The European Diploma in Musculoskeletal Radiology; Past, Present, and Future.

As per recommendations from the European Society of Radiology and the European Union of Medical Specialists, upon completion of level 3 radiology training, an objective assessment of the attained standards, aligned with national customs and practices, should take place. A subspecialty exam should ideally be an integral part of the training completion process. Among 10 of 13 European subspecialty societies currently offering a European subspecialty diploma, the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) diploma program was formally introduced by the ESSR in 2003. This article describes the evolution of the ESSR diploma, encompassing the current diploma program, validation procedures, endorsements, and future perspectives. Additionally, insights from a brief survey among ESSR diploma holders is shared, offering valuable tips for prospective candidates aiming to navigate the examination process successfully.

Imaging of musculoskeletal tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) represents a major public health problem worldwide. Any tissue may be infected. Involvement of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system account for 1-3% of all tuberculous infections. MSK TB may manifest as tuberculous spondylitis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and soft tissue infections. Although TB spondylitis may present with distinctive imaging features compared to pyogenic infections of the spine, the imaging semiology of extra-spinal TB infections is mostly nonspecific and may mimic other lesions. TB infections should therefore always be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this article is to review the imaging features of spinal and extra-spinal MSK TB. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the modality of choice to make the diagnosis and to evaluate the extent of the disease.

Ultrasound measurements of the normal peroneal tubercle: validation of the normal anatomical measurements and evaluation of the intra- and interobserver reliability.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate if ultrasound could be a reliable and accurate tool to measure the size of the peroneal tubercle. Material and methods: This study measured the width, length, and height of the peroneal tubercle in 100 asymptomatic patients, comparing the measurements to prior radiographs of the foot (if available) and previously reported anatomical data. This study also assessed the intra- and interrater reliability of ultrasound as a measurement tool. Results: Our findings show that ultrasound measurements of the peroneal tubercle were consistent with values reported in the literature and prior radiographs concerning width. Both intra- and inter-observer measurements were reliable. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of ultrasound imaging as a promising tool to measure the peroneal tubercle, and it could contribute to a better understanding of peroneal tendon disorders.

Soft tissue tumor imaging in adults: European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology-Guidelines 2023-overview, and primary local imaging: how and where?

OBJECTIVES: Early, accurate diagnosis is crucial for the prognosis of patients with soft tissue sarcomas. To this end, standardization of imaging algorithms, technical requirements, and reporting is therefore a prerequisite. Since the first European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) consensus in 2015, technical achievements, further insights into specific entities, and the revised WHO-classification (2020) and AJCC staging system (2017) made an update necessary. The guidelines are intended to support radiologists in their decision-making and contribute to interdisciplinary tumor board discussions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated Delphi method based on peer-reviewed literature was used to derive consensus among a panel of 46 specialized musculoskeletal radiologists from 12 European countries. Statements were scored online by level of agreement (0 to 10) during two iterative rounds. Either "group consensus," "group agreement," or "lack of agreement" was achieved. RESULTS: Eight sections were defined that finally contained 145 statements with comments. Overall, group consensus was reached in 95.9%, and group agreement in 4.1%. This communication contains the first part consisting of the imaging algorithm for suspected soft tissue tumors, methods for local imaging, and the role of tumor centers. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound represents the initial triage imaging modality for accessible and small tumors. MRI is the modality of choice for the characterization and local staging of most soft tissue tumors. CT is indicated in special situations. In suspicious or likely malignant tumors, a specialist tumor center should be contacted for referral or teleradiologic second opinion. This should be done before performing a biopsy, without exception. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The updated ESSR soft tissue tumor imaging guidelines aim to provide best practice expert consensus for standardized imaging, to support radiologists in their decision-making, and to improve examination comparability both in individual patients and in future studies on individualized strategies. KEY POINTS: • Ultrasound remains the best initial triage imaging modality for accessible and small suspected soft tissue tumors. • MRI is the modality of choice for the characterization and local staging of soft tissue tumors in most cases; CT is indicated in special situations. Suspicious or likely malignant tumors should undergo biopsy. • In patients with large, indeterminate or suspicious tumors, a tumor reference center should be contacted for referral or teleradiologic second opinion; this must be done before a biopsy.

