The use of bioactive glass S53P4 in the treatment of an infected Charcot foot: a case report.

OBJECTIVE:: To report a case of successful limb-salvage staged treatment in the treatment of an infected diabetic Charcot foot. CASE SUMMARY:: A 45-year-old male with long-term, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, six months' history of progressive deformity on the right foot and 45 days of purulent drainage in the lateral aspect of the foot. Patient was diagnosed with an infected Charcot foot with extensive midfoot bone involvement as shown by radiographic and MRI images. We used a multidisciplinary approach to treatment with early antibiotic therapy, tight glycaemic control and staged surgical treatment. Initial treatment was adequate irrigation and debridement, bone-void filling with bioactive glass, external fixation and provisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Later progressed to total contact casting and progressive protect weight bearing. At final follow-up, patient was full weight-bearing in stiff soled footwear, with no clinical signs of infection, no gross alteration of gait pattern and demonstrating complete bone healing and integration of the bioactive glass. CONCLUSION:: The bioactive glass S53P4 was successfully used in the limb-salvage staged treatment of a patient with an infected Charcot foot. Here, full integration with the surrounding bone and its supportive action in the combat of bone infection was demonstrated.

Evaluation of Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Intercondylar Notch in Subjects With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear: A Comparative Flexed-Knee 3D Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

PURPOSE: To determine if posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and intercondylar notch (IN) morphometries and volumetrics act as risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. METHODS: A prospective case-controlled magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study was conducted with subjects presenting noncontact knee injuries. Exclusion criteria were previous surgery, PCL tear, osteoarthritis, tumors, or infectious and inflammatory conditions. All participants underwent a flexed-knee 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to uniformly straighten PCL. MR images were independently reviewed by 2 radiologists and assessed for 2D and 3D measurements (bicondylar width; IN angle, depth, width, and cross-sectional area; PCL width, thickness, and cross-sectional area; and IN and PCL volumes). Clinical profiles were tabulated and subjects were divided into cases (ACL tear) and controls (without ACL tear). RESULTS: The study was composed of 50 cases versus 52 controls (N = 102), with a mean age of 36.8 years. There was no difference between groups (P > .05) regarding age, gender, body mass index, time from injury, Tegner score, flexion angle, limb side, intensity of injury, or familial or opposite limb history of tear. Agreement between readers ranged from substantial to almost perfect. Subjects with ACL tear presented with lower IN width, lower IN minus PCL widths, lower Notch Width Index, higher PCL/IN width proportion, higher PCL thickness, lower IN depth minus PCL thickness, and higher PCL thickness/IN depth proportion (P < .05). Moreover, higher PCL/IN cross-sectional area proportion, higher PCL volumes (OR = 9.01), and higher PCL/IN volume proportion were also found in cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that subjects with ACL tears present not only reduced IN but also larger PCL dimensions. These findings, isolated and combined, and especially PCL volume, might be suggestive as risk factors for ACL tears owing to the reduction of its space inside the IN. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative group.

MRI features of the anterolateral ligament of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the visibility and describe the anatomical features of the anterolateral ligament of the knee using MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging examinations of the knee were independently reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists and assessed for the visibility of the anterolateral ligament under direct cross-referencing of axial and coronal images as complete, partial, or non-visible. Distal insertion site (tibial, meniscal), distance to lateral tibial plateau, measurements (length, width, thickness), and associated imaging findings were also tabulated. Clinical and surgical records were also reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy MRI scans from 60 consecutive subjects were included in the study. Mean age was 40 years, body mass 74.9 kg, and height 1.72 m. The subject population was 53% male, most of the knees were from the left side (51%), and chronic pain was the main clinical symptom (40%). Nine knees (13 %) had undergone previous surgery. The anterolateral ligament was identified in 51% of the knees: completely visible in 11% and partially visible in 40%. In all visible cases, the distal insertion site was identified on the tibia, with a mean distance of 5.7 mm to the plateau. A completely visible ligament had a mean length of 33.2 mm, width of 5.6 mm, and thickness of 1.9 mm [corrected]. Inter-observer agreement for ligament presence was significant (κ = 0.7). Statistical analyses showed a trend to be more visible in men, with a longer length compared with women. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging clearly identifies the anterolateral ligament of the knee in slightly more than half of cases, being partially visible in most of them. In all cases, a tibial insertion is characterized.

