Automatic analysis of the scapholunate distance using 4DCT imaging: normal values in the healthy wrist.

AIM: Early diagnosis of scapholunate ligament (SLL) injuries is crucial to prevent progression to debilitating osteoarthritis. Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography (4DCT) is a promising dynamic imaging modality for assessing such injuries. Capitalizing on the known correlation between SLL injuries and an increased scapholunate distance (SLD), this study aims to develop a fully automatic approach to evaluate the SLD continuously during wrist motion and to apply it to a dataset of healthy wrists to establish reference values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 healthy wrists were analysed in this study. All subjects performed radioulnar deviation (RUD), flexion-extension (FE), and clenching fist (CF) movements during 4DCT acquisition. A novel, automatic method was developed to continuously compute the SLD at five distinct locations within the scapholunate joint, encompassing a centre, volar, dorsal, proximal, and distal measurement. RESULTS: The developed algorithm successfully processed datasets from all subjects. Our results showed that the SLD remained below 2 mm and exhibited minimal changes (median ranges between 0.3 mm and 0.65 mm) during RUD and CF at all measured locations. During FE, the volar and dorsal SLD changed significantly, with median ranges of 0.90 and 1.27 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study establishes a unique database of normal SLD values in healthy wrists during wrist motion. Our results indicate that, aside from RUD and CF, FE may also be important in assessing wrist kinematics. Given the labour-intensive and time-consuming nature of manual analysis of 4DCT images, the introduction of this automated algorithm enhances the clinical utility of 4DCT in diagnosing dynamic wrist injuries.

Posteromedial Corner Injuries of the Knee: Imaging Findings.

The posteromedial corner (PMC) of the knee is an anatomical region formed by ligamentous structures (medial collateral ligament, posterior oblique ligament, oblique popliteal ligament), the semimembranosus tendon and its expansions, the posteromedial joint capsule, and the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Injuries to the structures of the PMC frequently occur in acute knee trauma in association with other ligamentous or meniscal tears. The correct assessment of PMC injuries is crucial because the deficiency of these supporting structures can lead to anteromedial rotation instability or the failure of cruciate ligaments grafts. This article reviews the anatomy and biomechanics of the PMC to aid radiologists in identifying injuries potentially involving PMC components.

Demystifying the "Dark Side of the Knee": An Update on Imaging of the Posterolateral Corner.

The posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee is a complex anatomical-functional unit that includes ligamentous and tendinous structures that are crucial for joint stability. This review discusses the intricate anatomy, biomechanics, and imaging modalities, as well as the current challenges in diagnosing PLC injuries, with an emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recognizing the normal MRI anatomy is critical in identifying abnormalities and guiding effective treatment strategies. Identification of the smaller structures of the PLC, traditionally difficult to depict on imaging, may not be necessary to diagnose a clinically significant PLC injury. Injuries to the PLC, often associated with cruciate ligament tears, should be promptly identified because failure to recognize them may result in persistent instability, secondary osteoarthritis, and cruciate graft failure.

Bone marrow edema at ligament insertion is an accurate MRI sign of deltoid ligament injury.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is effective in diagnosing deltoid ligament (DL) injury but its sensitivity in chronic cases is low. Additional diagnostic signs are required to reduce the risk of a false negative diagnosis. PURPOSE: To evaluate the added diagnostic value of bone marrow edema at the ligament insertion (BMELI) of DL to the MRI assessment of chronic DL injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred patients who consecutively came to our institution between November 2018 and December 2021 and underwent arthroscopic surgery for chronic ankle instability (CAI) were enrolled in the present study. Preoperative MR images were retrospectively reviewed by two orthopedic surgeons to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and interobserver reliability of three MRI signs in diagnosing chronic DL injury, namely, abnormal ligamentous morphological characteristics (ALMC), BMELI and medial clear space (MCS). RESULTS: Taking arthroscopy as the reference standard, there were 34 patients with and 66 without DL injury. ALMC had 64.71% (22/34; 46.47-79.70) sensitivity and 83.33% (55/66; 71.71-91.00) specificity, BMELI had 70.59% (24/34; 52.33-84.29) sensitivity and 95.45% (63/66; 86.44-98.82) specificity and MCS had 26.47% (9/34; 13.51-44.65) sensitivity and 92.42% (61/66; 82.50-97.18) specificity. Compared with ALMC, BMELI had similar efficacy in superficial cases (P = 0.06) and greater efficacy in deep cases (P = 0.04). All three signs showed good interobserver agreement (kappa values all above 0.7). CONCLUSION: BMELI can reliably indicate concomitant injury to the DL in CAI patients. Using BMELI as a sign of chronic DL injury when ALMC is unclear may reduce the risk of a false negative diagnosis.

