Hamstring Injuries: A Paradigm for Return to Play.

Muscle injuries are the most common sports-related injuries, with hamstring involvement most common in professional athletes. These injuries can lead to significant time lost from play and have a high risk of reinjury. We review the anatomy, mechanisms of injury, diagnostic imaging modalities, and treatment techniques for hamstring injuries. We also present the latest evidence related to return to play (RTP) after hamstring injuries, including a review of articles targeted to RTP in European soccer (Union of European Football Associations), American football (National Football League), and other professional sports. Review of imaging findings in hamstring injury, grading systems for injuries, considerations for RTP, as well as advances in injury prevention, are discussed.

Return to Play Following Concussion: Role for Imaging?

This review surveys concussion management, focusing on the use of neuroimaging techniques in return to play (RTP) decisions. Clinical assessments traditionally were the foundation of concussion diagnoses. However, their subjective nature prompted an exploration of neuroimaging modalities to enhance diagnosis and management. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides information about metabolic changes and alterations in the absence of structural abnormalities. Diffusion tensor imaging uncovers microstructural changes in white matter. Functional magnetic resonance imaging assesses neuronal activity to reveal changes in cognitive and sensorimotor functions. Positron emission tomography can assess metabolic disturbances using radiotracers, offering insight into the long-term effects of concussions. Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction screening and eye tracking assess vestibular and oculomotor function. Although these neuroimaging techniques demonstrate promise, continued research and standardization are needed before they can be integrated into the clinical setting. This review emphasizes the potential for neuroimaging in enhancing the accuracy of concussion diagnosis and guiding RTP decisions.

Extensor carpi ulnaris tendon pathology and ulnar styloid bone marrow edema as diagnostic markers of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears on wrist MRI: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon pathology and ulnar styloid process bone marrow edema (BME) as diagnostic MRI markers for peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. METHODS: One hundred thirty-three patients (age range 21-75, 68 females) with wrist 1.5-T MRI and arthroscopy were included in this retrospective case-control study. The presence of TFCC tears (no tear, central perforation, or peripheral tear), ECU pathology (tenosynovitis, tendinosis, tear or subluxation), and BME at the ulnar styloid process were determined on MRI and correlated with arthroscopy. Cross-tabulation with chi-square tests, binary logistic regression with odds ratios (OR), and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were used to describe diagnostic efficacy. RESULTS: On arthroscopy, 46 cases with no TFCC tear, 34 cases with central perforations, and 53 cases with peripheral TFCC tears were identified. ECU pathology was seen in 19.6% (9/46) of patients with no TFCC tears, in 11.8% (4/34) with central perforations and in 84.9% (45/53) with peripheral TFCC tears (p < 0.001); the respective numbers for BME were 21.7% (10/46), 23.5% (8/34), and 88.7% (47/53) (p < 0.001). Binary regression analysis showed additional value from ECU pathology and BME in predicting peripheral TFCC tears. The combined approach with direct MRI evaluation and both ECU pathology and BME yielded a 100% positive predictive value for peripheral TFCC tear as compared to 89% with direct evaluation alone. CONCLUSIONS: ECU pathology and ulnar styloid BME are highly associated with peripheral TFCC tears and can be used as secondary signs to diagnose tears. KEY POINTS: • ECU pathology and ulnar styloid BME are highly associated with peripheral TFCC tears and can be used as secondary signs to confirm the presence of TFCC tears. • If there is a peripheral TFCC tear on direct MRI evaluation and in addition both ECU pathology and BME on MRI, the positive predictive value is 100% that there will be a tear on arthroscopy compared to 89% with direct evaluation alone. • If there is no peripheral TFCC tear on direct evaluation and neither ECU pathology nor BME on MRI, the negative predictive value is 98% that there will be no tear on arthroscopy compared to 94% with direct evaluation alone.

Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee: unicompartmental correlation to meniscal pathology and degree of chondrosis by MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between low- and high-grade subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) and meniscal tear/type/location, severity of meniscal extrusion, grade of chondrosis, and extent of surrounding edema-like marrow signal intensity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our retrospective study included 219 patients with knee pain and SIFK seen on MRI. SIFK lesions were categorized from grade 1 to 4 with a low grade (1 and 2) vs high grade (3 and 4) distinction. Associations between SIFK grade, location, lesion dimensions, edema-like marrow signal intensity, incidence of meniscal tears/type/location, and chondrosis (grade 0 to grade 4), as well as patients' age and weight, were assessed. RESULTS: Our analysis consisted of 115 males and 104 females with 17% of the patients showing grade 1 SIFK, 59% grade 2, 16% grade 3, and 8% grade 4. No chondrosis or low-grade chondrosis was mostly present in patients with low-grade SIFK (68.9%), whereas high-grade chondrosis was mostly present in patients with high-grade SIFK lesions (65.4%) (p < 0.01). Further sub-analysis demonstrated that high-grade SIFK was associated with high-grade chondrosis in the same compartment (p < 0.01) but not in the adjacent compartment. There was a significant difference in the extent of edema-like marrow signal intensity between the two groups, with high-grade SIFK more frequently demonstrating severe edema-like marrow signal intensity compared to low-grade SIFK (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: High-grade SIFK lesions are associated with unicompartmental high-grade chondrosis.

Predicting osteomyelitis in patients whose initial MRI demonstrated bone marrow edema without corresponding T1 signal marrow replacement.

PURPOSE: We endeavored to determine which characteristics of diabetic ulcers portend the strongest risk for osteomyelitis in patients whose initial T1-weighted imaging was normal. By determining which features have a greater risk for osteomyelitis, clinicians can treat patients more aggressively to reduce the sequela of inadequately treated osteomyelitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of MR imaging from 60 pedal ulcers with suspected osteomyelitis. Ulcer dimensions and depth were measured. Ratios of marrow ROI/joint fluid ROI on T2/STIR sequences were obtained. Progression to osteomyelitis on subsequent MRI was characterized by loss of normal marrow signal on T1-weighted images. Statistical analysis was performed with a two-sample t test and Cox proportional hazard model. A p value < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: Sixty MR exams were identified. Thirty-four progressed to osteomyelitis. Marrow ROI/joint fluid ratios averaged 65% in the osteomyelitis group, and 45% in the non-osteomyelitis group, p < 0.001. ROI ratios > 53% had a 6.5-fold increased risk of osteomyelitis, p < 0.001. Proximity to bone averaged 6 mm in the osteomyelitis group and 9 mm in the non-osteomyelitis group, p = 0.02. Ulcer size averaged 4 cm2 in the osteomyelitis group versus 2.4 cm2 in the non-osteomyelitis group, p = 0.07. Ulcers greater than 3 cm2 has a 2-fold increase in the risk of osteomyelitis, p = 0.04. CONCLUSION: Increasing bone marrow ROI signal/joint fluid ratios on T2/STIR images were the strongest risk factors for developing osteomyelitis, while ulcer size and depth are weaker predictors.

MRI of a painful carpal boss: variations at the extensor carpi radialis brevis insertion and imaging findings in regional traumatic and overuse injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To report patterns of MRI findings involving carpal boss and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon insertion in individuals with overuse-related or post-traumatic wrist pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four MRI cases with carpal bossing between December 2006 and June 2015 were analyzed by two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. The following MRI findings were reviewed: type of carpal bossing (bony prominence, partial coalition, os styloideum), insertion of ECRB tendon (to the 3rd metacarpal, to carpal boss or to both), bone marrow edema (BME), insertion site, and tenosynovitis/tendinosis of ECRB tendon. Clinical information on wrist pain was available on 68 patients. RESULTS: Fused carpal bossing was detected in 21%, partial coalition in 35%, and os styloideum in 44% of the cases. Regional BME was observed in 64% of the cases. When BME specifically at the carpal boss was assessed, 78% of stable and 50% of unstable bosses showed BME (p = 0.035). ECRB tendon inserted on a carpal boss in 20%, on the 3rd metacarpal bone in 35%, and on both sites in 45% of the cases. As BME at the carpal boss was assessed, BME was detected at the respective insertion sites in 71%, 35%, and 66% of the cases (p = 0.015). Dorsal wrist pain was associated with BME as 75% of the patients had regional BME in the vicinity of the carpal boss (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A spectrum ranging from complete fusion of a boss to an entirely unfused os styloideum exists with a variable ECRB insertional anatomy. BME at the carpal boss is a consistent MRI finding.

