Current Trends in Total Ankle Replacement.

Ankle arthritis can result in significant pain and restriction in range of motion. Total ankle replacement (TAR) is a motion-preserving surgical option used as an alternative to total ankle arthrodesis to treat end-stage ankle arthritis. There are several generations of TAR techniques based on component design, implant material, and surgical technique. With more recent TAR implants, an attempt is made to minimize bone resection and mirror the native anatomy. There are more than 20 implant devices currently available. Implant survivorship varies among prosthesis types and generations, with improved outcomes reported with use of the more recent third- and fourth-generation ankle implants. Pre- and postoperative assessments of TAR are primarily performed by using weight-bearing radiography, with weight-bearing CT emerging as an additional imaging tool. Preoperative assessments include those of the tibiotalar angle, offset, and adjacent areas of arthritis requiring additional surgical procedures. US, nuclear medicine studies, and MRI can be used to troubleshoot complications. Effective radiologic assessment requires an understanding of the component design and corresponding normal perioperative imaging features of ankle implants, as well as recognition of common and device-specific complications. General complications seen at radiography include aseptic loosening, osteolysis, hardware subsidence, periprosthetic fracture, infection, gutter impingement, heterotopic ossification, and syndesmotic nonunion. The authors review several recent generations of TAR implants commonly used in the United States, normal pre- and postoperative imaging assessment, and imaging complications of TAR. Indications for advanced imaging of TAR are also reviewed. ©RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Only 24 Hours: A Lesson in Privilege.

In this article, I describe how a professional courtesy afforded to me as a radiologist allowed me to circumvent my institution's typical care timelines after my first screening mammogram was abnormal. I underwent biopsy and received a phone call with the results within 24 hours of screening, leading me to recognize and reflect on my professional privilege as a physician. I explore the implications of this privilege, including the potential impact on health care disparities.

Best Practices: Best Imaging Modality for Surveillance of Metal-on-Metal Hip Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE. Metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty has been shown to result in soft-tissue complications in some patients, making revision surgery necessary. Imaging is critical in the detection and surveillance of soft-tissue complications, which are collectively termed adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) and adverse local tissue reaction. Studies have investigated the use of ultrasound, MRI, and CT for detecting ARMD, and each modality has advantages and disadvantages. This article provides evidence-based recommendations for imaging surveillance of ARMD. CONCLUSION. Compared with ultrasound, MRI has been found to be a better imaging modality for surveillance of ARMD. In addition, MRI is not operator dependent, allows visualization of soft-tissue details, and allows more consistent measurement of fluid collections on follow-up examinations. Limitations of ultrasound include operator skill, the inability to visualize osseous structures, and the challenge of visualizing posterior soft tissues for synovitis and fluid collections in larger patients. Finally, CT is only useful for focused evaluation of osteolysis or periprosthetic fracture.

Prevalence of shoulder labral abnormalities on MRI in a non-athletic asymptomatic young adult population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of shoulder (specifically labral) abnormalities on MRI in a young non-athletic asymptomatic cohort. We hypothesize that this population will have fewer labral abnormalities than an athletic population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, non-athletic young adults age 18-29 with no history of shoulder pain received bilateral shoulder MRIs. A total of 58 total shoulder MRIs were completed on a 3-T MRI scanner (PRISMA-Fit Siemens Medical). MRIs were read by two board-certified fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists at two time points 3 months apart to determine prevalence of labral and other shoulder anatomy abnormalities. Kappa statistics and the associated 95% confidence intervals were computed for inter/intra-reader reliability. Fisher's exact test was used to compare rates of abnormalities in our study with a similarly designed study involving ice hockey athletes. RESULTS: Prevalence of labral abnormalities was 9% (5/58). Kappa coefficient was 1.0 for both readers for intra-reader reliability and 0.57 for inter-reader reliability of labral abnormalities. We further compared our results in asymptomatic athletes with previously published work using the same protocol at our institution. The prevalence of labral abnormalities on MRI in asymptomatic professional and collegiate ice hockey players (49 imaged shoulders) was 24%, which demonstrated a statistically significant (p value < 0.05) difference compared with our data with a p value of 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: Non-athletic young adults with no history of shoulder pain/injury had an overall prevalence of shoulder MRI abnormalities less than asymptomatic professional and collegiate ice hockey players in a similarly designed study.

Spine Fixation Hardware: An Update.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the imaging of spine fixation hardware. CONCLUSION. As the prevalence of neck and back pain continues to increase, so does the number of surgical procedures used to treat such pain. Accordingly, new techniques and hardware designs are used, and the hardware will be seen on postoperative imaging. It is critical that radiologists understand the appropriate imaging modalities for the assessment of spine fixation hardware, recognize the normal imaging appearance of such hardware, and be able to detect hardware-related complications.

