Four-Corner Arthrodesis with a Dorsal Locking PEEK Plate: A Retrospective Case Series.

Background Four-corner arthrodesis (4CA) can be performed with a variety of methods. To our knowledge, fewer than 125 cases of 4CA with a locking polyether ether ketone (PEEK) plate have been reported, necessitating further study. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic union rate and clinical outcomes in a series of patients who received 4CA with a locking PEEK plate. Methods We re-examined 39 wrists in 37 patients at a mean follow-up of 50 months (median: 52 months, range: 6-128). Patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and participated in measurements of grip strength and range of motion. Anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs of the operative wrist were examined for union, screw breakage and/or loosening, and lunate change. Results The mean QuickDASH score was 24.4 and the mean PRWE score was 26.5. Mean grip strength was 29.2 kg or 84% of the nonoperative hand. Mean flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation were : 37.2, 28.9, 14.1, and 17.4 degrees, respectively. Eighty-seven percent of wrists achieved union; 8% had nonunion; and5% had indeterminate union. There were seven cases of screw breakage and seven cases of screw loosening (as defined by lucency or bony resorption surrounding screws). Twenty-three percent of wrists required reoperation (four total wrist arthrodesis and five reoperations for other reasons). Conclusion 4CA with a locking PEEK plate has clinical and radiographic outcomes similar to other methods. We observed a high rate of hardware complications. It is unclear whether this implant offers a clear advantage over other methods of fixation used in 4CA. Type of Study/Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic study.

A pictorial review of the radiographic skeletal findings in Morquio syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type IV).

Morquio syndrome, also known as Morquio-Brailsford syndrome or mucopolysaccharidosis type IV (MPS IV), is a subgroup of mucopolysaccharidosis. It is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. Two subtypes of Morquio syndrome have been identified. In MPS IVA, a deficiency in N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase interrupts the normal metabolic pathway of degrading glycosaminoglycans. Accumulated undigested glycosaminoglycans in the tissue and bones result in complications leading to severe skeletal deformity. In MPS IVB, a deficiency in beta-galactosidase results in a milder phenotype than in MPS IVA. Morquio syndrome presents a variety of clinical manifestations in a spectrum of mild to severe. It classically has been considered a skeletal dysplasia with significant skeletal involvement. However, the extraskeletal features can also provide valuable information to guide further work-up to assess the possibility of the disorder. Although the disease involves almost all parts of the body, it most commonly affects the axial skeleton, specifically the vertebrae. The characteristic radiologic findings in MPS IV, such as paddle-shaped ribs, odontoid hypoplasia, vertebral deformity, metaphyseal and epiphyseal bone dysplasia, and steep acetabula, are encompassed in the term "dysostosis multiplex," which is a common feature among other types of MPS and storage disorders. Myelopathy due to spinal cord compression and respiratory airway obstruction are the most critical complications related to mortality and morbidity. The variety of clinical features, as well as overlapping of radiological findings with other disorders, make diagnosis challenging, and delays in diagnosis and treatment may lead to critical complications. Timely imaging and radiologic expertise are important components for diagnosis. Gene therapies may provide robust treatment, particularly if genetic variations can be screened in utero.

Early Detection of First Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment in Women With High Hypermobility Scores.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore association between hypermobility and osteoarthritis (OA) at the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify early change in women at high risk of developing OA but without yet established diagnoses. METHODS: For this observational study, 33 women (aged 30-50 years) with self-reported history of maternal hand OA but without personal diagnoses of OA were recruited. Participants completed a 5-point hypermobility questionnaire. The 20 participants with 2 or more positive responses were categorized with "high hypermobility scores." The remaining 13 were categorized with "low hypermobility scores." Data collection included functional index, hand pain measure, parity, smoking status, and body mass index. Each participant underwent dominant hand radiographic and MRI examination. Imaging studies were interpreted by assessors blinded to hypermobility score categorization. RESULTS: No significant differences in age, body mass index, parity, functional index, or pain scores were observed between higher and lower hypermobility score groups. Similarly, there were no significant differences between groups for radiographic changes. However, significantly higher proportions of women with higher hypermobility scores were observed on MRI to have abnormalities of trapezium cartilage (75% vs. 38%), metacarpal cartilage (80% vs. 38%), and trapezium bone (70% vs. 31%); p < 0.05 for all. CONCLUSIONS: First CMC joint structural abnormalities were more frequently observed in women with higher hypermobility scores. Identification of early preradiographic changes in this group supports the concept that early-life joint laxity may contribute to future OA predisposition. Magnetic resonance imaging may be a preferred imaging test for detection of early cartilage changes in people at high risk of CMC joint OA.