Second opinions in orthopedic oncology imaging: can fellowship training reduce clinically significant discrepancies?

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors that lead to significant discrepancies in second-opinion consultation of orthopedic oncology patients, and particularly if musculoskeletal fellowship training can decrease clinically significant discrepancies. METHODS: A PACS database was queried for secondary reads on outside cross-sectional imaging studies, as requested by orthopedic oncology from 2014 to 2017. Comparison of original and secondary reports was performed using a published seven-point scale that defines clinically significant discrepancies. An online search was performed for each original radiologist to record if a fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging was completed. Additionally, years of post-residency experience, number of Medicare part B patients billed per year (marker of practice volume), and average hierarchical condition category for each radiologist (marker of practice complexity) was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 571 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 184 cases initially interpreted by an outside fellowship trained musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist and 387 cases initially interpreted by a non-MSK trained radiologist. The rate of clinically significant discrepancy was 9.2% when initially interpreted by MSK radiologists compared with 27.9% when initially performed by non-MSK radiologists (p < 0.05). After adjustment by both patient characteristics and radiologist characteristics, the likelihood of clinically significant discrepancies was greater for initial interpretations by non-MSK radiologists compared with MSK radiologists (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.23-2.49). CONCLUSION: In orthopedic oncology patients, the rate of clinically significant discrepancies was significantly higher when initially interpreted by non-MSK radiologists compared with MSK radiologists. The lower rate of clinically significant discrepancies demonstrates that subspecialty training may direct more appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae: significance of local bone marrow edema at the transverse processes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between low back pain and bone marrow edema in lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) transverse processes, and to assess the prevalence of LSTV in a physically active population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with LSTV on coronal MRI studies were identified in a retrospective review by keyword search from PACS. In total, 140 cases were reviewed by two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Data on associated low back pain were collected from patient records at the time of the imaging. RESULTS: Bone marrow edema was observed in 44% of the cases, but no correlation with low back pain was found. On coronal MRI, the prevalence of LSTV was 2.6%, with type II LSTV being the most common subtype. CONCLUSIONS: No correlation with bone marrow edema at the transverse processes of the LSTV and low back pain was observed. In our selected study population, the prevalence of LSTV was low.

Core Muscle Injuries in Athletes.

Lower abdominal and groin injuries are among the most common causes of pain and lost playing time in sports. Perhaps the most important obstacle in understanding these injuries is the lack of consensus on nomenclature. There have been numerous advances in recent years in the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these injuries. The purpose of this review is to provide a general perspective on the current understanding of these injuries and a summary of recent advances.