Radiologic Update on Arthroplasties in the Wrist and Hand.

Arthritis involving the hand and wrist can significantly impair functions of daily living. Although arthrodesis provides pain relief, it limits range of motion at the affected joint. Arthroplasty is an alternative surgical treatment for hand and wrist arthritis, providing both pain relief and restoration of a range of motion. Over the past decade, several advances have occurred in hand and wrist arthroplasty designs. This article reviews component design, normal imaging appearance, and common complications of arthroplasty used in the wrist and hand. It also introduces readers to newer arthroplasty designs.

Imaging of Shoulder Arthroplasties.

OBJECTIVE: In this article, we review the preoperative imaging features used for planning shoulder arthroplasty as well as review the various shoulder arthroplasty component types, discussing the expected normal imaging features and specific complications to look for with each. CONCLUSION: Given the increasing use of shoulder arthroplasty, it is important to understand the imaging features of the various shoulder arthroplasty complications.

Non-union rate of type II and III odontoid fractures in CPPD versus a control population.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine if there is a significant difference between rates of non-union of type II and III odontoid fractures in patients with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition (CPPD) compared with a control population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10-year retrospective picture archive and communications system review was performed of 31 CPPD patients and 31 control patients. Imaging studies were reviewed for radiographic or CT evidence of osseous union and complications. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the rates of non-union between the two groups, with the non-union rate reaching 90.3% in the CPPD group and 32% in the control group. Comparing the degree of displacement and angulation of the two groups did not show a significant difference. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that odontoid fracture non-union rates are significantly higher in CPPD patients and should be taken into consideration when diagnosing odontoid fractures and deciding on appropriate treatment.

Communicating Uncertainty in the Radiology Report.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this article are to explore the issue of diagnostic uncertainty in radiology and how the radiology report has often fallen short in this regard and to suggest approaches that can be helpful in addressing this challenge. CONCLUSION: The practice of medicine involves a great deal of uncertainty, which is an uncomfortable reality for most physicians. Radiologists are more often than not faced with considerable diagnostic uncertainty and in their written reports are challenged to effectively communicate that uncertainty to referring physicians and others.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided to Fluoroscopy-Guided Biceps Tendon Sheath Therapeutic Injection.

OBJECTIVES: Biceps tendinitis is a source of anterior shoulder pain and is amenable to therapeutic injection. Studies have shown greater accuracy with image-guided compared to unguided injection of the biceps tendon sheath. There is no literature comparing ultrasound-guided to fluoroscopy-guided biceps tendon sheath injection. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes, complication rates, procedure success rates, and financial costs of the two imaging-guided methods. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective review of the picture archiving and communication system was performed to identify patients who underwent image-guided proximal biceps tendon sheath injection. Two radiologists reviewed the picture archiving and communication system and clinical notes to record pain relief, complications, fluoroscopy time, first-pass success rate (defined as injection into the sheath on the first needle pass), final success rate (needle placement in the tendon sheath on the final needle pass), and average costs. RESULTS: Fifty fluoroscopy-guided and 53 ultrasound-guided cases were identified. There was no statistically significant difference in pain relief or complications. The first-pass success rate was 90.6% for ultrasound compared to 74.0% for fluoroscopy. The final-pass success rate was 98.2% for ultrasound versus 92.0% for fluoroscopy. The mean fluoroscopy time was 57.6 seconds. Ultrasound showed preinjection abnormalities of the biceps tendon in 47.5% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to fluoroscopy-guided biceps tendon sheath injection, ultrasound had higher initial- and final-pass success rates, visualized abnormalities before injection, and had similar pain relief and complication rates. Ultrasound is more accurate and has greater diagnostic benefits than unguided or fluoroscopy-guided biceps tendon sheath injection.

Total elbow arthroplasty: a radiographic outcome study.

OBJECTIVES: Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is becoming a popular alternative to arthrodesis for patients with end-stage elbow arthrosis and comminuted distal humeral fractures. Prior outcome studies have primarily focused on surgical findings. Our purpose is to determine the radiographic outcome of TEA and to correlate with clinical symptoms such as pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an IRB-approved retrospective review from 2005 to 2015 of all patients with semiconstrained TEA. All available elbow radiographs and clinical data were reviewed. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival curves for radiographic and clinical survival. RESULTS: A total of 104 total elbow arthroplasties in 102 patients were reviewed; 75 % were in women and the mean patient age was 63.1 years. Mean radiographic follow-up was 826 days with average of four radiographs per patient. Seventy TEAs (67 %) developed radiographic complications, including heterotopic ossification (48 %), perihardware lucency (27 %), periprosthetic fracture (23 %), hardware subluxation/dislocation (7 %), polyethylene wear (3 %), and hardware fracture/dislodgement (3 %); 56 patients (55 %) developed symptoms of elbow pain or instability and 30 patients (30 %) underwent at least one reoperation. In patients with radiographic complications, 66 % developed elbow pain, compared to 19 % of patients with no radiologic complications (p = 0.001). Of the patients with radiographic complications, 39 % had at least one additional surgery compared to 0 % of patients without radiographic complications (p = 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic complications are common in patients after total elbow arthroplasty. There is a strong positive association between post-operative radiographic findings and clinical outcome. Knowledge of common postoperative radiographic findings is important for the practicing radiologist.