Kager's fat pad inflammation associated with HIV infection and AIDS: MRI findings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Kager's fat pad inflammation in HIV-positive patients with lipodystrophy due to protease inhibitor treatment and posterior ankle pain. METHODS: A case-control, cross-sectional study; group 1 included 14 HIV-positive patients using protease inhibitors, presenting lipodystrophy syndrome and having posterior ankle pain; group 2 (CGHIV-) included 112 HIV-negative patients without lipodystrophy syndrome who were being evaluated for posterior ankle pain; group 3 (CGHIV + 1) included 23 HIV-positive patients not using a protease inhibitor, without lipodystrophy syndrome and with posterior ankle pain; group 4 (CGHIV + 2) comprised 18 HIV-positive patients who were being treated with a protease inhibitor and had lipodystrophy syndrome but did not have posterior ankle pain. Images were evaluated for the presence of edema by two radiologists who were blinded to clinical features. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate differences among the groups. Interobserver variation was tested using Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic. RESULTS: The presence of edema within Kager's fat pad was strongly associated with symptoms in HIV-positive patients who had lipodystrophy (p ≤ 0.0001). Concordance between observers was excellent (κ > 0.9). CONCLUSION: MRI findings of Kager's fat pad inflammation related to HIV/AIDS is a source of symptoms in HIV patients with posterior ankle pain using protease inhibitors and having lipodystrophy syndrome.

Imaging Features of Plantar Vein Thrombosis: An Easily Overlooked Condition in the Differential Diagnosis of Foot Pain.

Plantar vein thrombosis is a venous disorder affecting deep plantar veins that can manifest with non-specific localized pain, plantar foot pain, swelling, and sensation of fullness. Plantar veins are not routinely assessed during sonographic scans for deep venous thrombosis, which makes plantar venous thrombosis a commonly missed diagnosis. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the venous anatomy of the foot and imaging findings of plantar venous thrombosis as well as discusses the current literature on the topic and its differential diagnoses.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Plantar Vein Thrombosis.

Plantar vein thrombosis (PVT) is an underdiagnosed condition affecting the deep plantar veins, with challenging clinical diagnosis, often presenting with non-specific symptoms that mimic other foot pathologies. This study assessed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of patients diagnosed with PVT to contribute to the understanding of this condition. We performed the comprehensive analysis of a substantial dataset, including 112 patients, with a total of 130 positive MRI scans (86 of the forefoot and 44 of the ankle) presenting with PVT. Upon evaluating all the veins of the feet, we observed a higher frequency of involvement of the lateral plantar veins (53.1%) when compared to the medial veins (3.8%). The most affected vascular segments in the forefeet were the plantar metatarsal veins (45.4%), the plantar venous arch (38.5%), and the plantar communicating veins (25.4%). The characteristic findings on MRI were perivascular edema (100%), muscular edema (86.2%), venous ectasia (100%), perivascular enhancement (100%), and intravenous filling defects (97.7%). Our study provides valuable insights into the imaging evaluation of PVT and shows that MRI is a reliable resource for such diagnosis.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Conventional Ankle CT Scan With External Rotation and Dorsiflexion in Patients With Acute Isolated Syndesmotic Instability.

