MR imaging signs of shoulder adhesive capsulitis: analysis of potential differentials and improved diagnostic criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC) signs on MR studies of patients with various common shoulder conditions. METHODS: MR images of 316 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups: controls (66 patients), clinical AC (63 patients), and study group (187 patients). The final diagnosis of AC was reached clinically. The study group was composed of patients with focal and massive rotator cuff tears, active hydroxyapatite deposition disease, fractures around the shoulder, and post-surgery. The following AC signs were evaluated: inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) thickening; coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickening; and hyperintensity of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, which was graded in four classes. RESULTS: The IGHL signal intensity was statistically higher in patients with fractures than in controls (P = 0.008). There was no statistically significant difference in IGHL signal between the AC group and patients with massive rotator cuff tears and active hydroxyapatite deposition disease (P > 0.1). IGHL thickness in patients with fractures, massive rotator ruptures, and active hydroxyapatite deposition disease was significantly higher compared to controls (P < 0.02) and significantly lower compared to the AC group (P < 0.0001). Based on these findings, a grading system for fibro-inflammatory capsular changes is proposed. CONCLUSION: MR AC signs are frequent in patients with shoulder conditions other than AC; however, in these patients, capsular changes are less prominent than in patients with clinical AC.

Quality of Preanesthesia Teleconsultation: The TELECAM Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Preanesthesia teleconsultation helps reduce availability constraints as well as direct and indirect expenses. The TELECAM trial was performed to assess the quality of preanesthesia teleconsultation in terms of clinical parameters evaluation, feasibility, patient satisfaction and preoperative anxiety, and anesthesiologist satisfaction. Methods: TELECAM was an investigator-initiated, prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled, parallel group, evaluator-blinded, open-label study. Patients with a scheduled ambulatory surgery (orthopedic or hand surgery) were randomized into the in-person preanesthesia consultation group or the preanesthesia teleconsultation (conducted at the patient's home or workplace) group. The quality of the teleconsultation was evaluated through agreement on intubation difficulty, predictable mask ventilation difficulty, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores between the preanesthesia consultation and the preanesthesia in-person visit. Results: A total of 241 patients were included, and 208 were considered in the analyses. The feasibility of teleconsultation was high, with a feasibility ratio of 87.5%. The quality of the preanesthesia consultation regarding the evaluation of predictable intubation, mask ventilation difficulties, and ASA score, did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.23, 0.29, and 0.06, respectively). The preoperative satisfaction was higher for patients who had a preanesthesia teleconsultation (p = 0.04). Patients' preoperative anxiety did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.90). The median satisfaction of the anesthesiologists who performed the teleconsultation reached a maximum of 10 (IQR: 8.0; 10.0). Conclusion: This study showed positive results for the quality of preanesthesia teleconsultation on the evaluation of clinical parameters, with high feasibility and satisfaction of the patients and anesthesiologists. The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials (NCT03470896).

Predictive factors of return-to-work trajectory after work-related rotator cuff syndrome: A prospective study of 96 workers.

