Optimizing scapulothoracic injections: the role of hand positioning in enhancing procedural ease.

INTRODUCTION: Pathologies of the scapulothoracic articulation may lead to painful symptoms such as crepitus and bursitis. While conservative treatments are preferred, persistent symptoms may require image-guided injections. This study aims to determine the optimal hand positioning during ultrasound to maximize the distance between the scapula and thoracic wall, and improve its accessibility during injections. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included ten healthy adult volunteers without scapulothoracic issues or history of trauma/surgery. Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently measured the scapulothoracic distance on Ultrasound in three hand positions: 1. Hands under the head; 2. Hands by the side of the trunk; and 3. Hands hanging by the side of the couch. Data was analyzed using SPSS 24.0. Continuous variables were described using mean and standard deviation (SD), with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Measurements on 20 scapulothoracic articulations (10 volunteers) showed the following findings: Position 1: Baseline value of 1. Position 2: Distance increased by 1.515 mm ± 3.617 (95% CI [- 0.0178, 3.208]. Position 3: Distance increased by 2.175 mm ± 0.66 (95% CI [0.793, 3.557]. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference (p = 0.39) between positions. However, both radiologists subjectively noted that positions 2 and 3 provided better access for interventions. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of hand positioning in optimizing the scapulothoracic distance for therapeutic interventions. While no significant statistical differences were found, the results suggest potential benefits for clinical practice. Further research with larger samples is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for scapulothoracic injections.

Advancing orthopaedic trauma care through WhatsApp: An analysis of clinical and non-clinical applications, challenges, and future directions.

The integration of WhatsApp, a widely-used instant messaging application (IMA), into the realm of orthopaedics and trauma surgery has emerged as a significant development in recent years. This paper explores the multifaceted role of WhatsApp in orthopaedics, focusing on its clinical and non-clinical applications, advantages, disadvantages, and future prospects. The study synthesizes findings from various research papers, emphasizing the growing reliance on mobile technology in healthcare. WhatsApp's role in orthopaedics is notable for its ease of use, real-time communication, and accessibility. Clinically, it facilitates triage, teleconsultation, diagnosis, treatment, patient advice, and post-operative monitoring. Non-clinically, it supports telemedicine, teleradiology, virtual fracture clinics, research, and education in orthopaedic surgery. The application has proven beneficial in enhancing communication among healthcare teams, providing quick responses, and motivating junior physicians. Its use in educational settings has been shown to improve learner's understanding and patient care. However, the use of WhatsApp in orthopaedics is not without challenges. Risks include the potential spread of misleading information, privacy concerns, and issues with image quality affecting diagnosis and treatment decisions. The paper acknowledges the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and the need for oversight measures to ensure content accuracy. Looking forward, the potential of WhatsApp and similar IMAs in orthopaedics lies in their ability to streamline data collection and retrieval, improve doctor-patient communication, and address challenges like bureaucratic red tape and limited resources. The paper suggests that future orthopaedic practice, particularly in emergency departments, will increasingly rely on such technologies for efficient patient management. This shift, however, must be approached with an understanding of the ethical, legal, and practical implications of integrating social media and mobile technology in healthcare.

Imaging in shoulder arthroplasty: Current applications and future perspectives.