Analysis of a Steerable Needle for Fine Needle Aspiration and Biopsy: Efficiency and Radiation Dose Compared With a Conventional Straight Needle.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided needle biopsy has proven to be an efficacious method for sampling of many soft tissue lesions, especially deep-seated masses in the abdomen and pelvis. This study sought to test the potential for a novel steerable needle to improve localization and to reduce procedure duration and radiation dose compared with a conventional straight needle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A fresh, raw meat sample (lean bovine flank) was imbedded with cylindrical radiopaque and radiolucent obstacles designed to simulate vessels (radiolucent objects) and bones (radiopaque objects) on CT. A pit-containing olive (partially radiopaque) was imbedded beyond the obstacles to represent the target. Two sites on the surface of the meat were selected and marked to determine initial needle placement. Two radiologists with different levels of experience proceeded to position a straight needle and the steerable needle from each skin site to the target using CT guidance as efficiently as possible, avoiding the obstacles. The total positioning time, the number of CT scans required for positioning, and the number of repositioning events (partial withdrawal followed by advancement) were tracked for the straight and steerable needles. RESULTS: For the straight needle, total time to reach the target was 499 to 667 seconds (mean, 592 seconds); for the steerable needle, total time to reach the target was 281 to 343 seconds (mean, 309 seconds), on average, 48% lower. The number of CT scans needed for needle positioning averaged 6.25 for the straight needle and 3.5 for the steerable needle, which is 44% lower. Repositioning events (withdrawing and readvancing the needle) ranged from 3 to 10 for the straight needle (mean, 6.5) and 0 for the steerable needle. CONCLUSIONS: Using an in vitro model embedded with obstacles, the steerable needle performed better than a straight needle with regard to procedure time, needle repositioning events, and CT scans required for placement.

Growth plate injury at the base of the coracoid: MRI features.

PURPOSE: To assess the MRI features of growth plate injury at the base of the coracoid process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were identified through retrospective search of our department imaging database and teaching files and the teaching files of two outside academic institutions. The coracoid base growth plate was examined with attention to widening, irregularity, abnormal signal intensity of the growth plate, and the presence of adjacent soft tissue edema. The apposing coracoid and scapular bony surfaces were examined for signal intensity and morphology. RESULTS: Shoulder MRIs in eight patients with coracoid base growth plate disturbances were retrospectively reviewed (7 males, 1 female, mean age 15 years). Growth plate injury manifested as widening, irregularity and increased signal, apposing bony marrow edema and hypertrophy, and surrounding soft tissue edema. Five subjects were athletes (football, archery, basketball, swimming, rugby), two had a history of neuromuscular disorders, and one subject presented after a fall. Clinical indications included: rule out labral tear (n = 3), rule out rotator cuff tear or fracture after fall (n = 1), nonspecific pain (n = 1), shoulder subluxation, rule out glenoid pathology (n = 1, patient with underlying neuromuscular disorder), muscular dystrophy with shoulder pain (n = 1), and impingement (n = 1). Coracoid growth plate injury was not suspected clinically in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Awareness of the imaging appearance of coracoid base growth plate injury can aid in a more accurate diagnosis of shoulder MRI studies in young pediatric athletes. While uncommon, coracoid growth plate injury should be considered when assessing children with shoulder symptomatology.

Potential Utility of a Combined Approach with US and MR Arthrography to Image Medial Elbow Pain in Baseball Players.

Purpose To evaluate a combined imaging approach with both ultrasonography (US; conventional US and valgus stress US) and magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in baseball players with medial elbow pain. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained and the requirement for informed consent was waived. The study is compliant with HIPAA. Baseball players with medial elbow pain underwent US in addition to MR arthrography. Findings were assessed with each modality alone and both combined in this retrospective investigation. For the evaluation of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears with stress US, the interval gapping of the medial elbow joint was measured between rest and valgus stress both at the injured and at the uninjured (contralateral) elbow. Surgical or arthroscopic correlation was available as the so-called gold standard. McNemar tests compared the accuracies of the imaging modalities. Results In this study, 144 baseball players had 191 findings of medial elbow pain, including 53 UCL tears. With stress US, joint gapping at the injured elbow greater than 1.0 mm compared with the contralateral elbow yielded a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 96%, 81%, and 87%, respectively, for diagnosing UCL tears. With MR arthrography, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for UCL tears were 81%, 91%, and 88%, respectively, and increased to 96% (P = .013, McNemar test), 99% (P = .023), and 98% (P < .001), respectively, when combined with US to a dual modality MR and US approach. For 31 patients with ulnar neuritis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy increased from 74%, 92%, and 88%, respectively, with MR arthrography alone to 90% (P = .07, McNemar test), 100% (P < .001), and 98% (P < .001) combined with US. For the 59 myotendinous and the 48 osteochondral diagnoses, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy with MR arthrography alone were 93%, 93%, and 93%, and 94%, 98%, and 97%, respectively, with no additional diagnostic value from US. Conclusion The combined approach with both MR arthrography and US shows higher accuracy than each modality alone for the assessment of medial elbow pain. (©) RSNA, 2016.