OBJECTIVE: Sustained return to work after surgery for work-related rotator cuff syndrome (WRRCS) remains quite difficult. The main purpose of the present study was to identify predictive factors of a return-to-work (RTW) trajectory. METHODS: A total of 96 workers with WRRCS were identified by 4 surgeons. They were followed prospectively before and after the surgery, until 1 year after RTW, or for 20 months after surgery when they did not. Participants completed a series of standardized questionnaires related to working conditions, health, and beliefs, and performed functional tests at the inclusion time. During the follow-up period, they were regularly asked about their working conditions (present or not at work), activity (normal or lightened physical duties) and schedules (full- or part-time job). Statistical analysis was based on single- and multiple-factor models of prediction of the workers' trajectory. RESULTS: Three trajectories of RTW were distinguished, considering RTW and absenteeism that occurred during the follow-up: stable, unstable, and non-RTW. The median age of the sample was 49.5 [45.0-54.0], with 67.7% of workers employed in highly physically demanding jobs. In the multiple factor model, three factors were highly predictive of the trajectory: perceived health before surgery, having had a repaired ruptured-rotator-cuff tendinopathy, and the level of physical demand of the job. CONCLUSION: Three easy-to-collect predictive factors of RTW trajectory have been identified. They may be useful for healthcare professionals and care givers to identify vulnerable workers' risk of occupational dropout after arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Overall survival in patients with re-excision of positive microscopic margins of limb and trunk wall soft tissue sarcoma operated outside of a reference center: a nationwide cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: This French nationwide NETSARC exhaustive prospective cohort aims to explore the impact of systematic re-excision (RE) as adjuvant care on overall survival (OS), local recurrence free survival (LRFS), and local and distant control (RFS) in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) with positive microscopic margins (R1) after initial resection performed outside of a reference center. METHODS: Eligible patients had experienced STS surgery outside a reference center from 2010 to 2017, and had R1 margins after initial surgery. Characteristics and treatment comparisons used chi-square for categorical variables and Kruskall-Wallis test for continuous data. Survival distributions were compared in patients reexcised (RE) or not (No-RE) using a log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazard model was used for subgroup analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1,284 patients had experienced initial STS surgery outside NETSARC with R1 margins, including 1,029 patients with second operation documented. Among the latter, 698 patients experienced re-excision, and 331 were not re-excised. Characteristics were significantly different regarding patient age, tumor site, tumor size, tumor depth, and histotype in the population of patients re-excised (RE) or not (No-RE). The study identified RE as an independent favorable factor for OS (HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.23-0.56, p<0.0001), for LRFS (HR 0.45, 95%CI 0.36-0.56, p<0.0001), and for RFS (HR 0.35, 95%CI 0.26-0.46, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This large nationwide series shows that RE improved overall survival in patients with STS of extremities and trunk wall, with prior R1 resection performed outside of a reference center. RE as part of adjuvant care should be systematically considered.

CORIN KneeTec DeepDishTM: Functional outcomes after a follow-up of 12 months and comparison with the STRYKER Triathlon PS.

Several competing concepts of anteroposterior stabilization have been developed for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with an overall great success despite some differences in terms of clinical or radiological outcomes. The CORIN KneeTec DeepDish TM is a novel mobile-bearing implant, stabilized with an ultra-congruent deep-dish poly- ethylene insert. The aim of the present study was to report clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients who received the KneeTec DeepDish TM after a follow-up of 12 months, and to compare them to those of a comparable series of patients who received the STRYKER Triathlon ® posterior- stabilized. This was a retrospective comparative cohort study (level of evidence III). Demographic data, radiographic data and range of motion (ROM), as well the International Knee Society score and Oxford Knee Score were collected pre-operatively, and after a follow-up of 12 months. 106 KneeTec DeepDish TM and 80 Triathlon ® PS were evaluated at follow-up. Patients who received the KneeTec DeepDish TM had significant improvement in ROM, radiographic and clinical outcomes. There were no significant differences between the cohorts in terms of ROM, radiographic and clinical outcomes, as well as antero-posterior stability. This study is the first to report the 12-month outcomes of the CORIN KneeTec DeepDish TM. The novel KneeTec DeepDish TM achieved comparable ROM, radiographic and clinical outcomes to the Triathlon ® PS after 12 months. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes of the KneeTec DeepDish TM .

Added-value of advanced magnetic resonance imaging to conventional morphologic analysis for the differentiation between benign and malignant non-fatty soft-tissue tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the added value of DWI, qualitative proton MR spectroscopy (H-MRS) and dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion (DCE-P) to conventional MRI in differentiating benign and malignant non-fatty soft tissue tumors (NFSTT). METHODS: From November 2009 to August 2017, 288 patients with NFSTT that underwent conventional and advanced MRI were prospectively evaluated. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. All patients signed an informed consent. A musculoskeletal (R1) and a general (R2) radiologist classified all tumors as benign, malignant, or indeterminate according to morphologic MRI features. Then, DWI, H-MRS, and DCE-P data of indeterminate tumors were analyzed by two additional radiologists (R3 and R4). Advanced techniques were considered individually and in combination for tumor benign-malignant differentiation using histology as the gold standard. RESULTS: There were 104 (36.1%) malignant and 184 (63.9%) benign tumors. Conventional MRI analysis classified 99 tumors for R1 and 135 for R2 as benign or malignant, an accuracy for the identification of malignancy of 87.9% for R1 and 83.7% for R2, respectively. There were 189 indeterminate tumors for R1. For these tumors, the combination of DWI and H-MRS yielded the best accuracy for malignancy identification (77.4%). DWI alone provided the best sensitivity (91.8%) while the combination of DCE-P, DWI, and H-MRS yielded the best specificity (100%). The reproducibility of the advanced imaging parameters was considered good to excellent (Kappa and ICC > 0.86). An advanced MRI evidence-based evaluation algorithm was proposed allowing to characterize 28.1 to 30.1% of indeterminate non-myxoid tumors. CONCLUSION: The prioritized use of advanced MRI techniques allowed to decrease by about 30% the number of non-myxoid NFSTT deemed indeterminate after conventional MRI analysis alone. KEY POINTS: • When morphological characterization of non-fatty soft tissue tumors is possible, the diagnostic performance is high and there is no need for advanced imaging techniques. • Following morphologic analysis, advanced MRI techniques reduced by about 30% the number of non-myxoid indeterminate tumors. • DWI is the keystone of advanced imaging techniques yielding the best sensitivity (91.8%). Optimal specificity (> 90%) is obtained by a combination of advanced techniques.