Shoulder arthroplasty has become a standard surgical procedure for treating a variety of complex shoulder disorders, including those with degenerative and traumatic aetiologies. The ever-improving success rates of shoulder arthroplasty could be attributed to advancements in endoprosthesis design, improvements in the biomechanics of endoprosthetic components, and improvements in surgical techniques. It improves patient outcomes and helps restore shoulder joint function and mobility. Imaging plays a vital role by enabling surgeons to plan arthroplasty procedures, help guide endoprosthesis placement, and monitor postoperative outcomes. In addition, imaging plays a role in assessing the residual bone stock and status of rotator cuff integrity and in correcting the placement of prosthetic components to restore shoulder mobility. CT-guided navigation aids surgeons by helping them choose appropriate components for implants and ensuring that implants are placed optimally during surgery. It can lead to better surgical results with reduced patient morbidity and a longer duration of prosthetic stability. After surgery, it is crucial to use imaging techniques to detect issues such as periprosthetic loosening, infections, or fractures to start effective management strategies to enhance patient recovery. This article aims to provide orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists with knowledge on the imaging methods used in shoulder arthroplasty and their role in presurgical planning, intraoperative guidance and postoperative assessment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the rationale behind utilising various types of shoulder replacements: total shoulder replacement (TSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), and hemiarthroplasty; methods, their respective advantages and limitations; and outcomes. Our objective is to comprehensively analyse the procedures mentioned above and highlight their unique features and benefits to facilitate a better understanding of these approaches. Additionally, we will discuss how these imaging techniques help identify issues such as loose components, fractures around the implant site, joint instability and infections.

An Unusual Case of Calcific Periarthritis Causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Its Management with Ultrasound-Guided Barbotage.

Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease (HADD) is a common disorder resulting from the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in various soft tissues, typically in periarticular distribution, including tendons, tendon sheaths, joint capsules, ligaments, bursae, periarticular soft tissues, and occasionally within the joints. The more commonly known subtypes of HADD are calcific tendinopathy and calcific periarthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be rarely caused by calcific deposits within the carpal tunnel in the setting of HADD-related calcific periarthritis. Imaging, particularly ultrasound and radiographs, is crucial in distinguishing this entity from the conventional form of CTS that tends to be idiopathic. We describe a rare presentation of CTS secondary to calcific periarthritis in a 45-year-old patient, with imaging demonstrating mass-like calcification within the carpal tunnel, with typical features of those seen with HADD. The patient was treated with ultrasound-guided barbotage, with significant clinical improvement. The case highlights a lesser-known cause of CTS as well as a presentation of HADD, and the role of ultrasound-guided barbotage, a minimally invasive procedure, as a viable first-line management option as an alternative to surgery.

Surgical Preparedness Index in Orthopaedics During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the vulnerability of routine surgical procedures and elective surgery preparedness all over the world, with the suspension of most elective surgeries during the pandemic and the backlog of patients currently on waiting lists, especially in publicly funded healthcare systems. On average, at the beginning of the year 2022, about 200 million patients awaited surgery all over the world. By enhancing the strength of surgical preparedness, there is a better chance of strengthening elective surgical systems against shocks such as future pandemics or climate emergencies. We explore the implications, challenges, and strategies of the concept of surgical preparedness to maintain sustainability in the global healthcare system, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the experiences gained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The clinical significance of indeterminate pulmonary nodules in patients with primary bone sarcoma: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) and the rate of progression of IPNs to metastasis in patients with primary bone cancers. We also aimed to evaluate clinical or radiological parameters that may identify IPNs more likely to progress to metastatic disease and their effect on overall or event-free survival in patients with primary bone sarcoma. METHODS: A systematic search of the electronic databases Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library was undertaken for eligible articles on IPNs in patients with primary bone sarcomas, published in the English language from inception of the databases to 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Cohort Studies was utilized to evaluate risk of bias in included studies. RESULTS: Six studies, involving 1667 patients, were included in this systematic review. Pooled quantitative analysis found the rate of incidence of IPN to be 18.1% (302 out of 1667) and the rate of progression to metastasis to be 45.0% (136 out of 302). Nodule size (more than 5 mm diameter), number (more than or equal to 4), distribution (bilaterally distributed), incomplete calcification, and lobulated margins were associated with an increased likelihood of IPNs progressing to metastasis, however, their impact on overall or event-free survival remains unclear. CONCLUSION: The risk of IPNs progressing to metastasis in patients with primary bone sarcoma is non-negligible. Large IPNs have a high risk to be an actual metastasis. We suggest that IPNs in these patients be followed up for a minimum of 2 years with CT imaging at 3, 6, and 12 month intervals, particularly for nodules measuring >5 mm in average diameter. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This is the first systematic review on IPNs in patients with primary bone sarcomas only and proposes viable management strategies for such patients.