Surgical repair of the supraspinatus: pre- and postoperative architectural changes in the muscle.

INTRODUCTION: Shortening of the tendon and muscle is recognised as a strong predictor of surgical failure of supraspinatus tendon tears. Changes in muscle architecture following repair have not been thoroughly investigated. Hence, we aimed to compare the pre- and postoperative architecture of the supraspinatus. METHODS: We recruited eight participants with full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Images of the supraspinatus were captured preoperatively (pre-op) and postoperatively at one month (post-op1), three months (post-op2) and six months (post-op3) in relaxed and contracted states (0º and 60º glenohumeral abduction). Fibre bundle length (FBL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness were quantified. Self-reported function, and maximal isometric abduction and external rotation strengths were assessed. RESULTS: The mean FBL increased from pre-op to post-op1 (p = 0.001) in the relaxed state and from pre-op to post-op2 (p = 0.002) in the contracted state. Decrease in FBL was observed from post-op2 to post-op3 in the relaxed state. The mean PA decreased from pre-op to post-op1 (p < 0.001) in the relaxed state, but increased from post-op2 to post-op3 in both relaxed (p = 0.006) and contracted (p = 0.004) states. At post-op3, external rotation (p = 0.009) and abduction (p = 0.005) strengths were greater than at post-op2. Overall function increased by 47.67% from pre-op to post-op3. CONCLUSION: Lengthening of the supraspinatus occurs with surgery, altering the length-tension relationship of the muscle, which can compromise muscle function and lead to inferior surgical outcomes. These findings may guide clinicians to optimise loads, velocities and shoulder ranges for effective postoperative rehabilitation.

Bone-cartilage mismatch in the medial tibial plateau: A MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Bone-cartilage mismatch is a variation in which the surface curvature of the articular cartilage is incongruent with the curvature of the underlying subchondral bone. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of this variant in the medial tibial plateau (MTP) and examine potential association with clinical findings and intra-articular derangements using MRI. METHODS: A quantitative and qualitative retrospective analysis of 98 knee MRI studies was performed. Bone and cartilage depths of the MTP were measured to assess bone-cartilage morphology and classified into congruent (concave bone-concave cartilage) and incongruent (concave bone-convex cartilage) patterns. Associations between bone-cartilage mismatch and clinical findings and other MRI changes were assessed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: By quantitative assessment, four individuals (4%) had MTP incongruent morphology (bone-cartilage mismatch). The mean bone depth ± standard deviation (SD) was 2.3 ± 0.6 mm concave in the congruent group, and 1.4 ± 0.6 mm concave in the incongruent group. The mean cartilage depth ± SD was 0.7 ± 0.7 mm concave in the congruent group, and 0.9 ± 0.5 mm convex in the incongruent group. By qualitative assessment, three individuals (3%) had incongruent morphology. Although not statistically significant, a higher proportion of individuals (3 of 4; 75%) with incongruent cartilage demonstrated chondromalacia patellae compared to those with congruent cartilage (38 of 94; 40%). CONCLUSION: Bone-cartilage mismatch was present in 3-4% of the knees. Individuals with incongruent cartilage demonstrated a trend of a higher proportion of chondromalacia patellae. Larger studies are needed to evaluate this further.