Can coracoacromial ligament degeneration be evaluated with preoperative MRI?

BACKGROUND: Subacromial impingement syndrome is one of the most common causes of painful shoulder in the middle-aged and elderly population. Coracoacromial ligament (CAL) degeneration is a well-known indicator for subacromial impingement. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between CAL thickness on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arthroscopic CAL degeneration and types of rotator cuff tears. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Video records of patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively scanned through the hospital information record system. In total, 560 patients were included in this study. Video records of the surgery were used to evaluate the grade of coracoacromial ligament degeneration and the type of cuff tear. Preoperative MRI was used to measure CAL thickness, acromiohumeral distance, critical shoulder angle, acromial index, and acromion angulation. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between grades of CAL degeneration in terms of CAL thickness (P < 0.001). As CAL degeneration increases, the mean of CAL thickness decreases. According to the results of post-hoc analysis, the mean CAL thickness of normal patients was significantly higher than those of patients with full-thickness tears (P = 0.024) and massive tears (P <0.001). Patients with articular-side, bursal-side, and full-thickness tears had significantly higher CAL thickness averages than patients with massive tears. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the CAL thickness decreases on MRI as arthroscopic CAL degeneration increases. High-grade CAL degeneration and therefore subacromial impingement syndrome can be predicted by looking at the CAL thickness in MRI, which is a non-invasive method.

Arthroscopic medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with polyethylene suture combined with medial retinaculum plication for the treatment of acute patellar dislocation in young and middle-aged patients with a follow-up of at least 2 years.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to propose a surgical technique for arthroscopic medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with polyethylene suture combined with medial retinaculum plication and to evaluate the efficacy of this surgical technique in the treatment of acute patellar dislocation. METHODS: Clinical data of patients with acute patellar dislocations treated with arthroscopic MPFL reconstruction with polyethylene tape (FiberTape) combined with medial support band compression were analyzed retrospectively from January 2018 to January 2021. The mean age of the patients was 25.15 ± 4.66 years; the mean follow-up time was 27.5 (24-36) months. Clinical evaluation consisted of apprehension test results, patellar extrapolation test results, Lysholm score, Kujala score, and IKDC score, the Patellar lateral shift distance and patellar tilt angle (PTA) measured by CT scan. RESULTS: All patients had no recurrent patellar dislocation or subluxation after surgery, and the apprehension test was negative. In all patients, the Kujala score (36.0 ± 9.9 vs. 98.2 ± 3.1), the IKDC score (48.6 ± 7.0 vs. 90.6 ± 4.4) and the Lysholm score (32.8 ± 10.4 vs. 96.7 ± 3.1) had improved at the 24-month follow up (P < 0.05). In addition, PTA was significantly lower at the 12-month follow-up and 24-giving-month follow-up compared to the preoperative period (P < 0.05, Table 2). The patellar lateral shift distance decreased from 14.94 ± 6.11 mm preoperatively to 3.00 ± 1.40 mm (12-month follow up) and 3.26 ± 1.37 mm (24-month follow up), respectively. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic MPFL reconstruction with polyethylene suture combined with medial retinaculum plication is a safe and reliable surgical technique for the treatment of acute patellar dislocation in young and middle-aged patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Dynamic assessment of scapholunate ligament status by real-time magnetic resonance imaging: an exploratory clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical-standard MRI is the imaging modality of choice for the wrist, yet limited to static evaluation, thereby potentially missing dynamic instability patterns. We aimed to investigate the clinical benefit of (dynamic) real-time MRI, complemented by automatic analysis, in patients with complete or partial scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Both wrists of ten patients with unilateral SLL tears (six partial, four complete tears) as diagnosed by clinical-standard MRI were imaged during continuous active radioulnar motion using a 1.5-T MRI scanner in combination with a custom-made motion device. Following automatic segmentation of the wrist, the scapholunate and lunotriquetral joint widths were analyzed across the entire range of motion (ROM). Mixed-effects model analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's posthoc test and two-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: With the increasing extent of SLL tear, the scapholunate joint widths in injured wrists were significantly larger over the entire ROM compared to those of the contralateral healthy wrists (p<0.001). Differences between partial and complete tears were most pronounced at 5°-15° ulnar abduction (p<0.001). Motion patterns and trajectories were altered. Complete SLL deficiency resulted in complex alterations of the lunotriquetral joint widths. CONCLUSION: Real-time MRI may improve the functional diagnosis of SLL insufficiency and aid therapeutic decision-making by revealing dynamic forms of dissociative instability within the proximal carpus. Static MRI best differentiates SLL-injured wrists at 5°-15° of ulnar abduction.

