint surface of the glenoid cavity with progressive decrease in glenoid retorversion from the upper to the lower part of the cavity for 95% of the shoulders. To our knowledge, this spiral twist in the glenoid cavity is not taken into consideration in any of the currently available implants. The correlation for both parameters between the right and left side is probably determined genetically. The influence of dominance could be explained by adaptation to more or less pronounced stress. The negative correlation between humeral retrotorsion and glenoid retroversion would improve glenohumeral stability. A comparative study with unstable shoulders would be required to verify this hypothesis. The validity of the Dähnert method for assessing humeral retorversion is, in our opinion, insufficiently established. The Bernageau method, which provides a direct measurement, appears to be preferable despite the difficulty in identifying anatomic landmarks.

[Traumatic bilateral rotatory C1-C2 dislocation in an adult: case report and review of the literature]. / Luxation rotatoire bilatérale traumatique C1-C2 de l'adulte: une observation et revue de la littérature.

Trauma led to bilateral rotatory atlantoaxial dislocation in a 23-year-old woman. Clinical diagnosis of this uncommon dislocation of the cervical spin is generally difficult and often made late. Typical signs include pain in the upper cervical spine and a fixed rotated position of the head. Integrity of the transverse ligament of the atlas is a determining factor for atlantoaxial stability and allows orthopedic treatment after reduction using moderate traction on the head. As for most authors, orthopedic was successful in our patient who totally recovered cervical spine mobility without pain.

[High grade osteosarcoma of the lower limb. Complications and results of the treatment of 20 patients]. / Ostéosarcome de haut grade de malignité du membre inférieur. Complications et résultats du traitement de 20 patients.

UNLABELLED: Over 11 years we treated 30 osteosarcomas: 20 of them were high grade non metastatic osteosarcomas of the lower limb, which were treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Rosen T10, or OS 87 protocol of the French Society for Pediatric Oncology). MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 12 males and 8 females; the mean age was 19 years (range 12-51). The site of the tumor was the femoral neck (1 case), femoral diaphysis (2 cases), distal femur (12 cases), proximal tibia (4 cases), distal tibia (1 case), 3 were IIA and 17 IIB according to Enneking system. Conservative treatment was performed in 17 cases: there were 12 knee prostheses, 4 allografts and 1 knee arthrodesis with allograft. RESULTS: a) Surgical complications: Mechanical complications occurred in 10 patients. The function was preserved 8 times. In 2 patients the knee became stiff. An infection occurred in 3 patients: a conservative treatment was possible in 2 of them with a fair result. In the third case, an above-the-knee amputation had to be done. b) Functional results were studied according to Enneking rating. 14 arthroplasties (12 done as first surgical treatment and 2 after mechanical complication) had a 68, 19 score. c) Oncologic results: 8 patients were good respondents and 12 patients were bad respondents to chemotherapy according to Huvos grading. One local relapse was observed which could be treated by mean of a second chemotherapy and a prosthetic reconstruction. The patient is still alive and disease-free at 7 years (9 years after the diagnosis of the osteosarcoma). 5 patients had distant metastasis (lung, bones, and brain). One out of 5 was good respondent and 4 out of 5 are presently dead. Using Kaplan Meier statistical analysis, the overall survival wzs 76.8 per cent and the event-free survival was 67.4 per cent at 80 months. CONCLUSION: We preferred a simple prosthetic reconstruction without osseous sleeve or an intercalary allograft if possible: these procedures allow the patient very rapid autonomy to have despite a prolonged chemotherapy.

[A case of a aggressive giant-cell tumor with multiple bone metastases]. / A propos d'un cas de tumeur à cellules géantes d'évolution rapide avec métastases osseuses multiples.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Giant-cell tumor are known for local recurrence. Metastases are rare (2 p. 100), and generally located in the lung. We present a case with multiple bone metastases and rapid course. MATERIAL, METHODS AND RESULTS: A 45-year-old man presented a 5 cm giant-cell tumor of his right distal tibia and two other localisation in the fifth and sixth cervical vertebral bodies. He underwent a resection of the distal tibia and reconstruction with a controlateral free vascularized fibula. The bodies of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebral were resected and replaced by an iliac crest graft. Other localisations appeared in iliac right crest, in the posterior wall of the cotyle and in the second, third and fourth cervical vertebral bodies. Chemotherapy was administered and clinical signs regressed but eight months later the patient presented a recurrence of his tumor in the distal tibia with new localisation in the left fifth rib, in the right clavicle, in the frontal bone, in right ischio-pubal branch and in the right proximal femur. A new chemotherapy was performed but had little effect and probably hasved dubic death 13 month after the first symptom. DISCUSSION: The present observation is characterised by the large number of localisations (13; the highest number found in the literature was 11 localisations) and by the rapidity of the clinical course. Low grade giant-cell tumors generally give benign metastase with a course lasting several years. The chemotherapy helpt us to slow the progression of the lesions but was unable to prevent the development of new localisation and the recurrence in the distal tibia. More over, its toxicity could have caused the death of the patient. CONCLUSION: We present the case of one patient who presented a giant-cell tumor with unusual presentation: multiple bony metastases with rapidly fatal outcome.

[Diagnostic imaging of the brachial plexus and the cericothoracobrachial outlet]. / Imagerie du plexus brachial et du défilé cervico-thoracobrachial.

Imaging of the brachial plexus and of the thoracic outlet syndrome is difficult due to the complex path of the brachial plexus and the morphological variations during the movements. This imaging includes simple radiographs, computed tomographies (CT) and myelo CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging and echo-Doppler. Pathologies of this area include congenital deformities (dysplasia of the upper RIB or of the clavicle), non-malignant or malignant tumors, muscular pathologies, and pathologies of the nerve roots or trunks.