Proximal femoral epiphyseal spurs and their association with acetabular labral tears on MRI in symptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Femoral epiphyseal spurs are developmental projections that form at the edge of the physis. Although considered incidental, their association with acetabular labral tears has never been examined. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of femoral epiphyseal spurs in symptomatic patients with mechanical hip pain and explore if they are associated with labral tears on MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hip MRI scans performed on a Siemens 3 T MRI using femoroacetabular impingement protocol were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were referred by orthopaedic surgeons for mechanical hip pain. Two musculoskeletal radiologists blinded to initial reports evaluated MRI images for the presence of an epiphyseal spur and acetabular labral changes. A consensus was achieved on all cases by the two readers. The association between epiphyseal spurs and labral changes was assessed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients (178 hip MRI scans) were reviewed; the mean age was 28.8 years (SD 7.1). There were 52 females (45.2%) and 63 males (54.8%). There were 115 hips with labral tears (64.6%). Fourteen hips (7.8%) in ten patients (8.7%) demonstrated epiphyseal spurs and all of them showed labral tears (100%). There was statistically significant association between epiphyseal spurs and labral tears on MRI (p value = 0.0024). CONCLUSION: Femoral epiphyseal spurs were observed in 8.7% of our defined patient population, and all patients with epiphyseal spurs demonstrated labral tears. Epiphyseal spurs should be documented on imaging reports due to their potential association with labral tears. Future research is needed to further delineate and guide management of these entities.

Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Correlation between Preoperative Radiographic Severity of Arthritis and Postoperative Patient Satisfaction.

Predicting postoperative outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important for patient selection. This study focuses on patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction in relation to preoperative radiographic arthritis severity. A retrospective chart review of 420 TKAs was performed. Patient satisfaction was determined using a structured telephone survey with questions focused on degree of satisfaction whether they would have surgery again and their ability to kneel. The radiographic severity of the arthritis of the tibiofemoral joint was graded by a musculoskeletal radiologist using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale. The patellofemoral compartment was graded using the scale described by Jones et al. Those grouped as severe arthritis had an overall satisfaction rate of 96% (76% fully satisfied and 20% partially satisfied) compared with 82% of the time (64% fully satisfied and 18% partially satisfied) if their arthritis was mild. Postoperatively 51% of TKA patients were able to kneel. Univariate logistic regression showed an association between higher rates of satisfaction and male gender (p = 0.053), severity of preoperative radiographic arthritis (p = 0.034) those who would have surgery again (p ≤ 0.0001) and those able to kneel (p = 0.005). Patients should be informed preoperatively that if their arthritis is only mild radiographically, their outcomes are less predictable. There should also be a discussion surrounding kneeling and activities patients do, which may require kneeling, as many are unable to kneel postoperatively. The Level of Evidence for the study is III.

Development of a risk assessment model to differentiate malignant and benign musculoskeletal soft-tissue masses on magnetic resonance imaging.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to develop a risk stratification model to differentiate benign and malignant MRI-imaged musculoskeletal soft-tissue tumours, informing decisions surrounding biopsy and follow-up imaging. METHODS: Imaging of patients who underwent MRI and subsequent biopsy to evaluate a soft-tissue mass was retrospectively reviewed. Features analysed included patient age; tumour size; shape; margins; enhancement pattern; signal intensity pattern; deep fascia, neurovascular bundle, bone and joint involvement; and the presence of necrosis, haemorrhage, oedema and intralesional fat. Univariate comparisons, by final histopathological status, employed t-tests and chi-square tests, followed by simple and multiple logistic regressions. Variables included in the final multiple regression model were used to define a three-level risk stratification strategy. RESULTS: One-hundred and ten patients were included in the analysis. Univariate relationships were identified between malignancy and age, tumour size, deep fascia involvement, neurovascular involvement, necrosis, haemorrhage, oedema and heterogeneous enhancement (all P < 0.01). Final multiple regression modelling included size, enhancement and oedema. Thirty of 40 (75%) tumours >5 cm with surrounding oedema ('high risk') were malignant, 13 of 47 (28%) tumours with one or more of tumour size >5 cm, surrounding oedema or heterogeneous enhancement ('moderate risk') were malignant, and none of the 16 tumours ≤5 cm with the absence of surrounding oedema and heterogeneous enhancement ('low risk') were malignant. CONCLUSIONS: A model including tumour size, enhancement and oedema has potential to stratify soft-tissue tumours into high-, intermediate- and low-risk categories; this may inform decisions surrounding biopsy and follow-up imaging.