Sports Injuries about the Hip: What the Radiologist Should Know.

Injuries of the hip and surrounding structures represent a complex and commonly encountered scenario in athletes, with improper diagnosis serving as a cause of delayed return to play or progression to a more serious injury. As such, radiologists play an essential role in guiding management of athletic injuries. Familiarity with hip anatomy and the advantages and limitations of various imaging modalities is of paramount importance for accurate and timely diagnosis. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is often the modality of choice for evaluating many of the injuries discussed, although preliminary evaluation with conventional radiography and use of other imaging modalities such as ultrasonography (US), computed tomography, and bone scintigraphy may be supplementary or preferred in certain situations. Stress fractures, thigh splints, and posterior hip dislocations are important structural injuries to consider in the athlete, initially imaged with radiographs and often best diagnosed with MR imaging. Apophyseal injuries are particularly important to consider in young athletes and may be acute or related to chronic repetitive microtrauma. Femoroacetabular impingement has been implicated in development of labral tears and cartilage abnormalities. Tear of the ligamentum teres is now recognized as a potential cause of hip pain and instability, best evaluated with MR arthrography. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome encompasses a group of conditions leading to lateral hip pain, with US playing an increasingly important role for both evaluation and image-guided treatment. Muscle injuries and athletic pubalgia are common in athletes. Lastly, snapping hip syndrome and Morel-Lavallée lesions are two less common but nonetheless important considerations. ©RSNA, 2016.

Distal clavicular osteolysis in adults: association with bench pressing intensity.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between distal clavicular osteolysis (DCO) and bench pressing intensity. METHODS: From a retrospective review of MRI shoulder reports of individuals between 20 and 40 years of age, 262 male patients with DCO and 227 age-matched male patients without DCO were selected. All patients had completed a bench pressing questionnaire. The patients' bench pressing frequency (times per week), duration (years of bench pressing), bench pressing weight (maximum bench pressing weight with one repetition = 1RM) and the ratio of bench pressing weight to body weight were compared between both groups using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: The results showed that 56 % (146/262) of patients with DCO were high-intensity bench pressers (1RM more than 1.5 times the body weight) compared to 6 % (14/227) in patients without DCO. High-intensity bench pressing was a risk factor for DCO (OR = 19; 95 %CI = 11-35; p < 0.001). Low-intensity bench pressing (1RM less than 1.5 times the body weight) was not a risk factor for DCO (OR = 0.6; 95 % CI = 0.4-0.8). High frequency (>1×/week) and duration (>5 years) of bench pressing were risk factors. In bench pressers who suffered from DCO, the mean 1RM was 283 lbs (±SD 57) compared to 209 lbs (±SD 60) in bench pressers not affected by DCO (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney). CONCLUSIONS: High-intensity, but not low-intensity bench pressing is a risk factor for DCO.

Acromial apophysiolysis: superior shoulder pain and acromial nonfusion in the young throwing athlete.