Solitary bone tumor imaging reporting and data system (BTI-RADS): initial assessment of a systematic imaging evaluation and comprehensive reporting method.

OBJECTIVES: Identify the most pertinent imaging features for solitary bone tumor characterization using a multimodality approach and propose a systematic evaluation system. METHODS: Data from a prospective trial, including 230 participants with histologically confirmed bone tumors, typical "do not touch" lesions, and stable chondral lesions, were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical data, CT, and MR imaging features were analyzed by a musculoskeletal radiologist blinded to the diagnosis using a structured report. The benign-malignant distribution of lesions bearing each image feature evaluated was compared to the benign-malignant distribution in the study sample. Benign and malignant indicators were identified. Two additional readers with different expertise levels independently evaluated the study sample. RESULTS: The sample included 140 men and 90 women (mean age 40.7 ± 18.3 years). The global benign-malignant distribution was 67-33%. Seven imaging features reached the criteria for benign indicators with a mean frequency of benignancy of 94%. Six minor malignant indicators were identified with a mean frequency of malignancy of 60.5%. Finally, three major malignant indicators were identified (Lodwick-Madewell grade III, aggressive periosteal reaction, and suspected metastatic disease) with a mean frequency of malignancy of 82.4%. A bone tumor imaging reporting and data system (BTI-RADS) was proposed. The reproducibility of the BTI-RADS was considered fair (kappa = 0.67) with a mean frequency of malignancy in classes I, II, III, and IV of 0%, 2.2%, 20.1%, and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSION: BTI-RADS is an evidence-based systematic approach to solitary bone tumor characterization with a fair reproducibility, allowing lesion stratification in classes of increasing malignancy frequency. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number NCT02895633 . KEY POINTS: • The most pertinent CT and MRI criteria allowing bone tumor characterization were defined and presented. • Lodwick-Madewell grade III, aggressive periosteal reaction, and suspected metastatic disease should be considered major malignant indicators associated with a frequency of malignancy over 75%. • The proposed evidence-based multimodality reporting system stratifies solitary bone tumors in classes with increasing frequencies of malignancy.

Predictive factors for the duration until return to work after surgery for work-related rotator cuff syndrome: A prospective study of 92 workers.

BACKGROUND: Return to work (RTW) after surgery for a work-related rotator cuff disorder (WRRCD) is often difficult. The study's purpose was to identify preoperative factors predicting RTW. METHODS: Ninety-two workers with a WRRCD were identified by four surgeons. Before surgery, the workers completed a series of standardized questionnaires related to working conditions, health, and health beliefs. They were followed up prospectively for 20 months. Statistical analysis was based on single and multiple-factor Cox models of the duration of absence from the time of surgery until RTW. RESULTS: The median age at inclusion was 49 years (27-62), with 52 women included (57%). Sixty-one subjects (66%) were employed in highly physically demanding jobs. Forty-two (46%) stayed at work until their surgery, whereas preoperative sick leave exceeded 100 days in 20 subjects (21%). Twenty months after surgery, 14 were still not back at work. For the other participants, the mean duration until RTW was 225 days (SD 156). In the fully adjusted model, variables that were significantly predictive of the duration until RTW were: work physical demand levels, preoperative sick leave, the number of body parts causing pain or discomfort in the last 12 months, self-assessed 2-year workability, and the Readiness for RTW (RRTW) Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Several physical, psychological, and work-related factors, easily recorded, can be identified preoperatively. They may be predictive of delayed return, loss of employment, or employability as a result of shoulder surgery.