Posterior ankle labral changes at MRI: A preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: The transverse ligament in the ankle joint has been described as a labrum-like structure in a previous cadaveric study. The purpose of this study is to assess the spectrum of abnormal changes related to this structure on imaging/MRI, and correlate these findings with other ankle joint findings and patient symptoms. METHOD: A retrospective observational review of 172 ankle MRI scans was carried out independently by two fellowship trained musculoskeletal Radiologists. Correlation between abnormal labral changes, other ankle joint findings and patient symptomatology was performed. RESULTS: Abnormal labral changes were seen in 26% of the MRI scans (n = 44/172) and included signal change, contour abnormality with heterogeneous signal change, linear fluid filled clefts, multidirectional fluid filled clefts, and a macerated labrum. There was a statistically significant association between abnormal labral changes and the presence of Stieda process/os trigonum (P = 0.001), talocrural joint osteoarthritis (P = 0.0003), paralabral cysts (P = 0.0001), imaging features of posterior impingement (P = 0.01), and both medial (P = 0.005) and lateral (P = 0.01) ankle ligament injuries. However, there was no statistically significant association between abnormal labral changes and patient symptoms. CONCLUSION: The posterior ankle labrum can develop a spectrum of abnormal MRI appearances in patients with other ankle joint abnormalities. Although this study showed no correlation between patients' symptoms and posterior ankle labral changes, larger studies are needed to examine the biomechanical alterations that may arise from these labral changes.

The role of radiology in the quantification of digital ulnar deviation in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory polyarthritis, which causes functional digital ulnar deviation (UD). Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of the hands is essential in RA, but its role in the quantification of UD remains unclear. PURPOSE: To compare UD measurements in RA patients between clinical goniometric assessments versus standardized radiographs and MRI. METHODS: Fifteen RA patients with clinically apparent UD and 11 RA patients without UD underwent a rheumatological examination prior to recruitment to this study. Goniometric measurements for UD at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints were performed by an occupational therapist (OT). Standardized hand radiographs, and MRI studies of the dominant hand using 3T MRI scanner with 16 channel hand/wrist coil were evaluated. Angulation measurements for radiographs and MRI were performed independently by two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists who were blinded to the rheumatologist's, occupational therapist's and each other's assessments. RESULTS: Inter-observer correlation between radiologists was >0.97 for both radiographic and MRI measurements. Correlation between OT goniometric measurements and the imaging-based measurements was limited at 0.496 for radiographs and 0.317 for MRI. Correlation between imaging modalities was 0.513. Compared to OT measurements, radiographic and MRI study measurements significantly underestimate the angulation in RA patients with UD (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated discordance between radiological and goniometric measurements of digital ulnar angulation at the MCP joints in RA patients. Although imaging plays a key role in understanding structural damage and disease activity in RA, it should be emphasized that radiological measurements underrate joint malalignment.