PURPOSE: To describe the frequency of acromial apophysiolysis and its association with incomplete fusion and superior shoulder pain, to determine risk factors of acromial apophysiolysis, and to assess whether acromial apophysiolysis is associated with the development of an os acromiale and rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained for this HIPAA-compliant study; requirement for informed consent was waived. A retrospective report review of 2372 consecutive patients between 15 and 25 years of age who underwent shoulder magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for shoulder pain was performed. Individuals with edema at the acromial apophyses and no other abnormalities on MR images were included in the study group. Association of acromial edema with incomplete fusion, pitching, and clinical findings was determined in the study group and in an age- and sex-matched control group, with both univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses. Association with the development of an os acromiale and rotator cuff tears later in life was assessed with follow-up imaging after age 25 years. RESULTS: Edema at the acromial apophyses was found in 2.6% (61 of 2372) of patients and was associated with incomplete fusion of the acromial apophyses (χ(2), P < .001) and superior shoulder tenderness (P < .001). The entity was named acromial apophysiolysis. A pitch count of more than 100 pitches per week was shown to be a risk factor for acromial apophysiolysis (odds ratio [ OR odds ratio ] = 6.5, P = .017). Follow-up imaging showed that acromial apophysiolysis was significantly associated with the development of an os acromiale ( OR odds ratio = 138, P < .001) and rotator cuff tears ( OR odds ratio = 5.4, P = .015) after age 25 years. CONCLUSION: Acromial apophysiolysis is characterized by incomplete fusion and edema at the acromial apophyses. It is associated with superior shoulder pain in young patients (< 25 years old), and pitching is a risk factor. It predisposes the patient to the development of an os acromiale and rotator cuff tears after age 25 years.

Frequency, imaging findings, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of distal clavicular osteolysis in young patients.

OBJECTIVE: Atraumatic distal clavicular osteolysis (DCO) has been described in adult male weightlifters. Our purpose was to investigate the frequency, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of DCO in young patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with atraumatic DCO were identified in a retrospective review of 1,432 consecutive MRI shoulder reports in patients between 13 and 19 years of age. MRI findings of DCO, association with athletic activity, short-term clinical outcome after 3-6 months, and long-term clinical and MRI outcome after 2 years were analyzed. A pre-MRI questionnaire assessed the patients' athletic history including overhead activity and weightlifting. RESULTS: At a mean age of 15.9 years, 6.5 % (93/1432) of patients had atraumatic DCO, and 24 % were females. The combination of an overhead sport (basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming) and supplemental weight training was a risk factor for DCO (odds ratio = 38, p = 0.01). Ninety-three percent of patients responded to conservative therapy. On follow-up imaging, 71 % of DCO patients had acromioclavicular (AC) joint osteoarthritis (vs. 35 % in controls, p = 0.006); 79 % had flattening of the distal clavicle and interval widening of the AC joint to a mean of 5.0 mm (compared to 2.4 mm in controls, p < 0.001). Severity of DCO edema was associated with pain (p < 0.02) at initial presentation and with AC joint osteoarthritis (p = 0.004) on follow-up. CONCLUSION: In athletic teenagers, the combination of weightlifting and overhead activity is a risk factor for atraumatic DCO, and females are affected in 24 %. Long-term sequelae include widening of the AC joint and AC joint osteoarthritis.

Stellate ganglion block for treating post-COVID-19 parosmia.

BACKGROUND: Post-COVID parosmia may be due to dysautonomia and sympathetic hyperresponsiveness, which can be attenuated by stellate ganglion block (SGB). This study evaluates SGB as a treatment for post-COVID olfactory dysfunction (OD). METHODS: Retrospective case series with prospective data of patients with post-COVID OD undergoing unilateral (UL) or bilateral (BL) SGB. Patients completed Brief Smell Identification Tests (BSIT) (12 points maximum) and post-procedure surveys including parosmia severity scores on a scale of 1 (absent) to 10 (severe). Scores were compared from before treatment (pre-SGB) to after first (SGB1) or second (SGB2) treatments in overall, UL, and BL cohorts. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients with post-COVID OD underwent SGB, including 23 UL and 24 BL. Twenty patients completed pre- and post-SGB BSITs (eight UL and 12 BL). Twenty-eight patients completed postprocedure surveys (11 UL and 17 BL). There were no differences in BSIT scores from pre-SGB to post-SGB1 or post-SGB2 for the overall (p = 0.098), UL (p = 0.168), or BL (p = 0.230) cohorts. Parosmia severity for the overall cohort improved from pre-SGB (8.82 ± 1.28) to post-SGB1 (6.79 ± 2.38) and post-SGB2 (5.41 ± 2.35), with significant differences from pre-SGB to post-SGB1 (p < 0.001) and pre-SGB to post-SGB2 (p < 0.001), but not post-SGB1 to post-SGB2 (p = 0.130). Number of parosmia triggers decreased for overall (p = 0.002), UL (p = 0.030) and BL (p = 0.024) cohorts. Quality of life (QOL) improved for all cohorts regarding food enjoyment, meal preparation, and socialization (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SGB may improve subjective parosmia and QOL for patients with post-COVID OD, however it may not affect odor identification. Further placebo-controlled studies are warranted.