Results of radial head prostheses implanted during Essex-Lopresti syndrome in multicentric study.

AIMS: The aim was to evaluate the results of radial head prostheses (RHP) in Essex-Lopresti injury (ELI) and to compare results after RHP between acute and chronic ELI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients treated with RHP for ELI were selected from a multicenter retrospective series of 310 RHP, with follow-up greater than two years. Two groups were acute ELI group (n=19, average diagnosis = 5+/-9 days) and chronic ELI group (n=12, average diagnosis 8.4+/-7.1 months). RHP was associated in some cases with K-wires: during acute ELI to stabilize the distal radio-ulnar joint (n=4) or during chronic ELI with ulnar osteotomy or palliative surgery (n=4). Clinical and radiologic evaluation was performed including analysis of the complications and revisions rates, pain level, range of motion, and MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) and DASH score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand). RESULTS: At last follow-up (71+/-38 months), survival of RHP in the acute ELI group was 84% (16/19) and 92% (11/12) in the chronic ELI group without statistically significant difference. Flexion (acute=131degrees+/-13.4 vs chronic=22+/-12.8, p=0.041) and supination (ELI=71+/-16.8 vs chronic=58+/-17.4; p=0.045) were better in acute ELI group. The DASH score was also better in the acute group (15+/-9.1 versus 24+/-15.2, p=0.048). There was more advanced stage of humero-radial osteoarthritis in the chronic ELI group (0.7+/-0.5 versus 1.4+/-0.6, p=0.041). CONCLUSION: RHP in acute ELIs provide better clinical results, although RHPs are part of the therapeutic arsenal to treat chronic ELI.

Surgical options for hallux rigidus: state of the art and review of the literature.

Hallux rigidus is a painful condition of the great toe characterized by restriction of the metatarsophalangeal range of motion and progressive osteophyte formation. Many etiologies have been postulated including excessive length of the first ray, trauma, abnormally elevated first metatarsal and a positive family history. However, most cases are likely idiopathic. Plain radiographs are used to grade the severity of hallux rigidus. The more comprehensive grading is represented by Coughlin and Shurnas' system that introduced a four-grade classification. When nonoperative treatment fails to provide relief, surgery should be performed. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, maintain stability of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and improve function and quality of life. Operative treatments can be divided into joint sparing (e.g., cheilectomy with or without associated osteotomies) versus joint sacrificing (e.g., arthroplasty or arthrodesis). There are a variety of osteotomies available for treatment of hallux rigidus (phalanx and/or metatarsal osteotomies). Newer techniques of interpositional arthroplasty as well as new hemi-arthroplasty designs, including synthetic cartilage implants, offer promising options for preservation of motion. The choice of procedure is based on the condition of the joint, patient's goals and expectations of the surgical outcome, and patient's motivation. This article discusses various procedures along with clinical outcomes and complications. The advantages and disadvantages of each procedure are discussed.

Comparison of radiographs, tomosynthesis and CT with metal artifact reduction for the detection of hip prosthetic loosening.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of digital tomosynthesis (DTS) for the diagnosis of hip prosthesis loosening (PL) compared with conventional radiographs and CT with metal artifact reduction (CT-MAR). METHODS: Forty-nine patients with painful hip prosthesis were prospectively included and underwent anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, anteroposterior DTS and CT-MAR of the hip. This study was approved by the local ethics committee, and all patients signed an informed consent form. Images were evaluated independently by two radiologists. Periprosthetic radiolucent lines wider than 2 mm found in two or more Gruen or De Lee and Charnley zones were considered diagnostic of PL. All cases of PL were confirmed surgically. Patients with a stable radiological follow-up for at least 1 year with an alternative cause for the symptoms or with no surgical evidence of PL were considered PL negative. RESULTS: There were 21 cases of PL, 9 unilateral and 12 bilateral. For both the acetabular and femoral sides, DTS had a specificity for PL detection similar to that of conventional radiographs and CT-MAR (98.5-100%, 96.9%-100% and 96.9-95.4% respectively for both readers) and a sensitivity similar to conventional radiographs (39.9-45.4% versus 33.3-51.5% for both readers) but lower than CT-MAR (84.85% for both readers). The interobserver agreement was 0.84 for CT-MAR, 0.53 for DTS and 0.39 for conventional radiographs. CONCLUSION: DTS has a similar diagnostic performance to radiographs for the diagnosis of PL with a better interobserver agreement. The sensitivity however remains lower than that of CT-MAR. KEY POINTS: • Plain radiograph is still the first imaging step when hip prosthesis loosening is suspected. • Interobserver agreement is better with digital tomosynthesis than radiographs. • Sensitivity of CT with state-of-the-art metal artifact reduction is superior to that of digital tomosynthesis.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for acute fractures in the elderly: is it worth reattaching the tuberosities?