Total hip arthroplasty in active and advanced tubercular arthritis: a systematic review of the current evidence.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a well-acknowledged surgical intervention to restore a painless and mobile joint in patients with osteoarticular tubercular arthritis of the hip joint. However, there is still substantial uncertainty about the ideal management, clinical and functional outcomes following THA undertaken in patients with acute Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) hip infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: To undertake a systematic review and evaluate existing literature on patients undergoing THA for acute mycobacterium tuberculosis arthritis of the hip. METHODS: A systematic review of electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search focused on "arthroplasty in cases with tuberculosis of hip joint" since inception of databases until July 2023. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment administered, surgical interventions and outcome, as reported in the included studies, were recorded. Median (range) and mean (standard deviation) were used to summarise the data for continuous variables (as reported in the original studies); and frequency/percentage was employed for categorical variables. Available data on Harris hip scores and complications were statistically pooled using random-effects meta-analysis or fixed-effect meta-analysis, as appropriate RESULTS: Among a total of 1695 articles, 15 papers were selected for qualitative summarisation and 12 reporting relevant data were included for proportional meta-analysis. A total of 303 patients (mean age: 34 to 52 years; mean follow-up: 2.5 to 10.5 years) were included in our systematic review. In a majority of included studies, postero-lateral approach and non-cemented prosthesis were employed. Fourteen studies described a single-staged procedure in the absence of sinus, abscess and tubercular infection syndrome (TIS). All surgeries were performed under cover of prolonged course of multi-drug anti-tubercular regimen. The mean Harris hip score (HHS) at final follow-up was 91.36 [95% confidence interval (CI): 89.56-93.16; I2:90.44%; p<0.001]. There were 30 complications amongst 174 (9.9%) patients (95% CI: 0.06-0.13; p=0.14; I2=0%). CONCLUSION: THA is a safe and effective surgical intervention in patients with active and advanced TB arthritis of hip. It is recommended that the surgery be performed under cover of multi-drug anti-tubercular regimen. In patients with active sinus tracts, abscesses and TIS, surgery may be accomplished in a multi-staged manner. The clinical (range of motion, deformity correction, walking ability and pain scores), radiological (evidence of radiological reactivation and implant incorporation) and function outcome (as assessed by HHS) significantly improve after THA in these patients.

Journal metrics of the top-ranked Orthopaedic, Medical, and Surgical journals - A cross-sectional, comparative study.

PURPOSE: In academic publishing, research metrics play a crucial role in assessing the scientific impact and performance of the published literature, as well as of the journals in which they are published. Several journal-level metrics (JLM) such as the h-index of the analysed journals, total citations, total documents, citable documents, references and external citations per document are considered crucial indicators of the importance and reputation of the journals. We hypothesize that journals in the field of Medicine receive more citations than those in Surgical journals like Orthopaedic surgery, and hence have better JLM. This study aims to to assess and compare the JLM of Medical and Surgical journals between two time zones 2017-2019 vs. 2020-2022, i.e., pre and post-COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS: A cross-sectional bibliometric analysis of the top-ranked Orthopaedic, Medical, and Surgical journals was undertaken based on traditional JLM, using the SCImago database from 2017 to 2022. Our analysis focused on identifying trends in the h-index of the analysed journals, total citations, total documents, citable documents, references and external citations per document. RESULTS: Overall Medical journals were found to have higher JLM than the Surgical and Orthopaedic journals. The h-index of Surgical journals, Medical journals and Orthopaedic journals were comparable between the two periods (pre and -post-COVID-19 pandemic); Total Cites (3 years), total documents (2017), total documents (3 years), total references, and citable documents (3 years) of Surgical journals, Medical journals and Orthopaedic journals were significantly higher in the period 2020-2022. CONCLUSION: There has been a steady increase in the number of publications from post COVID-19 period. Medical journals have higher JLM than Surgical and Orthopaedic journals. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Am), Annals of Surgery and Diabetes Care were the most published journals in Orthopaedics, General Surgery and Medicine-related topics respectively.