John P. Caffey, 1895-1978.

This history page in the series "Leaders in MSK Radiology" is dedicated to the achievements of Dr. John Caffey, whose name is associated with infantile cortical hyperostosis, also known as Caffey's disease.

Kazimierz S. Kozlowski, 1928.

This history page in the series "Leaders in MSK Radiology" is dedicated to the achievements of the Polish radiologist Kazimierz Kozlowski, whose name is associated with the Kozlowski type of spondylometaphyseal dysplasia.

Imaging of the Craniocervical Junction: A Pictorial Review.

The craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a complex anatomical structure comprising the occiput, the atlas, and the axis. The CCJ plays an important role in maintaining stability, providing protection, and supporting neurovascular structures. The CCJ can be affected by a wide range of congenital variants and traumatic, degenerative, inflammatory, and tumoral pathologies. This pictorial review the normal anatomy of the CCJ and presents the most common anatomical variants and pathologic conditions affecting the CCJ.

History Page: Leaders in MSK Radiology Maxime Ménard, 1872-1926.

This history page in the series "Leaders in Musculoskeletal Radiology" is dedicated to the memory and achievements of French radiologist Maxime Ménard, whose name is associated with the Shenton-Ménard line that Ménard described independently with the British radiologist Edward Shenton. This landmark line describes the relationship of the proximal femur to the acetabulum in hip dysplasia and fractures of the femoral neck.

Complications of the Rigid Spine.

We present a short overview of the most common causes and imaging findings of a rigid spine including long-standing spondylarthritis, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and the less common ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. The article also focuses on the pathogenesis and imaging findings of acute complications of the rigid spine due to fractures. These fractures may occur even after minor trauma and are difficult to detect on initial radiographs, resulting in a delayed diagnosis. They are often unstable with a high risk of severe neurologic complications, leading to high morbidity and mortality both in the initial phase and in the months following the fracture. Because the negative predictive value of conventional radiography is low, every patient with a rigid spine with newly appearing pain should be referred for subsequent cross-sectional imaging.

Lunotriquetral Coalition.

Lunotriquetral (LT) coalition is the most common carpal coalition. Four morphological types of LT coalition have been described. LT coalition is usually asymptomatic, but rarely a fibrocartilaginous type may cause ulnar wrist pain. We report a case of bilateral asymptomatic LT coalition that was seen incidentally on conventional radiography taken after a wrist injury. Conventional radiography is the first imaging technique to detect and classify this type of LT coalition. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool to investigate possible associated pathology of the carpal joints, particularly if surgical treatment of a symptomatic patient is anticipated.

Tardigrade and Manifold Sign: Two New Signs in Dupuytren's Disease.

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a chronic benign fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar and digital fasciae. It is characterized by formation of nodules and fibrous cords that may eventually lead to contractures with permanent flexion of the finger joints. Correction of the flexion contractures in advanced disease is still performed by open limited fasciectomy; ultrasonography (US)-guided minimally invasive treatment is preferred for early disease.We provide an overview of the detailed anatomy of the palmar aponeurosis and the structures that may be involved in DD. Although magnetic resonance imaging is used as the gold standard, these small anatomical structures are often better visible on US. We describe two new morphological signs due to thickening of these small structures in patients with DD: the tardigrade sign and the manifold sign. Familiarity with detailed imaging anatomy and these new imaging signs of DD will help confirm a correct and early diagnosis and distinguish this disease from various other entities.

History Page: Leaders in MSK Radiology Augusto Pellegrini, 1877-1958.

This history page in the series "Leaders in MSK Radiology" is dedicated to the memory and achievements of the Italian surgeon Augusto Pellegrini, whose name is partially associated with the medical eponym Pellegrini-Stieda disease.