BACKGROUND: Syndesmotic injury in an athletic population is associated with a prolonged ankle disability after an ankle sprain and often requires a longer recovery than a lateral collateral ligament injury. Although several imaging tests are available, diagnosing syndesmotic instability remains challenging. PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of conventional ankle computed tomography (CT) scans with the joint in external rotation and dorsiflexion and compare it with that of conventional ankle CT scans in a neutral position. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Between September 2018 and April 2021, this prospective study consecutively included adults visiting the foot and ankle outpatient clinic with a positive orthopaedic examination for acute syndesmotic injury. Participants underwent 3 CT scan tests. First, ankles were scanned in a neutral position. Second, ankles were scanned with 45° of external rotation, dorsiflexion, and extended knees. Third, ankles were scanned with 45° of external rotation, dorsiflexion, and flexed knees. Three measurements, comprising rotation (measurement a), lateral translation (measurement c), and anteroposterior translation (measurement f) of the fibula concerning the tibia, were used to diagnose syndesmotic instability in the 3 CT scans. Magnetic resonance imaging was used as a reference standard. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to compare the diagnostic accuracy, and Youden's J index was calculated to determine the ideal cutoff point. RESULTS: Images obtained in 68 participants (mean age, 36.5 years; range, 18-69 years) were analyzed, comprising 36 syndesmotic injuries and 32 lateral collateral ligament injuries. The best diagnostic accuracy occurred with the rotational measurement a, in which the second and third CT scans with stress maneuvers presented greater AUCs (0.97 and 0.99) than did the first CT scan in a neutral position (0.62). The ideal cutoff point for the stress maneuvers was 1.0 mm in the rotational measurement a and reached a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 97% for the second CT scan with extended knees and 86% and 100% for the third CT scan with flexed knees, respectively. The ideal cutoff point for the first CT scan with a neutral position was 0.7 mm in the rotational measurement a, with a sensitivity of 25% and specificity of 97%. CONCLUSION: Conventional ankle CT with stress maneuvers has excellent performance for diagnosing subtle syndesmotic rotational instability, as it shows a greater AUC and enhanced sensitivity at the ideal cutoff point compared with ankle CT in the neutral position.

Acute ankle injuries: association between sprain severity and ancillary findings.

Miranda et al. reported a correlation between the significance of injuries to osseous, chondral, tendon, and ligamentous tissues in participants with low-grade versus high-grade acute ankle sprains. They demonstrated that participants with high-grade ankle sprains presented with shorter calcaneonavicular distances and increased rates of structural abnormalities compared to those with low-grade sprains. Special attention should be paid to acute ankle sprains in emergency settings to avoid failure in detecting severe injuries that could lead to chronic pain, impairment, or instability. Participants presenting acute ankle sprains (<15 days) were divided into low-grade versus high-grade sprain,according to the presence of a complete tear in at least one component of lateral ligament complex. High-grade ankle sprains group presented increased rates of medial malleolus bone bruise, deltoid ligament tears,extensor retinaculum lesions, and articular effusion. The calcaneonavicular distance was statistically shorter in patients with high-grade sprains (median, 3.0mm) when compared to those with low-grade sprains (median, 4.0mm) Objective: To correlate the significance of osseous, chondral, tendon, and ligamentous injuries with anatomical variations in low-grade versus high-grade acute ankle sprains. METHODS: We retrospectively identified the magnetic resonance imaging findings of acute ankle sprains (<15 days). Participants with a history of previous sprains, arthritis, tumors, infections, or inflammatory conditions were excluded. Images were independently evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists and assessed for osseous, chondral, tendon, and ligamentous injuries and anatomical variations. Participants were divided into low-grade versus high-grade sprain groups, according to the presence of a complete tear in at least one component of the lateral ligament complex. RESULTS: The final study group comprised 100 magnetic resonance images (mean age, 36 years), the majority of males (54%), the right ankle (52%), and a mean sprain duration of 5 days. Participants with high-grade sprains presented with increased rates of medial malleolus edema (p<0.001), moderate and large articular effusions (p=0.041), and shorter calcaneonavicular distance (p=0.008). Complete tears of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligaments were observed in 100% and 51.2% of the participants in the High-Grade Group, respectively. The deltoid ligament complex was partially torn in this group (55.8% versus 8.8%, p<0.001). Extensor tendon retinaculum lesions occurred significantly more frequently in this group (41.9%) compared to the overall study population (23%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Participants with high-grade ankle sprains presented with shorter calcaneonavicular distances and increased rates of medial malleolus edema, deltoid complex partial tears, extensor retinaculum lesions, and articular effusion.