Periostitis Ossificans: Largest Case Series with Review of Literature.

Background Periostitis ossificans (PO) are rare, benign ossifying surface lesions characterized by the centripetal ossification with osseous and soft-tissue edema. Their clinicoradiological appearances can easily mimic those of more sinister or infective surface lesion. Objective This study aimed to explore the various anatomical locations and muscle attachment at the site of PO, and evaluate the role of complementary image findings in patients presenting at our tertiary orthopaedic referral center. Patients and Methods A retrospective review of our oncology and radiology databases was undertaken to identify patients with PO reported on radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) over the past 13 years (2007-2020). Patient demographics, sites of PO, muscle attachment at the site of PO, findings on complementary imaging, and clinical management outcome were documented. Results We identified 38 patients with PO with a mean age of 24 years (range: 4-66 years). Muscle attachment was seen at the site of PO in the majority of cases (89%). The majority of PO were in the lower limb and commonly seen around the attachment of quadriceps. Deltoid attachment was commonly involved in the upper limb. Conclusion Muscle attachment is commonly seen at the site of PO, which results in stripping of the periosteum resulting in soft-tissue and osseous edema and centripetal ossification.

Piggyback Technique-A Safe Way of Performing Rib Biopsy.

Rib biopsy can be challenging. A spectrum of bone biopsy techniques are available to undertake Rib Bone biopsy and yield a histological specimen. In this technical report, we described a new Piggyback technique of performing rib biopsy to decrease the incidence of pneumothorax and consolidate diagnostic accuracy.

The T1 Ratio of Marrow (TROM) as a Novel Tool to Identify Metastatic from Nonmalignant Marrow Lesions of the Spine: A Pilot Study.

Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze quantitative values of normal and abnormal marrow on T1-weighted images of spine, to propose a ratio for T1 values of abnormal to normal vertebrae, and to assess whether this ratio could be helpful in predicting presence of neoplastic lesions in the spine. Materials and Methods One-hundred randomly selected magnetic resonance imagings of lumbar spine without infection, fracture, and tumor were selected to form normal cohort. A second cohort of 100 metastasis of lumbar spine was identified. Ratio of T1 value of vertebral body to the T1 value of the inferior vertebral body was performed for normal cohort from D11 to L5. Ratio of T1 value of metastasis to adjacent normal vertebral body was done for metastatic cohort. Data was analyzed using standard t -test and kappa was performed for intra- and inter-observer reliability. Results A decline in T1 value of abnormal to normal marrow was seen in patients with metastasis that was statistically significant. We call this the T1 ratio of marrow (TROM). The sensitivity and accuracy with the cutoff value of TROM at 0.7 (92% sensitivity, 97.1% accuracy) are better than at 0.6 (75% sensitivity, 96.2% accuracy) or 0.5 (47% sensitivity, 93.2% accuracy). A subset analysis of the other T1 hypointense benign lesions including atypical hemangiomas and focal marrow hyperplasia, however, revealed overlapping TROM values with the metastatic cohort. Conclusion Using the TROM on T1-weighted images could not confidently differentiate malignant from benign T1 hypointense lesions of the spine.

Birmingham Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (BROH) Femoral Offset-An Ancillary Measure of Adult Dysplasia of the Hip.