HYPOTHESIS: Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) may be indicated in displaced proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients. We hypothesized that tuberosity fixation and healing around the prosthesis would result in better outcomes and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Thirty-eight acute displaced or dislocated 3- and 4-part fractures in elderly patients were treated with reattachment of the tuberosities around a RSA. The mean age at surgery was 80 ± 4 years (range, 70-88 years). A specific reverse fracture stem that incorporated a cancellous bone autograft (harvested from the fractured head) and a standardized suturing technique for tuberosity fixation were used in all operations. Patients were evaluated and radiographed with a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean 36 ± 8 months). RESULTS: The tuberosity union rate was 84% (32 of 38). There were 4 tuberosity resorptions and 2 tuberosity migrations with nonunion, which were associated with significantly lower subjective results (Subjective Shoulder Value of 65% vs. 83%, P = .029) and lower active mobility in forward elevation (115° ± 26° vs. 141° ± 25°, P = .023) and external rotation (11° ± 12° vs. 27° ± 12°, P = .010). Among the 5 disappointed patients, 3 presented with tuberosity resorption and 2 with tuberosity migration and nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the advanced age of the patients, tuberosity reattachment and use of bone graft results in a high rate of tuberosity healing. Tuberosity reconstruction and healing in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fractures improves active forward elevation, external rotation, and patient satisfaction.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for instability arthropathy.

PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis may be observed after surgery for instability and in the natural history of pathology. The primary objective was to analyze the late clinical and radiographic results of reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSA) for patients who had instability arthropathy. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of 25 patients with a mean follow-up of 6.6 years. Patients had a history of instability surgery (80%) or multiple closed reductions. All were clinically evaluated with the constant score (CS), and radiologically (true AP view and Y view). RESULTS: No significant differences in pre- and post-operative function, radiologic status, and complication rate between the patients treated with a prior bone block procedure for the anterior instability and those treated by a capsular plication or non-operatively. A 36-mm sphere was implanted in 67%. Bone grafting of the glenoid was needed in 71%. No intra-operative complication has been reported. Clinically, the active anterior elevation increased from 70° to 140° (p < 0.01) and external rotation from 9° to 21° (p = 0.02). The adjusted CS increased from 38 to 98 (p < 0.01). Two early post-operative complications were collected: one spine fracture and one superficial infection. No early or late dislocation or neurologic complication was observed. At the latest follow-up, there were 38.10% of glenoid spurs, and 55% of scapular notch. CONCLUSIONS: The overall complication rate in this specific group is relatively low. Patients' satisfaction rate is high and clearly higher than those reported with anatomic TSA for this indication. Clinical results are comparable to other studies describing results of RSA.

[Virtual reality simulation in orthopedics and trauma surgery in France : Current status and perspectives]. / "Virtual reality simulation" in der Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie in Frankreich : Aktueller Stand und Ausblick.

INTRODUCTION: The current reduction in working hours and the worldwide attempt to guarantee patient safety have led to significant changes in the training of surgical assistants. Numerous studies meanwhile present arthroscopic virtual reality (VR) simulators as very efficient tools for resident training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on a meta-analysis of VR arthroscopy simulators that identified different levels of evidence and validity, the situation in France in 2017/2018 is described in response to the new French law prohibiting access to the operating theater without prior simulator training. RESULTS: A total of 7 prospective randomized trials were identified that were conducted between 2008 and 2016 in the field of knee and shoulder simulation training. Of the trials six were designed to assess transfer validity. Only four evaluated the simulation-based transfer of knowledge acquired in training to the operating room using an evaluation scale under real-world conditions with blinded assessors. Although France has not yet participated in transfer validation studies, VR simulator training was tested in a first national cohort and a large number of assistants were trained for 6 months. CONCLUSION: Even though evidence that the acquired skills can be validly transferred to the operating theater is still needed, especially for arthroscopy, simulation has already become an indispensable form of further training.