Systematic review of artificial intelligence development and evaluation for MRI diagnosis of knee ligament or meniscus tears.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the results of original research studies evaluating the characteristics and performance of deep learning models for detection of knee ligament and meniscus tears on MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed for studies published as of February 2, 2022 for original studies evaluating development and evaluation of deep learning models for MRI diagnosis of knee ligament or meniscus tears. We summarized study details according to multiple criteria including baseline article details, model creation, deep learning details, and model evaluation. RESULTS: 19 studies were included with radiology departments leading the publications in deep learning development and implementation for detecting knee injuries via MRI. Among the studies, there was a lack of standard reporting and inconsistently described development details. However, all included studies reported consistently high model performance that significantly supplemented human reader performance. CONCLUSION: From our review, we found radiology departments have been leading deep learning development for injury detection on knee MRIs. Although studies inconsistently described DL model development details, all reported high model performance, indicating great promise for DL in knee MRI analysis.

MRI of patellar stabilizers: Anatomic visibility, inter-reader reliability, and intra-reader reproducibility of primary and secondary ligament anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare MRI features of medial and lateral patellar stabilizers in patients with and without patellar instability. METHODS: Retrospective study of 196 patients (mean age, 33.1 ± 18.5 years; 119 women) after diagnosis of patellar instability (cohort-1, acute patellar dislocation; cohort-2, chronic patellar maltracking) or no patellar instability (cohort-3, acute ACL rupture; cohort-4, chronic medial meniscus tear). On MRI, four medial and four lateral stabilizers were evaluated for visibility and injury by three readers independently. Inter- and intra-reader agreement was determined. RESULTS: Medial and lateral patellofemoral ligaments (MPFL and LPFL) were mostly or fully visualized in all cases (100%). Of the secondary patellar stabilizers, the medial patellotibial ligament was mostly or fully visualized in 166 cases (84.7%). Other secondary stabilizers were mostly or fully visualized in only a minority of cases (range, 0.5-32.1%). Injury scores for all four medial stabilizers were higher in patients with acute patellar dislocation than the other 3 cohorts (p < .05). Visibility inter- and intra-reader agreement was good for medial stabilizers (κ 0.61-0.78) and moderate-to-good for lateral stabilizers (κ 0.40-0.72). Injury inter- and intra-reader agreement was moderate-to-excellent for medial stabilizers (κ 0.43-0.90) and poor-to-moderate for lateral stabilizers (κ 0-0.50). CONCLUSION: The MPFL and LPFL were well visualized on MRI while the secondary stabilizers were less frequently visualized. The secondary stabilizers were more frequently visualized medially than laterally, and patellotibial ligaments were more frequently visualized compared to the other secondary stabilizers. Injury to the medial stabilizers was more common with acute patellar dislocation than with chronic patellar maltracking or other knee injuries.