Feasibility of ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon--A pilot cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an ultrasound-guided proximal percutaneous tenotomy technique of long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). METHODS: Three fresh cadavers with no prior shoulder surgery or LHBT tears were included in the study. A single experienced musculoskeletal radiologist completed six ultrasound-guided proximal percutaneous tenotomies of LHBT. A superficial to deep approach was performed on four shoulders using an arthroscopic banana blade or retractable blade. A deep to superficial approach was performed on two shoulders using an arthroscopic hook blade. A blinded anatomist dissected each specimen and graded the tenotomy, length of proximal LHBT stump, and evidence of iatrogenic injuries. RESULTS: Four of the six cadaveric LHBTs were fully transected. The two partially transected tenotomies were performed using the arthroscopic banana and retractable serrated blades (63% and 80% transections, respectively). The proximal LHBT stump mean length was 2.6 cm (95% CI, 1.8-3.4). There was no evidence of iatrogenic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This cadaveric study showed that the ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy of the LHBT is a feasible procedure. The deep to superficial approach using an arthroscopic hook blade resulted in complete transection. Further cadaveric studies with larger numbers are warranted to confirm this novel technique's applicability in clinical practice.

Bony morphology of the knee and non-traumatic meniscal tears: is there a role for meniscal impingement?

OBJECTIVE: Meniscal tears are an important cause of morbidity. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between non-traumatic meniscal tears and the intrinsic bony morphology of the knee. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 160 knee MRI scans in 150 patients was carried out who met the following criteria: (a) age between 20 and 45 years, (b) no history of knee trauma, surgery, infection, metabolic bone disease, and (c) no collateral or cruciate ligamentous injury. The medial tibial slope (MTS), lateral tibial slope (LTS), medial tibial plateau depth (MTPD), and medial and lateral femoral condylar offset ratios were calculated. The anterior horn, body, and posterior horn of the menisci were graded as 0 (no tear), 1 and 2 (degenerative changes), or 3 (definitive tear). One-way ANOVA and linear regression was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In patients with grade 3 tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, there was a significant association with shallower MTS (p < 0.05), smaller medial femoral offset ratio (p < 0.05) and smaller lateral femoral offset ratio (p < 0.05). Patients with grade 3 tears of anterior horn of the lateral meniscus had a significant association with shallower LTS (p < 0.05). No significant association was seen between MTPD and meniscal tears. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an association between bony morphology of the knee and non-traumatic meniscal tears. Shallower MTS and LTS may result in impingement of posterior horn of medial meniscus and anterior horn of lateral meniscus, respectively. Future kinematic studies will be needed to help confirm our findings.

Increasing lateral tibial slope: is there an association with articular cartilage changes in the knee?

PURPOSE: The geometry of the lateral tibial slope (LTS) plays an important role in the overall biomechanics of the knee. Through this study, we aim to assess the impact of LTS on cartilage degeneration in the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 93 knee MRI scans (1.5 T or 3 T) for patients aged 20-45 years with no history of trauma or knee surgery, and absence of internal derangement. The LTS was calculated using the circle method. Chondropathy was graded from 0 (normal) to 3 (severe). Linear regression analysis was used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In our cohort of patients, a statistically significant association was seen between increasing LTS and worsening cartilage degenerative changes in the medial patellar articular surface and the lateral tibial articular surface (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant association between increasing LTS and worsening chondropathy of the lateral patellar, medial trochlea, lateral trochlea, medial femoral, lateral femoral, and medial tibial articular surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a statistically significant association between increasing LTS and worsening cartilage degenerative changes in the medial patella and the lateral tibial plateau. We speculate that increased LTS may result in increased femoral glide over the lateral tibial plateau with subsequent increased external rotation of the femur predisposing to patellofemoral articular changes. Future arthroscopic studies are needed to further confirm our findings.