Pyrocarbon interposition shoulder arthroplasty: preliminary results from a prospective multicenter study at 2 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The concept of free interposition arthroplasty proved successful for small joints of the hand, wrist, and foot, particularly after the use of implants coated with pyrocarbon, which enhanced their tribologic and elastic properties. The present study reports preliminary outcomes of a pyrocarbon-coated interposition shoulder arthroplasty (PISA) implant. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 67 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder PISA at 9 centers. The mean age at surgery was 51 years, with only 12 patients older than 60 years. The indications for surgery were primary glenohumeral arthritis in 42, avascular necrosis in 13, and secondary arthritis in 12 patients. RESULTS: Revision surgery was performed in 7 patients (10.4%), 2 (3.0%) were lost to follow-up, and the outcome assessments were incomplete in 3 (4.4%). This left 55 patients, aged 49.3 ± 12.0 years, with complete outcomes assessments at a mean follow-up of 26.8 ± 3.4 months. The Constant score improved from 34.1 ± 15.1 preoperatively to 66.1 ± 19.7 postoperatively. The radiographic findings revealed erosion in 6 glenoids and thinning of 3 humeral tuberosities. CONCLUSION: In a cohort of young arthritic patients, PISA renders clinical scores and implant survival comparable to those of hemishoulder arthroplasty but remain inferior to those results reported for total shoulder arthroplasty. The study enabled identification of contraindications and potential causes of failure that wererelated to the concept of free interposition and smaller radius of curvature of the sphere. Until long-term results are available, this type of innovative implant should remain to be tested in a few specialized shoulder centers.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the initial characterization of non-fatty soft tissue tumors: correlation between T2 signal intensity and ADC values.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) correlated with T2 signal in differentiating non-fatty benign from malignant tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 76 patients with a histologically confirmed non-fatty soft tissue tumors (46 benign and 30 malignant) were prospectively included in this ethics committee approved study. All patients signed an informed consent and underwent MRI with DWI with two b values (0 and 600). ADC values from the solid components of these tumors were obtained and were correlated with the lesion's signal intensity on T2-weighted fat-saturated sequences. ADC values were obtained from adjacent normal muscle to allow calculation of tumor/muscle ADC ratios. RESULTS: There were 58 hyperintense and 18 iso or hypointense lesions. All hypointense lesions were benign. The mean ADC values for benign and malignant tumors were 1.47 ± 0.54 × 10(-3) and 1.17 ± 0.38 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s respectively (p < 0.005). The mean ADC ratio in benign iso or hypointense tumors was significantly lower than that of hyperintense ones (0.76 ± 0.21 versus 1.58 ± 0.82 - p < 0.0001). An ADC ratio lower than 0.915 was highly specific for malignancy (96.4 %), whereas an ADC ratio higher than 1.32 was highly sensitive for benign lesions (90 %). CONCLUSION: ADC analysis can be useful in the initial characterization of T2 hyperintense non-fatty soft tissue masses, although this technique alone is not likely to change patient management.