MR imaging after patellar MACI and MPFL reconstruction: a comparison of isolated versus combined procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the 2.5-year MRI outcome after Matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) at the patella, reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), and combined procedures. METHODS: In 66 consecutive patients (age 22.8 ± 6.4years) with MACI at the patella (n = 16), MPFL reconstruction (MPFL; n = 31), or combined procedures (n = 19) 3T MRI was performed 2.5 years after surgery. For morphological MRI evaluation WORMS and MOCART scores were obtained. In addition quantitative cartilage T2 and T1rho relaxation times were acquired. Several clinical scores were obtained. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney-U-tests and Pearson correlations. RESULTS: WORMS scores at follow-up (FU) were significantly worse after combined procedures (8.7 ± 4.9) than after isolated MACI (4.3 ± 3.6, P = 0.005) and after isolated MPFL reconstruction (5.3 ± 5.7, P = 0.004). Bone marrow edema at the patella in the combined group was the only (non-significantly) worsening WORMS parameter from pre- to postoperatively. MOCART scores were significantly worse in the combined group than in the isolated MACI group (57 ± 3 vs 88 ± 9, P < 0.001). Perfect defect filling was achieved in 26% and 69% of cases in the combined and MACI group, respectively (P = 0.031). Global and patellar T2 values were higher in the combined group (Global T2: 34.0 ± 2.8ms) and MACI group (35.5 ± 3.1ms) as compared to the MPFL group (31.1 ± 3.2ms, P < 0.05). T2 values correlated significantly with clinical scores (P < 0.005). Clinical Cincinnati scores were significantly worse in the combined group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After combined surgery with patellar MACI and MPFL reconstruction inferior MRI outcomes were observed than after isolated procedures. Therefore, patients with need for combined surgery may be at particular risk for osteoarthritis.

Medial Patellofemoral Complex Reconstruction (Combined Reconstruction of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament and Medial Quadriceps Tendon-Femoral Ligament) With Semitendinosus Autograft Resulted in Similar Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes to Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Treating Recurrent Patellar Dislocation.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL-R) and medial patellofemoral complex reconstruction (MPFC-R) for recurrent patellar dislocation. Outcome measures were compared based on the Insall-Salvati index. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with recurrent patellar dislocation and underwent either MPFL-R or MPFC-R (combined reconstruction of MPFL and medial quadriceps tendon-femoral ligament) were retrospectively analyzed. Group allocation was based on surgical procedure and patient characteristics were collected. Clinical assessments included patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and return-to-sports rates. Minimal clinically important difference analysis was performed. A subgroup analysis of PROMs was carried out between patients with an Insall-Salvati index ≤1.2 versus >1.2. The patellar tilt angle, lateral patellar displacement, and bisect offset ratio were measured pre- and postsurgery. Functional failures and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 70 patients (72 knees) in the MPFL-R group and 58 patients (61 knees) in the MPFC-R group were included. Patient characteristics were comparable between the groups. At a minimum follow-up of 24 (mean, 50.6 ± 22.1) months, all PROMs were substantially improved (P < .001), without significant intergroup differences. The percentages of patients reaching the minimal clinically important difference were similar after MPFL-R and MPFC-R: 98.6% versus 93.4% (International Knee Documentation Committee), 97.2% versus 98.4% (Lysholm), 98.6% versus 100% (Kujala), and 77.8% versus 72.1% (Tegner). The subgroup analysis based on patellar height and the return-to-sport rates also suggested comparable results. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated significantly smaller lateral patellar displacements (P = .004) and bisect offset ratios (P < .001) but similar patellar tilt angles after MPFC-R. Four (5.6%) patients receiving MPFL-R and 2 (3.3%) patients receiving MPFC-R reported recurrence of functional instability, without statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: MPFC-R resulted in similar overall clinical and radiographic outcomes to MPFL-R in treating recurrent patellar dislocation. MPFC-R might not provide additional benefits for patients with an Insall-Salvati index >1.2. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic, retrospective cohort study.

Editorial Commentary: Proper Femoral Tunnel Placement for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Requires Optimal Radiographic Technique.

