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.

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.

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.

Ultrasound in Sports Injuries.

Utilization of musculoskeletal ultrasound, in particular for sports medicine, has dramatically increased in recent years. Ultrasound is an important adjunct tool to physical examination and other imaging methods in the evaluation and management of the injured athlete. It offers unique advantages in specific clinical scenarios. Dedicated training and a standardized scanning technique are important to overcome the inherent operator dependence and avoid diagnostic pitfalls. Ultrasound guidance can also improve accuracy in targeted percutaneous injection therapies. This article reviews the general ultrasound appearance of muscle, tendon, ligament, and nerve abnormalities in the athlete with a focus on sport-specific injuries.