Non-operative treatment of four-part fractures of the proximal end of the humerus: results of a prospective and retrospective multicentric study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and medium-term results of non-operative treatment of four-part fractures of the proximal end of the humerus. The initial hypothesis was that non-operative treatment of fractures with little or no displacement is equivalent or superior to surgical treatment, and that non-operative treatment is probably insufficient for displaced fractures. METHODS: This was a multicentric, prospective and retrospective study, based on 384 four-part proximal humerus fractures, 58 of which involved non-operative treatments - 37 in the prospective study (Pro-CT4) and 21 in the retrospective study (Retro-CT4). The average patient age was 64 +/- 14 years (39-90); 66 % were female and 34 % male. In 88 % of these cases, non-operative treatment was chosen for the fracture, as there was little or no displacement. In 10 % of cases, non-operative treatment was chosen "by default", due to the patient's medical conditions, as surgery was contraindicated, and in 2 % of cases due to the patient refusing surgery. All patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically, with SSV evaluation, absolute and weighted Constant scores and the Quick DASH score all assessed. The main evaluation criterion was the weighted Constant score which was considered a failure when below 70 %. RESULTS: In the Pro-CT4 study, the average follow-up period was 11 +/- four months (5-18) with functional scores as follows: average SSV: 72 +/- 26 % (8-100); average Constant score: 65 +/- 21 points (21-95); average weighted Constant score: 86 +/- 26 % (32-130); average Quick DASH: 23 +/- 21 (0-64). 27 % of patients had a weighted Constant score below 70 %. In the Retro-CT4 study, the average follow-up period was 38 +/- 13 months (18-62) with functional scores as follows: average SSV: 73 +/- 17 % (30-100); average Constant score: 68 +/- 18 points (33-95); average weighted Constant score: 88 +/- 27 % (47-133); average Quick DASH: 18 +/- 16 (0-48); 24 % of patients had a weighted Constant score below 70 %. CONCLUSION: This study confirms our initial hypothesis. When non-operative treatment of four-part proximal humerus fractures is carried out by choice, the results are excellent. However, when this treatment is carried out "by default" - especially because surgery is contraindicated - the results are disappointing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: prospective and retrospective studies.

Advanced Techniques in Musculoskeletal Oncology: Perfusion, Diffusion, and Spectroscopy.

The imaging characterization of musculoskeletal tumors can be challenging, and a significant number of lesions remain indeterminate when conventional imaging protocols are used. In recent years, clinical availability of functional imaging methods has increased. Functional imaging has the potential to improve tumor detection, characterization, and follow-up. The most frequently used functional methods are perfusion imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and MR proton spectroscopy (MRS). Each of these techniques has specific protocol requirements and diagnostic pitfalls that need to be acknowledged to avoid misdiagnoses. Additionally, the application of functional methods in the MSK system has various technical issues that need to be addressed to ensure data quality and comparability. In this article, the application of contrast-enhanced perfusion imaging, DWI, and MRS for the evaluation of bone and soft tissue tumors is discussed, with emphasis on acquisition protocols, technical difficulties, and current clinical indications.

Focus on Merkel cell carcinoma: diagnosis and staging.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare lymphophilic skin tumor of neuroendocrine origin with the potential for rapid progression. Small, localized lesions are diagnosed and treated clinically, but advanced tumors often undergo imaging evaluation. Due to its rarity, radiologists are unaware of evocative imaging features and usually do not consider Merkel cell carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors. Appropriate staging is important to determine appropriate treatment and has an impact on patient prognosis. Multimodality imaging is usually needed, and there is no consensus on the optimal imaging strategy. The purpose of this article is to review various aspects of Merkel cell carcinoma imaging and look in detail at how optimal multimodality staging should be carried out.

Surgical management of the infected reversed shoulder arthroplasty: a French multicenter study of reoperation in 32 patients.

BACKGROUND: In a retrospective multicenter study, we evaluated the efficiency and outcomes of the different therapeutic options for infection after reversed shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were reoperated on for infection after reversed shoulder arthroplasty between 1996 and 2011. The mean age was 71 (55-83) years. The involved implants were primary prostheses in 23 cases and revision prostheses in 9 cases. The average preoperative Constant score was 34 (11-69). Six of these patients needed 2 successive procedures. A total of 38 procedures were performed: débridement (13), 1-stage (5) or 2-stage revision (14), or implant removal (6). At last follow-up (mean, 36 months; range, 12-137 months), every patient had clinical, biologic, and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Infections were largely caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (56%) and Propionibacterium acnes (59%). The complication rate was 26%. At last follow-up, 26 patients were free of infection (81%). The final Constant score was 46 (12-75). After débridement with implant retention, the mean Constant score was 51 (29-75), but the healing rate was only 54%. Implant revision (1 or 2 stage) led to better functional results than implant removal (46 vs. 25; P = .001), with similar healing rates (73% and 67%, respectively). Patients with low initial impairment (Constant score > 30) were not significantly improved by surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Débridement is the less aggressive option but exposes patients to healing failure. It should be proposed as a first treatment attempt. Revision of the implant is technically challenging but preserves shoulder function, with no higher rate of residual infection compared with implant removal.