Femoral tunnel malposition has been shown to be a risk factor for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction failure. Palpation of the "saddle point" between the adductor tubercle and medial epicondyle can be an effective strategy; however, compared to using fluoroscopy, tunnel placement using palpation alone may result in significantly more frequent malposition. Accordingly, use of radiographic landmarks has gained in popularity. However, the technique is not without its pitfalls. The first issue lies with obtaining an adequate x-ray. Deviation from a true lateral x-ray by as little as 5° can result in significant tunnel malposition. Including sufficient visible femoral shaft is also required; a minimum requirement is 4 cm. The literature widely varies as to the anatomic, fluoroscopic position. Schottle's point (1.3 mm anterior to the posterior cortical extension line) is the most well studied.

One-Year Outcomes of the Anatomical Front and Back Reconstruction for Scapholunate Dissociation.

PURPOSE: Anatomical front and back (ANAFAB) reconstruction addresses the critical volar and dorsal ligaments associated with scapholunate dissociation. We hypothesized that patients with symptomatic, chronic, late-stage scapholunate dissociation would demonstrate improvements in all radiographic parameters and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after ANAFAB reconstruction. METHODS: From 2018 to 2021, 21 ANAFAB reconstructions performed by a single surgeon were followed prospectively, with 20 patients having a minimum follow-up of 12 months. In total, 17 men and four women were included, with an average age of 49 years. Three patients had modified Garcia-Elias stage 3 disease, eight stage 4, seven stage 5, and three stage 7. ANAFAB reconstruction of intrinsic and extrinsic ligament stabilizers was performed using a hybrid synthetic tape/tendon graft in a transosseous reconstruction. Pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters, grip, pinch strength, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, PROMIS Upper Extremity Function, and PROMIS Pain Interference outcome measures were compared. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 17.9 months (range: 12-38). Radiographic parameters were improved at follow-up, including the following: scapholunate angle (mean 75.3° preoperatively to 69.2°), scapholunate gap (5.9-4.2 mm), dorsal scaphoid translation (1.2-0.2 mm), and radiolunate angle (13.5° to 1.8°). Mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores for pain and function decreased from 40.6 before surgery to 10.4. We were unable to detect a significant difference in grip or pinch strength or radioscaphoid angle with the numbers tested. There were two minor complications, and two complications required re-operations, one patient who was converted to a proximal row carpectomy for failure of fixation, and one who required tenolysis/arthrolysis for arthrofibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: At 17.9-month average follow-up, radiographic and patient-reported outcome parameters improved after reconstruction of the critical dorsal and volar ligament stabilizers of the proximal carpal row with the ANAFAB technique. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament through a double bundle of a single patellar tract and quadriceps tendons combined with medial displacement of lateral hemi-tibial tuberosity for treating low-grade recurrent patella dislocation.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and imaging results of reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament through a double bundle of single patellar tract and quadriceps tendons combined with medial displacement of lateral hemi-tibial tuberosity for treating low-grade recurrent patella dislocation. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with recurrent patellar dislocation, including ten males and 13 females, with 23 knee joints were enrolled according to the relevant criteria. Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament was performed through a double bundle of a single patellar tract and quadriceps tendons combined with medial displacement of lateral hemi-tibial tuberosity. Knee function was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and Kujala score at pre- and postoperative stages. Patellar stability was assessed by CT scans measuring tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, lateral patella displacement (LPD), congruence angle (CA), and patellar tilt angle (PTA). RESULTS: All 23 patients were effectively followed up for 13-28 months (mean: 21.91 ± 4.14 months). At the last follow-up, the postoperative VAS score, IKDC score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and Kujala score of 23 patients were 1.13 ± 0.82, 87.35 ± 3.17, 90.22 ± 1.28, 4.35 ± 0.65, and 89.26 ± 1.96, respectively, as compared to the preoperative values of 5.91 ± 1.13, 30.96 ± 5.09, 30.30 ± 2.98, 1.26 ± 0.62, and 27.87 ± 3.46, respectively, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). At the last follow-up, the postoperative TT-TG, LPD, CA, and PTA values of the 23 patients were 8.80 ± 1.85 mm, 6.01 ± 1.77 mm, 11.32 ± 6.18°, and 9.35 ± 2.88°, respectively, compared to the preoperative values of 18.77 ± 1.74 mm, 14.90 ± 4.07 mm, 37.82 ± 5.71°, and 23.58 ± 3.24°, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). No relevant complications were observed in the 23 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament through a double bundle of a single patellar tract and quadriceps tendons combined with medial displacement of lateral hemi-tibial tuberosity for treating low-grade recurrent patella dislocation showed satisfactory medium-term efficacy, and further investigations are required to confirm the long-term efficacy of this approach.