Robotic First Rib Resection in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Current Literature.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves the compression of neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet. TOS subtypes, including neurogenic (nTOS), venous (vTOS), and arterial (aTOS) are characterized by distinct clinical presentations and diagnostic considerations. This review explores the incidence, diagnostic challenges, and management of TOS with a focus on the innovative approach of Robotic First Rib Resection (R-FRR). Traditional management of TOS includes conservative measures and surgical interventions, with various open surgical approaches carrying risks of complications. R-FRR, a minimally invasive technique, offers advantages such as improved exposure, reduced injury risk to neurovascular structures, and shorter hospital stays. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to assess the outcomes of R-FRR for TOS. Data from 12 selected studies involving 397 patients with nTOS, vTOS, and aTOS were reviewed. The results indicate that R-FRR is associated with favorable intraoperative outcomes including minimal blood loss and low conversion rates to traditional approaches. Postoperatively, patients experienced decreased pain, improved function, and low complication rates. These findings support R-FRR as a safe and effective option for medically refractory TOS.

Ultrasound-guided Procedures Allow Delay of Definitive Treatment for Core Muscle Injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Core muscle injuries (CMI) are common in every sport. To minimize lost playing time, providers apply various nonsurgical treatments, including platelet-rich plasma, corticosteroids, ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous tenotomy, and prolotherapy. Limited data exist with regard to their effectiveness. We chose to review a cohort of consecutive professional and collegiate athletes who sustained CMI at various points within their seasons and underwent a combination of US-guided percutaneous needle "tenotomy" and corticosteroid injections to complete the remainder of their seasons. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive collegiate or professional athletes with CMI involving the rectus abdominis-adductor aponeurotic plate were included in this retrospective study. Athletes with concomitant symptomatic hip femoroacetabular impingement were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was whether athletes completed their seasons. Secondary measures were weeks played after the procedures (delay until surgery), need for repeat procedures, and outcomes after eventual surgery. Postoperative performance was assessed via interviews at 6 wk and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 25 (84%) athletes completed their seasons. On average, athletes returned to play 3 d (range, 1-9 d) after the procedures. Surgical repair was delayed a mean of 18 wk (range, 2-44 wk). Seven athletes had concomitant symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement and six underwent combined hip arthroscopy and core muscle repairs. Among 17 patients who eventually had core muscle surgery alone (no hip surgery), 82% (14 of 17) reported performing at their preinjury level at 6 wk. At 6 months, 96% of postop athletes (22 of 23) reported performing at their preinjury level. CONCLUSIONS: Temporizing CMI with US-guided percutaneous tenotomy and corticosteroid injections is effective in allowing continued sport participation among high-level athletes and does not negatively affect postoperative outcomes.

Postoperative MR Imaging of the Pubic Symphysis and Athletic Pubalgia.

MR imaging evaluation can be valuable in patients with prior surgery for athletic pubalgia presenting with new, recurrent, or persistent groin pain. The clinical and interventional history as well as comparison with preoperative imaging is essential for imaging interpretation. Imagers should be aware of expected and unexpected postoperative findings. MR imaging findings concerning for infection, new injury, contralateral injury, or concomitant sources of symptoms (such as hip pathology) should be reported when present.