Linguine sign in musculoskeletal imaging: calf silicone implant rupture.

Imaging findings of breast silicone implant rupture are well described in the literature. On MRI, the linguine sign indicates intracapsular rupture, while the presence of silicone particles outside the fibrous capsule indicates extracapsular rupture. The linguine sign is described as the thin, wavy hypodense wall of the implant within the hyperintense silicone on T2-weighted images indicative of rupture of the implant within the naturally formed fibrous capsule. Hyperintense T2 signal outside of the fibrous capsule is indicative of an extracapsular rupture with silicone granuloma formation. We present a rare case of a patient with a silicone calf implant rupture and discuss the MRI findings associated with this condition.

Imaging findings of adiposis dolorosa vs. massive localized lymphedema.

PURPOSE: Adiposis dolorosa (Dercum's disease) is a condition of benign, painful subcutaneous lipomatous lesions associated with weakness, endocrine and lipid abnormalities, and mental disturbances. There is little information documenting the cross-sectional imaging findings that differentiate it from lipomatous and neoplastic soft tissue masses, or massive localized lymphedema. The purpose of this study was to provide a radiological case series of adiposis dolorosa. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective review of the picture archiving and communications system was performed. Two musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed images to confirm and document imaging features, location, size, and patient demographics. Medical records were reviewed to characterize patients into three groups: one group met at least three of the four criteria of Dercum's syndrome, the second group met less than three criteria, and the third group had clinical diagnosis of cellulitis of the lower extremity. RESULTS: Seventeen cases (25 masses) of adiposis dolorosa were found, nine cases of which met at least three criteria of Dercum's syndrome. All cases in the first two groups demonstrated skin thickening and lymphedema of subcutaneous fat, which was fluid attenuation on CT and low or intermediate T1-weighted and high STIR/T2-weighted MR signal. Two cases with pathology showed mild fatty infiltration with fibrous septa, and the third case showed massive localized lymphedema. The third group of ten cellulitis patients demonstrated non-mass-like subcutaneous edema with similar CT attenuation and MR signal characteristics to the first two groups, but differed by the presence of post-contrast enhancement and non-mass-like appearance in 90%. CONCLUSION: Imaging findings of adiposis dolorosa and massive localized lymphedema overlap, as do the symptoms and pathological features. Due to the mass-like engorgement of the soft tissues and pain, patients will often undergo imaging to exclude neoplasm or infection. Knowledge of these conditions and the characteristic imaging findings is important to prevent unnecessary biopsy and misdiagnosis.

Unlocking the jaw: advanced imaging of the temporomandibular joint.

OBJECTIVE: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a common condition, affecting up to 28% of the population. The TMJ can be affected by abnormal dynamics of the disk-condyle complex, degenerative arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and crystal arthropathy. Less commonly, neoplasms and abnormal morphologic features of the condyle are causes of TMJ symptoms. Cross-sectional imaging is frequently used for diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the normal imaging appearance of the TMJ, its appearance on radiological examination, and interventional techniques are useful for providing a meaningful radiologic contribution. This article will review normal TMJ anatomy; describe the normal ultrasound, CT, and MRI appearances of TMJ; provide imaging examples of abnormal TMJs; and illustrate imaging-guided therapeutic TMJ injection.

Imaging current spine hardware: part 1, cervical spine and fracture fixation.

OBJECTIVE: The goals of this article are to review the indications for use, the materials, and the designs of hardware more commonly used in the cervical spine; to discuss alternatives for each of the different types of hardware; to review normal postoperative imaging findings; to describe the appropriateness of different imaging modalities for postoperative evaluation; and to illustrate examples of hardware complications. This article will also review vertebral body fracture fixation. CONCLUSION: Stabilization and fusion of the spine with intervertebral disk replacement, artificial ligaments, spinous process distraction devices, plate-and-rod systems, dynamic posterior fusion devices, and implants composed of new types of material are increasingly more common in the contemporary surgical practice. These spinal hardware devices will be seen more often in radiology practice. Successful postoperative radiologic evaluation of spinal hardware necessitates an understanding of the fundamental design of the hardware, the physiologic objective of the hardware, normal and abnormal postoperative imaging appearances, and complications unique to the hardware.