Cardiac iron overload evaluation in thalassaemic patients using T2* magnetic resonance imaging following chelation therapy: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* technique is used to assess iron overload in the heart, liver and pancreas of thalassaemic patients. Optimal iron chelation and expected tissue iron response rates remain under investigation. The objective of this study was to analyse serum ferritin and the iron concentration in the heart, liver and pancreas measured by MRI T2*/R2* during regular chelation therapy in a real-world cohort of patients with thalassemia. METHODS: We evaluated thalassaemic patients ≥ 7 years old undergoing chelation/transfusion therapy by MRI and assessed serum ferritin at baseline and follow-up from 2004-2011. RESULTS: We evaluated 136 patients, 92% major thalassaemic, with a median age of 18 years, and median baseline ferritin 2.033ng/ml (range: 59-14,123). Iron overload distribution was: liver (99%), pancreas (74%) and heart (36%). After a median of 1.2 years of follow-up, the iron overload in the myocardium reduced from 2,63 Fe mg/g to 2,05 (p 0.003). The optimal R2* pancreas cut-off was 148 Hertz, achieving 78% sensitivity and 73% specificity. However, when combining the R2* pancreas cut off ≤ 50 Hertz and a ferritin ≤ 1222 ng/ml, we could reach a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98% for cardiac siderosis. Only 28% were undergoing combined chelation at baseline assessment, which increased up to 50% on follow up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Chelation therapy significantly reduced cardiac siderosis in thalassaemic patients. In patients with moderate/severe liver iron concentration undergoing chelation therapy, ferritin levels and myocardium iron improved earlier than the liver siderosis.

Incidence of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Adhesive capsulitis is an inflammatory disease of the joint capsule, clinically manifested as pain, stiffness, and dysfunction of the shoulder. We subjectively observed an increased incidence of adhesive capsulitis, and raised the hypothesis that adhesive capsulitis was more frequent in magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared with examinations prior to this period. METHODS: Data from medical records and magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder presenting typical imaging findings of adhesive capsulitis, performed in our organization from March to June 2020, were evaluated and compared with data and imaging from the same period of the previous year. To this end, an organizational business intelligence tool called "search reports" was used, searching for the term "adhesive capsulitis" in the radiological report, results were tabulated, and corresponding magnetic resonance imaging exams were analyzed. RESULTS: Our search found a total of 240 and 1,373 cases of adhesive capsulitis in the 2020 and 2019 periods, respectively. The mean age of patients was 53.9 years in the 2020 group and 49.9 years in 2019 (p<0.001). Magnetic resonance imaging findings were positive for adhesive capsulitis in 40 out of 240 shoulders (16.7%) in the 2020 group versus 127 out of 1,373 shoulders (9.2%) in the 2019 group. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study findings suggest a relative increase in the proportion of magnetic resonance imaging findings suggestive of adhesive capsulitis cases during COVID-19 pandemics based on data from our organization.

Meniscal ramp lesions: an illustrated review.

The purpose of this review is to describe the anatomy and lesions affecting the peripheral portion of posterior horn of medial menisci (ramp lesions), along with illustrations and MRI cases. We will correlate imaging features with arthroscopic classification of ramp lesions. Also, postoperative and chronic changes related to meniscocapsular tears will be presented, as well as biomechanical consequences and treatment approach.

Main complications of hip arthroplasty: pictorial essay.

Hip arthroplasty is a widely used and successful orthopedic procedure for the treatment of degenerative, inflammatory, or traumatic joint disease. The procedure promotes significant pain relief, as well as recovery of limb function, reduction of disability, and better quality of life. However, there are related complications, which have characteristic imaging aspects. In the present study, we review the literature and exemplify such complications using images obtained at our facility, illustrating the main radiological aspects of complications such as heterotopic ossification, periprosthetic fractures, osteolysis, infection, wear, and dislocation.