Radiographic evaluation of radial flexion osteotomy effect on static scapholunate instability: a preliminary cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal treatment of chronic scapholunate instability has yet to be established. Scapholunate ligament grafts are still far from being the ideal solution. We conducted an experimental study to evaluate whether flexion-opening wedge osteotomy of the distal radius improves misalignment and avoids rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid in a cadaveric model of static scapholunate dissociative instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic studies were performed on 15 cryopreserved specimens after recreating a model of scapholunate instability by division of the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) and secondary stabilizers, taking radiographs at baseline, after the instability model, and after distal radius osteotomy. Static and dynamic (under controlled tendon traction) anteroposterior and lateral views were obtained to measure the length (in mm) of the carpal scaphoid and scapholunate interval, scapholunate angle, radio-lunate angle, and palmar tilt of the distal joint surface of the radius and to measure the dorsal scaphoid translation by the concentric circles method. The Wilcoxon test was used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: The scapholunate interval was significantly decreased after osteotomy in all static anteroposterior views and in all lateral views under tendon traction. Dorsal scaphoid translation was significantly reduced in static lateral view in extension and in dynamic lateral view under 5-pound flexor carpi radialis tendon tension controlled by a digital dynamometer. CONCLUSIONS: Flexion-addition osteotomy of the distal radius appears to improve carpal alignment parameters in a cadaveric model of static scapholunate instability, achieving similar values to those obtained before instability.

Does ponticulus posticus affect vertebral artery diameter.

PURPOSE: Ponticulus Posticus, atlantooccipital ligament ossification-induced anomaly, surrounds the vertebral artery and the first cervical nerve root. It is believed to wrap around the first cervical nerve root and the vertebral artery, causing compression. We hypothesized that it would also reduce the diameter of the vertebral artery. METHODS: Between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, cervical spine CT scans taken for any reason were retrospectively reviewed. The images of 1365 patients suitable for evaluation were evaluated by two expert radiologists in 3 dimensions. Among patients with PP, those who underwent cervical angiography were identified for vertebral artery diameter measurement. RESULTS: The average age of the 1365 individuals included in the study (732 males, 633 females) was 55.78 (± 18.85) with an age range of 1-96. Among this group, PP was detected in 288 individuals, resulting in a total prevalence of 21.1%. Right and left vertebral artery diameters were significantly lower in patients with complete PP compared to the absent group (p < 0,001, p < 0,001, respectively). Additionally, it was observed that width and height diameters and artery diameters were positively correlated in patients with Complete PP. CONCLUSIONS: Ponticulus posticus can cause vertebrobasilar insufficiency by reducing the diameter of the vertebral artery. Therefore, imaging and detailed evaluation of this region are important in symptomatic patients.