Results of an International Survey on Spinal Imaging by the ASNR/ASSR/ESNR/ESSR "Nomenclature 3.0" Working Group.

Our goal was to determine if "Nomenclature 2.0," the classification of lumbar disk pathology consensus, should be updated. We conducted a social media and e-mail-based survey on preferences regarding the use of classification on magnetic resonance spine reporting. Members of the European Society of Neuroradiology, European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology, American Society of Neuroradiology, and American Society of Spine Radiology received a 15-question online survey between February and March 2022. A total of 600 responses were received from 63 countries. The largest number of responses came from Italy and the United States. We found that 71.28% of respondents used Nomenclature 2.0, Classification of Lumbar Disk Pathology. But classification on stenosis is used less often: 53.94% and 60% of respondents do not use any classification of spinal canal stenosis and foraminal stenosis, respectively. When queried about which part of Nomenclature needs improving, most respondents asked for a Structured Reporting Template (SRT), even though 58.85% of respondents do not currently use any template and 54% routinely use a clinical information questionnaire. These results highlight the importance of an updated Nomenclature 3.0 version that integrates the classifications of lumbar disk disease and spinal canal and foraminal stenosis. Further attention should also be directed toward developing a robust endorsed SRT.

Jacques Calvé, 1875-1954.

This history page in the series "Leaders in MSK Radiology" is dedicated to the memory and achievements of the French physician Jacques Calvé, whose name is partially associated with the medical eponym Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

The Lisbon Agreement on femoroacetabular impingement imaging-part 2: general issues, parameters, and reporting.

OBJECTIVES: Imaging assessment for the clinical management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is controversial because of a paucity of evidence-based guidance and notable variability among practitioners. Hence, expert consensus is needed because standardised imaging assessment is critical for clinical practice and research. We aimed to establish expert-based statements on FAI imaging by using formal methods of consensus building. METHODS: The Delphi method was used to formally derive consensus among 30 panel members from 13 countries. Forty-four questions were agreed upon, and relevant seminal literature was circulated and classified in major topics to produce answering statements. The level of evidence was noted for all statements, and panel members were asked to score their level of agreement (0-10). This is the second part of a three-part consensus series and focuses on 'General issues' and 'Parameters and reporting'. RESULTS: Forty-seven statements were generated and group consensus was reached for 45. Twenty-five statements pertaining to 'General issues' (9 addressing diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and postoperative imaging) and 'Parameters and reporting' (16 addressing femoral/acetabular parameters) were produced. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence was reviewed critically, recommended criteria for diagnostic imaging highlighted, and the roles/values of different imaging parameters assessed. Radiographic evaluation (AP pelvis and a Dunn 45° view) is the cornerstone of hip-imaging assessment and the minimum imaging study that should be performed when evaluating adult patients for FAI. In most cases, cross-sectional imaging is warranted because MRI is the 'gold standard' imaging modality for the comprehensive evaluation, differential diagnosis assessment, and FAI surgical planning. KEY POINTS: • Diagnostic imaging for FAI is not standardised due to scarce evidence-based guidance on which imaging modalities and diagnostic criteria/parameters should be used. • Radiographic evaluation is the cornerstone of hip assessment and the minimum study that should be performed when assessing suspected FAI. Cross-sectional imaging is justified in most cases because MRI is the 'gold standard' modality for comprehensive FAI evaluation. • For acetabular morphology, coverage (Wiberg's angle and acetabular index) and version (crossover, posterior wall, and ischial spine signs) should be assessed routinely. On the femoral side, the head-neck junction morphology (α° and offset), neck morphology (NSA), and torsion should be assessed.

The Lisbon Agreement on Femoroacetabular Impingement Imaging-part 3: imaging techniques.