Comparative CT with stress manoeuvres for diagnosing distal isolated tibiofibular syndesmotic injury in acute ankle sprain: a protocol for an accuracy- test prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Although several imaging options are available for diagnosing syndesmotic injury, a fundamental question that guides treatment remains unanswered. Syndesmotic instability is still challenging to diagnose correctly, and syndesmotic disruption and true syndesmotic instability should be differentiated. Currently, imaging tests quickly diagnose severe syndesmotic instability but have difficulty in diagnosing mild and moderate cases. This study aims to investigate which strategy among an existing CT index test and two new add-on CT index tests with stress manoeuvres more accurately diagnoses syndesmotic instability. The secondary objective is to investigate the participants' disability outcomes by applying the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire. METHODS AND ANALYSES: This study of a diagnostic accuracy test will consecutively select individuals older than 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of a suspected acute syndesmotic injury. Three strategies of the CT index test (one in the neutral position and two with stress) will examine the accuracy using MRI as the reference standard. The external rotation and dorsiflexion of the ankle will guide the stress manoeuvres. A comparison of measurements between the injured syndesmosis and the uninjured contralateral side of the same individual will investigate the syndesmotic instability, by evaluating the rotational and translational relationships between the fibula and tibia. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and likelihood analyses will compare the diagnostic accuracies of the strategies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Internal Review Board and the Einstein Ethics Committee approved this study (registered number 62100016.5.0000.0071). All participants will receive an oral description of the study's aim, and the choice to participate will be free and voluntary. Participants will be enrolled after they sign the written informed consent form, including the terms of confidentiality. The results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals and social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04095598; preresults).

Snapping scapula syndrome: pictorial essay.

Snapping scapula syndrome manifests as an audible or palpable crackling during the sliding movements of the scapula over the rib cage, often perceived during physical or professional activities. It can be caused by morphological alteration of the scapula and rib cage, by an imbalance in periscapular musculature forces (dyskinesia), or by neoplasia (bone tumors or soft tissue tumors). In this pictorial essay, we review the main causes of snapping scapula syndrome, exemplified by a collection of didactic cases.

A síndrome da escápula em ressalto manifesta-se como uma crepitação audível ou palpável durante os movimentos de deslizamento da escápula sobre o gradil costal. Frequentemente percebida em atividades físicas ou profissionais, as suas causas podem ter origem na alteração morfológica da escápula e gradil costal, no desequilíbrio de forças da musculatura periescapular (discinesia) ou ainda em tumores ósseos ou de partes moles. O presente estudo revisou de forma ilustrativa as principais causas da síndrome da escápula em ressalto, exemplificadas por meio de uma coletânea de casos didáticos.

Musculoskeletal "don't touch" lesions: pictorial essay.

Focal bone lesions are not uncommon findings in the daily practice of radiology. Therefore, it is essential to differentiate between lesions with aggressive, malignant potential that require action and those that have no clinical significance, many of which are variants or benign lesions, sometimes self-limited and related to reactive processes. In some cases, a diagnostic error can have catastrophic results. For example, a biopsy performed in a patient with myositis ossificans can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of sarcomatous lesions and consequently to mutilating surgical procedures. The present study reviews the main radiological aspects of the lesions that are most commonly seen in daily practice and have the potential to be confused with aggressive, malignant bone processes. We also illustrate these entities by presenting cases seen at our institution.

O achado de lesões ósseas focais não é incomum no dia-a-dia do radiologista. É, portanto, imprescindível saber discernir as lesões com potencial maligno agressivo, que requerem ação, das desprovidas de significado clínico, muitas destas sendo variantes da normalidade ou processos reativos benignos, às vezes, autolimitados. Em alguns casos, a confusão diagnóstica pode ter resultados catastróficos, como a realização de biópsia em casos de miosite ossificante, que pode levar ao diagnóstico incorreto de lesões de origem sarcomatosa e a cirurgias mutilantes. O presente estudo faz uma revisão dos principais aspectos radiológicos das lesões que mais comumente são vistas no dia-a-dia e que possuem potencial para causar confusão com processos ósseos malignos e agressivos. Ilustramos, ainda, essas lesões, apresentando casos do nosso serviço.