Functional and MRI results after a 7.5 year follow-up of 35 single-stage ACL and PCL reconstructions using gracilis and semitendinosus tendon grafts and LARS artificial ligaments.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional and MRI results of 35 patients who underwent bicruciate ligament reconstruction combining an ACL autograft using the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons and double-bundle PCL reconstruction using the LARS artificial ligament. METHODS: The outcomes were measured using the Lysholm score, the Tegner activity level scale and the International Knee Documentation Committee form (IKDC 2000). KT-1000 was used to assess the clinical anterior knee laxity. Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate osteoarthritis, the continuity and integrity of ACL autograft and LARS. RESULTS: This retrospective study examined 35 patients who underwent single-stage bicruciate ligament reconstruction between May 2005 and January 2017 with a follow-up period ranging from 3 to 15 years (a mean of 7.5 years). The mean Lysholm score was 74, mean IKDC 2000 was 71. There was a statistically significant difference with a higher Lysholm score (78.9) in early versus delayed surgical intervention (p = 0.023). Using the Kellgren Lawrence osteoarthritis classification system, radiographic findings showed stage II or III in 83% of the sample population. The MRI results revealed a rupture rate of 22% of the anterior autografted ligament and 28% of the posterior LARS artificial ligament. However, there were no long-term artificial ligament-induced complications. There was no correlation between artificial ligament rupture and poor functional results (Lysholm < 65). CONCLUSION: The results of this study with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years show satisfactory functional scores considering the initial trauma. It seems reasonable to propose early surgical treatment with double reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments within the first 21 days of the trauma. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is inevitable in multi-ligament knee injuries despite anatomical reconstruction. The use of a LARS artificial ligament appears to be a valid alternative for PCL reconstruction in the context of multi-ligament injury and in the absence of sufficient autologous transplants.

Anterolateral ligament MRI of the knee in ACL injuries: MRI abnormalities association with instability.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anterolateral ligament abnormalities (ALL) at MRI scans and correlate with data from clinical instability tests (Lachman and pivot shift) performed under anesthesia in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Furthermore, perform multivariate analysis with other variables to isolate the ALL contribution to instability from other abnormalities. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of MRI and instability tests of 95 patients with ACL tears. The ALL was classified as no abnormality, abnormality without discontinuity, and discontinuity. Injuries in other knee ligament structures and menisci were also assessed. Results of instability tests (pivot shift and Lachman) with the patient anesthetized for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were obtained from the patient database. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS 22. RESULTS: ALL abnormalities and iliotibial band (ITB), lateral (LCL), and medial (MCL) collateral ligament injuries showed a statistically significant correlation with the pivot shift test. The ALL MRI abnormalities were associated with the high-grade pivot shift results (p < 0.0005), with an odds ratio of 55.9 for high degrees of pivot shift in patients with abnormal ALL. The logistic model for all variables analyzed with the results of the pivot shift test demonstrated that the ALL was the only variable with a statistically significant correlation in the model (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: MRI ALL abnormalities in patients with ACL injuries have a significant association with pivot shift test results in patients under anesthesia. The logistic model for high - grade pivot shift test results demonstrated that ALL abnormalities were the only variable with significant correlation. KEY POINTS: • Evaluating the anterolateral ligament with MRI in acute anterior cruciate ligament injuries is useful to predict higher grades of pivot shift test in the moment of the arthroscopic reconstruction. • An abnormal anterolateral ligament presented an odds ratio of 55 for high degrees of pivot shift. • ALL MRI abnormalities association with knee instability is independent from other internal knee injuries.

Imaging of Anatomical Variants Around the Knee.

Several anatomical variants have been described in the knee. These variants may involve intra- and extra-articular structures, such as menisci, ligaments, plicae, bony structures, muscles, and tendons. They have a variable prevalence, are generally asymptomatic, and are usually discovered incidentally in knee magnetic resonance imaging examinations. A thorough knowledge of these findings is essential to avoid overestimating and overinvestigating normal findings. This article reviews most anatomical variants around the knee, describing how to avoid misinterpretation.

Ankle Instability Update.

Sprains are the most frequent injuries of the ankle, especially in sports. Up to 85% of cases affect the lateral ligament complex. Multi-ligament injuries with associated lesions of the external complex, deltoid, syndesmosis, and sinus tarsi ligaments are also common. Most ankle sprains respond to conservative treatment. However, up to 20 to 30% of patients can develop chronic ankle pain and instability.New concepts have been recently developed, based on arthroscopic advances, such as microinstability and rotatory ankle instability. These entities could be precursors of mechanical ankle instability and at the origin of frequently associated ankle injuries, such as peroneus tendon lesions, impingement syndromes, or osteochondral lesions.Imaging methods, especially magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR arthrography, are key in precisely diagnosing ligament lesions and associated injuries, facilitating an adequate therapeutic approach.