Imaging of current spinal hardware: lumbar spine.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this article are to review the indications for and the materials and designs of hardware more commonly used in the lumbar spine; to discuss alternatives for each of the types of hardware; to review normal postoperative imaging findings; to describe the appropriateness of different imaging modalities for postoperative evaluation; and to show examples of hardware complications. CONCLUSION: Stabilization and fusion of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disk replacement, artificial ligaments, spinous process distraction devices, plate-and-rod systems, dynamic posterior fusion devices, and newer types of material incorporation are increasingly more common in contemporary surgical practice. These spinal hardware devices will be seen more often in radiology practice. Successful postoperative radiologic evaluation of this spinal hardware necessitates an understanding of fundamental hardware design, physiologic objectives, normal postoperative imaging appearances, and unique complications. Radiologists may have little training and experience with the new and modified types of hardware used in the lumbar spine.

Acromioclavicular joint: the other joint in the shoulder.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to provide a review of acromioclavicular joint anatomy, describe common pathologies at the joint, and present normal and abnormal postoperative imaging findings after surgical treatments. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of anatomy with related pathologies, orthopedic trends, imaging findings, and complications, is important in assessing the acromioclavicular joint.

Soft-tissue myxomatous lesions: review of salient imaging features with pathologic comparison.

Myxoid soft-tissue lesions are a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors with an abundance of extracellular mucoid material. These lesions may mimic cysts on radiologic evaluation because of the high water content, and histopathologic features also overlap. Benign myxoid lesions include intramuscular myxoma, synovial cyst, bursa, ganglion, and benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor, including neurofibroma and schwannoma. Malignant entities include myxoid liposarcoma, myxoid leiomyosarcoma, myxoid chondrosarcoma, ossifying fibromyxoid tumor, and myxofibrosarcoma. Some syndromes are associated with myxoid soft-tissue lesions, such as Mazabraud syndrome in patients with soft-tissue myxomas and fibrous dysplasia. Certain discriminating features, such as intralesional fat in a myxoid liposarcoma, perilesional edema and a rim of fat in soft-tissue myxoma, and the swirled T2-weighted signal intensity and enhancement pattern of aggressive angiomyxoma, assist the radiologist in differentiating these lesions. The presence of an internal chondroid matrix or incomplete peripheral ossification may suggest myxoid chondrosarcoma or ossifying fibromyxoid tumor, respectively. The entering-and-exiting-nerve sign is suggestive of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Communication with a joint or tendon sheath and peripheral enhancement may indicate a ganglion or synovial cyst. This article (a) reviews the magnetic resonance, computed tomographic, and ultrasonographic imaging characteristics of soft-tissue myxomatous lesions, emphasizing imaging findings that can help differentiate benign and malignant lesions; (b) presents differential diagnoses; and (c) provides pathologic correlation.

Preoperative planning and postoperative imaging in shoulder arthroplasty.

The number of shoulder arthroplasties performed in the United States has more than doubled in the last decade. Additionally, there has been a trend toward use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as resurfacing humeral head arthroplasty. Thus radiologists will more frequently encounter imaging of shoulder arthroplasty and these new designs. Successful postoperative radiologic evaluation of shoulder reconstructions requires an understanding of their fundamental hardware design, physiologic objective, preoperative imaging assessment, normal postoperative radiologic appearance, and findings and types of complication. This article discusses the designs of prostheses used around the shoulder joint, delineates indications and alternatives for each of the different types of hardware, reviews radiographic and cross-sectional preoperative imaging of shoulder arthroplasty, illustrates normal postoperative imaging findings and measurements, and provides examples of hardware complications.

Mitigation Tactics Discovered During COVID-19 with Long-Term Report Turnaround Time and Burnout Reduction Benefits.

RATIONALES AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose is to describe a hybrid teleradiology solution utilized in an academic medical center and its outcomes on radiology report turnaround time (RTAT) and physician wellness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During coronavirus disease 2019, we utilized an alternating teleradiology solution with procedural and education attendings working in the hospital and other faculty remote to keep the worklist clean. RTAT data was collected for remote vs. in house emergency department (ED) and inpatient cases over a 6-month period. Pre and post implementation burnout surveys were administered. RESULTS: RTAT significantly improved for ED and inpatient MR and CT, and inpatient US and radiographs when interpreted remotely compared to in-hospital. Physician wellness scores improved and open-ended comments reflected positive feedback about the hybrid work solution. 74% enjoyed the autonomy and flexibility, and 51% said the solution positively influences my desire to remain in my current institution and improves their clinical and/or academic productivity. CONCLUSION: Hybrid work from home solutions allow faculty autonomy and flexibility with work-life balance, improving wellness. It is important to alternate the at-home faculty to maintain interdepartmental relations, particularly for junior faculty, and prevent isolation. The hybrid solution also demonstrated improved patient care metrics, possibly due to decreased distractions at home compared to the reading room.