Introduction Adult dysplasia of the hip (ADH) is a disorder of abnormal development of the hip joint resulting in a shallow acetabulum and uncovering of the femoral head. Several radiological measurements such as the Tönnis angle (acetabular index), lateral center edge angle of Wiberg, and cross-sectional imaging parameters exist to calculate hip dysplasia. Aims The aim of this article was to describe a new ancillary linear measure of ADH on cross-sectional imaging, the Birmingham Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (BROH) Femoral offset. Patients and Methods Anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis and computed tomography imaging of 100 consecutive patients with suspected hip dysplasia were reviewed. Demographic details and clinical indications were recorded. Tönnis angle was utilized to measure hip slope on radiographs and the BROH femoral offset was calculated for each patient. Student's t -test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. Intraclass correlation coefficient analysis was evaluated to assess the reliability between observers. Results There was a total of 100 patients (128 hips) included in the study (60 with normal Tönnis angle, 53 had dysplasia, and 15 had decreased Tönnis angle). The average BROH femoral offset in the dysplastic cohort was increased in comparison to the normal cohort with a statistically significant p -Value of 0.0001. The p -value was 0.00031 on ANOVA. The BROH femoral offset calculation revealed good intra- and interobserver reliability of 0.9 and 0.9, respectively. Conclusion The BROH femoral offset can be an additional index for measuring ADH that is easier to calculate, and reproducible with good intra- and inter-observer reliability on cross-sectional imaging.

SMART (self- monitoring analysis and reporting technology) and sensor based technology applications in trauma and orthopaedic surgery.

Background: Innovations in implant designs and computer technology have led to the development of smart implants and prostheses in the field of orthopedics and trauma. Sensor-guided devices enable close monitoring of physical, chemical and biological environment around the implants, which has been purported to meliorate the intra-operative precision and post-operative surveillance of patients. Objective: We evaluate the current applications of sensor-based technology in the management of patients with a spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. Material and methods: A thorough search of literature was performed on May 1, 2023, using the 5 databases (Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) in order to identify suitable studies published between 2000 and 2023. All the studies which reported on SMART implants and Sensor based technology in the diverse sub-specialties of orthopedics like trauma, arthroplasty, spine surgery, infections, arthroscopy or sports medicine and paediatric orthopedics were considered. The keywords used for the search included 'Sensor technology', 'SMART implant' and "Orthopedics". Results: Thirty articles were considered for this narrative review. A generation of SMART implants has been developed due to advancements in the microchip technology. Sensor based technology has been utilised in various subspecialties of arthroplasty (in assessing ligament balancing intra-operatively; or prosthetic loosening and gait analysis during follow-up), trauma surgery (as SMART instruments intra-operatively; or in the assessment of bone healing, distraction osteogenesis and functional recovery during follow-up), spine surgery (identification and protection of neural elements from iatrogenic injuries intra-operatively; and assessment of fusion across the instrumented levels during follow-up), paediatric orthopedics (compliance assessment for foot abduction orthosis in congenital talipes equinovarus), infection (monitoring of infection and biofilm formation), rehabilitation (gait analysis) and sports medicine (rotational stability and ligament compliance in patients with ligament injuries or reconstruction). Conclusion: SMART implants and Sensor based technology have applications in the surgical planning, intra-operative performance, post-operative monitoring and patient surveillance diverse subspecialties of orthopedics and trauma. Future research in newer designs, cost-effective SMART implants and refinement of Sensor based technology will enhance Patient Related Outcome Measures (PROMs).

High-fidelity virtual reality simulation training in enhancing competency assessment in orthopaedic training.

Surgical competence is the ability to successfully apply academic knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviour to inpatient care. Along with ensuring patient safety, the ability to communicate effectively, collaborative teamwork and probity, and achieving satisfactory competencies form the fundamental principles of good medical practice. Current strategies to develop surgical competencies include a range of formative and summative assessments. The cancellation of traditional face-to-face meetings and training opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the delivery of medical education and opportunities to achieve surgical competencies. Simulation learning has been used since before the pandemic to deliver surgical training across all grades and specialities, including orthopaedic surgery. Simulation-based training provides a safe, controlled environment to develop skill acquisition. Simulated surgery using virtual reality has evolved following developments in software and hardware. This article explores the role of high-fidelity virtual reality simulation to assess competencies in orthopaedic training in the post-COVID-19 era, and examines whether simulation could be used within the curriculum to augment and improve training.

Current role and future applications of image-guided interventional procedures in musculoskeletal oncology - A narrative review.