Correlation between trochlear dysplasia and the notch index.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between trochlear dysplasia and the notch index. METHODS: Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 95 knees in 54 male and 36 female patients aged 4 to 74 (mean, 28) years were reviewed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Standard MRI sequences were used. Based on the Dejour classification of trochlear dysplasia, the knees were classified into normal or types A, B, C, and D. A notch index of <0.2 was considered narrow. Normal knees and knees with trochlear dysplasia were compared. RESULTS: 60 of the 95 knees had trochlear dysplasia, of which 39 were Dejour type A, 13 were type B, 7 were type C, and one was type D. Dejour types B, C, and D were combined as non-type A. Inter-observer agreement in assessing the notch index was good (Kappa=0.6). The mean notch indices in normal knees and knees with trochlear dysplasia were comparable (0.161 vs. 0.157, p=0.18), as were in Dejour type A and non-type A knees (0.154 vs. 0.160, p=0.54) and in Dejour types A, B, C, and D knees (0.154 vs. 0.165 vs 0.153 vs. 0.2, p=0.17-0.7). The rate of ACL injuries was similar in patients with normal knees and those with type-A trochlear dysplasia. A low notch index (narrow notch) was not associated with ACL injury. CONCLUSION: The notch index and trochlear morphology are 2 independent entities. A narrow notch does not imply a shallow trochlear grove.

Correlation between trochlear dysplasia and anterior cruciate ligament injury.

PURPOSE. To evaluate the correlation between trochlear dysplasia and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury METHODS. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of 95 knees in 54 males and 36 females aged 4 to 74 (mean, 28) years who had anterior knee pain and suspected ligamentous injury were reviewed. The MRIs were independently reviewed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists on 2 occasions. According to the Dejour classification, trochlear dysplasia was classified into types A, B, C, and D. Intra-articular injuries/ disorders of the patients included patellofemoral osteoarthritis, chondromalacia patella, meniscal tears, and ligamentous injuries. Intra- and inter-observer variability was calculated. RESULTS. 58 of the knees had trochlear dysplasia, 38 of which were Dejour type A. The intra- and inter-observer variability was good to excellent (Kappa=0.76-1). ACL tear was the most common injury (n=13). No ACL injury occurred in patients without trochlear dysplasia. The odds of having sustained an ACL injury were 8.8 fold greater in Dejour type-A knees than in non-type-A knees (p=0.023). CONCLUSION. Dejour type-A trochlear dysplasia was associated with ACL injuries.

Radiofrequency denervation of the inguinal ligament for the treatment of 'Sportsman's Hernia': a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic groin pain is a common and debilitating condition in highly active athletes. Symptoms are often ascribed to the so-called Sportsman's Hernia, and these patients frequently undergo prolonged and often painful remedial physiotherapy, or, if the condition is refractory, surgery to repair the posterior inguinal wall. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesised that radiofrequency denervation (RFD) of both the ilioinguinal nerve and inguinal ligament could be used to desensitise the groin region and enable the athlete to become pain-free. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomised controlled trial of three groups of patients with chronic groin pain. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with chronic groin pain of greater than 6 months duration, with no identifiable structural cause and which was refractory to conservative treatment, were randomised into two groups. Group 1 was treated with RFD (n=18), while group 2 was treated with local anaesthetic (Bupivicaine) and steroid (Trimacinolone) injection (n=18). A further 10 patients with previous failed surgery for the same condition were treated with RFD without randomisation. All patients then underwent a standardised physiotherapy regimen. The Visual Analogue Scale at rest (VASr) and with activity (VASa) was used to assess pain, and London Adductor and Abdominal Groin Score was used to assess function, at baseline and at 1 week, 3 months and 6 months post-treatment. RESULTS: RFD treatment resulted in a significant improvement above baseline in all measures and at each time intervals up to 6 months, in both the randomised Group 1 and in the postsurgery group (p values ranging from <0.001 to 0.001). Injection of local anaesthetic and steroid resulted in a significant improvement above baseline in all measures, but only at 1 week (p values ranging from 0.001 to 0.021), and not at any of the later intervals. Improvements in all measures was significantly greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 at all follow-up intervals (p values ranging from <0.001 to 0.003). No persistent adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The use of RFD in the treatment of refractory Sportsman's Hernia is safe and efficacious at least in the short term, and is superior to anaesthetic/steroid injection. The results suggest that symptoms are related to tendon inflammation and ilioinguinal nerve compression, and can be abolished with pharmacological or radiofrequency treatment, without the need for surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This novel technique could help athletes suffering from chronic groin pain return to play more quickly, both facilitating and allowing deferral of remedial physiotherapy treatments, and potentially avoiding the need for surgery.