OBJECTIVES: Imaging diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) remains controversial due to a lack of high-level evidence, leading to significant variability in patient management. Optimizing protocols and technical details is essential in FAI imaging, although challenging in clinical practice. The purpose of this agreement is to establish expert-based statements on FAI imaging, using formal consensus techniques driven by relevant literature review. Recommendations on the selection and use of imaging techniques for FAI assessment, as well as guidance on relevant radiographic and MRI classifications, are provided. METHODS: The Delphi method was used to assess agreement and derive consensus among 30 panel members (musculoskeletal radiologists and orthopedic surgeons). Forty-four questions were agreed on and classified into five major topics and recent relevant literature was circulated, in order to produce answering statements. The level of evidence was assessed for all statements and panel members scored their level of agreement with each statement during 4 Delphi rounds. Either "group consensus," "group agreement," or "no agreement" was achieved. RESULTS: Forty-seven statements were generated and group consensus was reached for 45. Twenty-two statements pertaining to "Imaging techniques" were generated. Eight statements on "Radiographic assessment" and 12 statements on "MRI evaluation" gained consensus. No agreement was reached for the 2 "Ultrasound" related statements. CONCLUSION: The first international consensus on FAI imaging was developed. Researchers and clinicians working with FAI and hip-related pain may use these recommendations to guide, develop, and implement comprehensive, evidence-based imaging protocols and classifications. KEY POINTS: • Radiographic evaluation is recommended for the initial assessment of FAI, while MRI with a dedicated protocol is the gold standard imaging technique for the comprehensive evaluation of this condition. • The MRI protocol for FAI evaluation should include unilateral small FOV with radial imaging, femoral torsion assessment, and a fluid sensitive sequence covering the whole pelvis. • The definite role of other imaging methods in FAI, such as ultrasound or CT, is still not well defined.

History Page: Leaders in MSK Radiology.

This history page in the series "Leaders in MSK Radiology" is dedicated to the memory and achievements of the French physician Jacques Forestier, whose name is connected with the medical eponym Forestier's disease, later referred to as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

History Page: Leaders in MSK Radiology Hans Jessen Panner, 1871-1930.

This history page in the series "Leaders in MSK Radiology" is dedicated to the memory and achievements of the Danish radiologist Hans Jessen Panner, whose name is connected to the medical eponym Panner's disease.

Congenital and Developmental Abnormalities of the Hand and Wrist.

Identification of congenital skeletal abnormalities is complex because of the large variety of individual syndromes and dysplasias that are often difficult to remember. Although a correct diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, radiologic, and genetic tests, imaging plays an important role in selecting those patients who should be referred for further genetic counseling and expensive genetic tests. In addition to information derived from radiologic analysis of other skeletal elements, radiographs of the hand and wrist may provide particular useful information. In the first part of this article, we provide a guide for a systematic radiologic analysis of the hand and wrist bones that may help characterize congenital and developmental diseases. Special attention is given to the use of correct terminology. In the second part, we discuss typical examples of congenital and developmental diseases involving the hand and wrist, with an emphasis on skeletal dysplasias.

Acute Bony Injuries of Hand and Wrist.

Acute bony injuries to the hand and wrist are very common after a fall on an outstretched hand. In the wrist, distal radius fractures are the most common; isolated distal ulna fractures are uncommon. More serious injuries to the wrist include complicated fracture-dislocation injuries such as perilunate dislocations. At the carpal level, scaphoid fractures are the most common followed by fractures of the dorsal side of the triquetrum. The metacarpals often fracture, most commonly the base of the thumb and the subcapital region of the fifth metacarpal. In the fingers, we encounter many different types of fractures, often avulsions reflecting underlying soft tissue pathology (e.g., mallet finger). Dislocations are common in the fingers, predominantly in the distal interphalangeal joints. From an imaging standpoint, conventional radiography is always the initial examination. Complex (intra-articular) fractures, fracture-dislocation injuries, and a strong clinical suspicion of radiographically occult fractures need to be further evaluated for decision making regarding treatment. Computed tomography is the primary imaging modality of choice for the first two. In the latter, magnetic resonance imaging can be preferable, depending on clinical suspicion and the local situation in the associated hospital.