Avascular necrosis: radiological findings and main sites of involvement - pictorial essay.

The term avascular necrosis describes any one of a number of bone diseases that have a common mechanism: the death of bone components due to lack of blood supply. Avascular necrosis can occur in diverse parts of the skeleton, each location-specific form not only receiving a distinct designation but also presenting unique epidemiologic characteristics. However, the imaging findings are similar in all of the forms, which pass through well-described radiological phases, regardless of the site of involvement. Because avascular necrosis can cause considerable morbidity if not properly detected and managed, the radiologist plays a fundamental role. The present study provides a brief review of the main radiological aspects of the various forms of avascular necrosis, illustrated on the basis of a collection of cases from our institution.

Necroses avasculares são um grupo de doenças ósseas que possuem como via comum a morte dos constituintes dos ossos por falta de suprimento vascular. Podem ocorrer nas mais diversas partes do esqueleto, recebendo não somente denominações distintas, como também apresentam epidemiologia única em cada uma dessas localizações. Seus achados nos métodos de imagem, no entanto, são similares, independente do seu sítio de acometimento, passando por fases radiológicas já bem descritas. Se não forem detectadas e manejadas de forma adequada, podem trazer grande morbidade aos pacientes, o que torna o papel do radiologista primordial. O presente estudo faz uma revisão sucinta acerca dos principais aspectos radiológicos das diversas formas de apresentação das necroses avasculares, ilustradas com base em uma coletânea de casos da nossa instituição.

Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of elbow ligaments: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of ultrasonography in elbow ligament assessment compared to magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: A prospective single-center study involving 30 volunteers with no elbow joint changes. Two experienced ultrasound specialists evaluated both elbows of each volunteer, resulting in 60 evaluations per physician and totaling up 120 evaluations. Magnetic resonance images were obtained using a 3-Tesla machine and evaluated by two experienced radiologists, totaling up 120 exams. Each examiner assigned subjective, zero-to-5 scores to ligaments imaged, where zero corresponded to non-identified ligament and 5 to visualization of the entire ligament. The level of significance was set at 5%. Bland-Altman dispersions and plots were prepared for each pair of measurements obtained. RESULTS: All ligaments were amenable to sonographic identification; scores of 4 or 5 were assigned by examiners based on ligament visibility. Ligaments could also be identified using magnetic resonance imaging and were assigned scores of 5 by examiners. All ligaments were described as intact and healthy by all four examiners. Comparative analysis of elbow ligament sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging can be considered equivalent modalities for elbow ligament assessment in the hands of experienced examiners.

Prognostic factors in low back pain individuals undergoing steroid and anaesthetic intra-articular facet joint infiltration: a protocol for a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar pain of facet origin is a common problem worldwide. For those patients not responding to traditional treatment, one approach may be intra-articular infiltration of corticoid and anaesthetic. However, despite the increasing demand for this procedure, no consensus exists regarding its therapeutic value. The selection of eligible participants may be a determining factor since only those with an inflammatory process will benefit from the use of corticosteroids. This study aims to identify differences in disability, pain and quality of life scores in individuals with and without facet joint inflammation who were diagnosed using MRI. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: This prospective cohort will include individuals older than 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of facet syndrome who underwent intra-articular infiltration. Changes in scores of pain, disability and quality of life questionnaires at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up compared with baseline will be analysed. An MRI examination performed before infiltration will help to distinguish between exposed (with inflammation) and non-exposed (non-inflammation) groups with facet syndrome. The primary outcome will be the disability questionnaire (Roland Morris), and the secondary outcomes will be the score questionnaires for pain (Visual Analogue Scale), quality of life (EuroQol Quality of Life Questionnaire) and disability (Oswestry). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Internal Review Board approved this study, which started only after the approval number (5291417.0.0000.0071) was received. All recruited participants will receive a verbal explanation about the purpose of the study, and their decision to participate will be free and voluntary. All participants enrolled in the study will provide a signed informed consent form including confidentiality terms. The results obtained in this study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals to disseminate the knowledge. TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03304730; Pre-results.