Ultrasound guided alcohol ablation of Morton's neuroma.

BACKGROUND: Morton's neuroma is a common cause of metatarsalgia. This study evaluated the efficacy of ultrasound guided alcohol injection as a treatment for this condition. METHOD: Data from 87 treatment courses were included in this study with a mean follow of 14.3 months. RESULTS: Technical success was 100%. One patient developed symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction to the injection and one patient declined further injection because of periprocedural pain. Partial or total treatment response was achieved in 66%, with 32% of patients having complete resolution of pain. The median visual analogue score (VAS) decreased from 8 pre-procedure to 4 post-procedure (p < 0.0001). Procedural success was greater in patients under 55 years old and in those with solitary neuromas. Seventeen patients (20%) went on to have surgery due to continuing pain. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guided alcohol ablation for the treatment of Morton's neuroma was a safe procedure that significantly reduced pain and may offer an alternative therapy to surgery.

Skin-derived fibroblasts for the treatment of refractory Achilles tendinosis: preliminary short-term results.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Achilles tendinosis is a common musculoskeletal disorder often refractory to conservative management. Our study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the use of autologous skin-derived collagen-producing cells in the treatment of refractory Achilles tendinosis. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind study on forty Achilles tendons in thirty-two patients (eight with bilateral involvement) who had a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of Achilles tendinosis. The patients ranged from twenty-two to sixty-seven years old and had a mean age of 45.2 years. The patients with unilateral involvement were randomized into the treatment group (twelve patients) and control group (twelve patients). The eight patients with bilateral involvement were individually randomized into treatment and control groups, with eight Achilles tendons in each group. Achilles tendons in the treatment group were injected under ultrasound guidance with laboratory-expanded, skin-derived fibroblasts suspended in autologous plasma. The control group received ultrasound-guided injection of a local anesthetic and physiotherapy. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were used as the main outcome measures for both groups. RESULTS: Significant differences in the mean VISA and VAS scores were detected between the treatment and the control groups for the patients with unilateral involvement at six months (p < 0.001 for both). With use of the Mann-Whitney U Test, significant differences in the VISA score were observed at the second visit and at the three-month and six-month visits (p = 0.02, p = 0.007, and p < 0.001 respectively). The VAS scores also showed significant differences at the second visit and at the six-month evaluation (p = 0.014 and p < 0.001, respectively). The eight patients with bilateral involvement were analyzed separately; with the number of patients studied, no significant differences in the VISA or VAS scores were observed between the treatment group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary short-term results demonstrate that the injection of skin-derived fibroblasts for the treatment of Achilles tendinosis is safe. However, larger studies with a longer duration of follow-up are required to determine the long-term effectiveness before wider clinical application is considered.

Cell therapy in tendon disorders: what is the current evidence?

BACKGROUND: Various types of tissue-derived cells are being experimented with for the treatment of tendinopathy, tendon repair, and use in tissue engineering. PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review is to explore the current evidence with a view to evaluate the potential of this therapeutic intervention. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted using PubMed. Search criteria included keywords "tendinopathy," "tendinitis," "tendinosis," "epicondylitis," "stem cell," and "cell therapy." Articles not written in English language were excluded. RESULTS: A total number of 379 articles were identified and a critical appraisal of the relevant articles was undertaken, which encompassed human and animal research. The review included articles related to various tissue-derived cells such as tendon progenitors, adipose tissue, synovium, muscle, bone marrow, and skin. The utility of cell therapy in tissue engineering and rotator cuff repair was also assessed. CONCLUSION: With the limitation of the available evidence, the literature suggests that cell therapy is applicable and may be effective for the treatment of tendinopathy. However, further research into the precise biological mechanisms, long-term implications, and cost-effectiveness is needed.