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) image-guided interventional procedures have been increasingly used in and remain crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal tumours. Aims: In this article, we aim to describe commonly performed interventional procedures in the subspeciality of MSK oncology drawing experience from our tertiary referral centre. Recent advances, emerging techniques and future applications of image-guided interventional procedures in the field of MSK oncology are highlighted. Material and methods: A retrospective search using the keyword 'musculoskeletal system', 'neoplasms', 'biopsy', and 'interventional radiology' was performed at our tertiary care oncology orthopaedic referral centre radiology database. The radiology images were collected from our Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and Radiology Information System (RIS). Electronic Patient Records, histopathology laboratory records and patient characteristics were collaborated to generate this narrative experience at our centre. Results: Image-guided interventional procedures have been utilised in a spectrum of primary and secondary MSK tumours. Current applications include diagnosis of bone and soft tissue MSK neoplastic lesions with biopsies, thermal, cryotherapy and Radiofrequency ablations and augmentation procedures. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal (MSK) image-guided interventions have increasing applications in the diagnosis, management, treatment and monitoring of patients with MSK tumours. The emergence of newer imaging technologies with enhanced skills of interventional radiologists will allow a range of therapeutic MSK interventions in both effective control of primary lesions and palliative care of metastatic lesions.

Primary Benign Neoplasms of the Spine.

Benign tumours comprise the majority of primary vertebral tumours, and these are often found incidentally on imaging. Nonetheless, accurate diagnosis of these benign lesions is crucial, in order to avoid misdiagnosis as more ominous malignant lesions or infection. Furthermore, some of these tumours, despite their benign nature, can have localised effects on the spine including neural compromise, or can be locally aggressive, thus necessitating active management. Haemangiomas and osteomas (enostosis) are the commonest benign tumours encountered. Others include osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, fibrous dysplasia, osteochondroma, chondroblastoma, haemangioma, simple bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts, giant cell tumours, eosinophilic granuloma and notochordal rests. The majority of lesions are asymptomatic; however, locally aggressive lesions (such as aneurysmal bone cysts or giant cell tumours) can present with nonspecific symptoms, such as back pain, neurological deficits and spinal instability, which may be indistinguishable from more commonly encountered mechanical back pain or malignant lesions including metastases. Hence, imaging, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays a critical role in diagnosis. Generally, most incidental or asymptomatic regions are conservatively managed or may not require any follow-up, while symptomatic or locally aggressive lesions warrant active interventions, which include surgical resection or percutaneous treatment techniques. Due to advances in interventional radiology techniques in recent years, percutaneous minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy and cryoablation have played an increasing role in the management of these tumours with favourable outcomes. The different types of primary benign vertebral tumours will be discussed in this article with an emphasis on pertinent imaging features.

Iliotibial band friction syndrome after knee cementoplasty: a case report.

Iliotibial band pathologies can result in lateral knee pain. These are commonly seen in runners and cyclists. Lateral knee pain following knee arthroplasty can be due to distal iliotibial band enthesopathy or impingement by the femoral component. Cementoplasty is a common procedure performed during treatment of osseous lesions. We describe a case of ITB friction syndrome due to small focus of cement following cementoplasty for GCT (giant cell tumour).

Primary Osseous Malignancies of the Spine.

Malignant primary vertebral tumours comprise an uncommon group of primary bone malignancies that can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The most frequently encountered malignant primary vertebral tumours include chordoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma. These tumours often present with nonspecific symptoms, such as back pain, neurologic deficits and spinal instability, which can be confused for the more commonly encountered mechanical back pain and may delay their diagnosis and treatment. Imaging, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosis, staging, treatment planning and follow-up. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for malignant primary vertebral tumours, but adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be necessary for achieving complete tumour control depending on the type of tumour. In recent years, advances in imaging techniques and surgical approaches, such as en-bloc resection and spinal reconstruction, have improved the outcomes for patients with malignant primary vertebral tumours. However, the management can be complex due to the anatomy involved and the high morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. The different types of malignant primary vertebral lesions will be discussed in this article with an emphasis on the imaging features.