The safety and efficiency of performing cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections under fluoroscopic control on an ambulatory/outpatient basis.

PURPOSE: Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections (CTFESIs) have become an increasingly utilised means of treating radicular pain over recent decades, although a number of reports have brought their safety into question. Much of this has been attributed to the use of particulate steroids and the theoretical risk of embolic complications with inadvertent intra-arterial injection. This study documents the complications encountered at our centre when performing CTFESI over a more than 10-year study period with predominant use of particulate steroid. Our procedural technique is also described. This study aims to highlight the importance of operator technique first and foremost and how, with safe and reproducible technique that confidently avoids intra-arterial injection, CTFESI can be performed safely irrespective of the choice of steroid. METHODS: All patients undergoing CTFESI between January 2008 and August 2018 at our centre were prospectively recruited to the study, documenting total number of injections/procedures per patient, presence of/description of complications and severity and type of steroid administered. RESULTS: Five hundred and twenty-seven patients underwent 1047 procedures (1753 individual cervical levels injected) over the study period: 1011 procedures performed with particulate steroid (triamcinolone acetonide) and 36 performed with non-particulate (dexamethasone). Only six complications were encountered, all spontaneously self-resolving without intervention and considered minor (grade 1). CONCLUSIONS: With fastidious safe technique, CTFESI can be safe, efficacious and cost-effectively administered on an outpatient basis. Predominant use of particulate steroids did not lead to any significant complications. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Concomitant hook of hamate fractures in patients with scaphoid fracture: more common than you might think.

OBJECTIVE: The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone. The presence of a concomitant hook of hamate fracture is of particular relevance given that it is often occult on routine wrist/scaphoid radiographs and that hook of hamate fractures are prone to symptomatic non-union, resulting in chronic ulnar wrist pain. Prompt diagnosis and immobilisation/fixation may minimise such complications. Our study is aimed at assessing the frequency of concomitant hook of hamate fractures in patients with scaphoid fractures. METHODS: Hook of hamate fracture is often occult on wrist/scaphoid radiographs. Hence, we identified all 2,568 CT and MRI studies performed to investigate scaphoid fracture at our institution from April 2005 to March 2016. Three hundred and twelve out of 2,568 cases were confirmed to have a scaphoid fracture. Images were then retrospectively reviewed by a Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist and Musculoskeletal Radiologist Trainee to assess for the presence of concomitant hook of hamate fracture and, if present, whether this was identified on initial reporting. RESULTS: Concomitant hook of hamate fracture was identified in 10.3% of cases (32 out of 312, 30 on CT, 2 on MRI); most were minimally/non-displaced. Sixty percent of fractures identified on CT were missed on the initial review (18 out of 30). Both cases identified on MRI had been initially reported. CONCLUSION: Scaphoid fracture is associated with higher than expected rates of concomitant hook of hamate fracture. Given the potential morbidity associated with hook of hamate fracture, this should be considered a review area when investigating scaphoid injury. These fractures are often minimally displaced, hence easily overlooked on CT. MRI may therefore be superior when investigating radiographically occult scaphoid fractures.

Spondylodiscitis following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: imaging perspectives from a single centre's experience.

OBJECTIVE: Very few reports have previously described spondylodiscitis as a potential complication of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). We present to our knowledge the first case series of spondylodiscitis following EVAR based on our institution's experience over an 11-year period. Particular attention is paid to the key imaging features and challenges encountered when performing spinal imaging in this complex patient group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 1,847 patients who underwent EVAR at our institution between January 2006 and January 2017, a total of 9 patients were identified with imaging features of spondylodiscitis (0.5%). All cross-sectional studies before and after EVAR were assessed by a Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist and a Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellow to evaluate for features of spondylodiscitis. RESULTS: All 9 patients had single-level spondylodiscitis involving lumbosacral levels adjacent to the aortic/iliac stent graft. Eight out of nine patients had an extensive anterior paravertebral phlegmon/abscess that was contiguous with the infected stent graft and native aneurysm sac ± anterior vertebral body erosion. Epidural disease was present in only 3 out of 9 patients and was a minor feature. MRI was non-diagnostic in 3 out of 9 patients owing to susceptibility artefact. 18F-FDG PET/CT accurately depicted the spinal level involved and adjacent paravertebral disease in patients with non-diagnostic MRI and was adopted as the follow-up modality in 3 out of 5 surviving patients. CONCLUSION: Spondylodiscitis is a rare complication post-EVAR. Imaging features of disproportionate anterior paravertebral disease and anterior vertebral body bony involvement suggest direct spread of infection posteriorly to the adjacent vertebral column. Use of MRI versus 18F-FDG PET/CT as the optimal imaging modality should be directed by the type of stent graft deployed.

Multimodal imaging of the distal interphalangeal-joint synovio-entheseal complex in psoriatic arthritis (MIDAS): a cross-sectional study on the diagnostic accuracy of different imaging modalities comparing psoriatic arthritis to psoriasis and osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Can ultrasound (US), MRI and X-ray applied to the distal interphalangeal (DIP)-joint and synovio-entheseal complex (SEC) discriminate between patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), skin psoriasis (PsO) and hand osteoarthritis (OA)? METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, patients with DIP-joint PsA and nail involvement (n=50), PsO with nail involvement (n=12); and OA (n=13); were consecutively recruited. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated for US, MRI and X-ray findings of the DIP-joint and SEC between diagnoses. RESULTS: New bone formation (NBF) in US and MRI was a hallmark of OA, reducing the risk of having PsA (RR 0.52 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.63) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.74). The OA group was different from PsA and PsO on all MRI and X-ray outcomes reflected in a lower RR of having PsA; RR ranging from 0.20 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.31) for MRI bone marrow oedema (BMO) to 0.85 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.90) in X-ray enthesitis. No outcome in US, MRI or X-ray was significantly associated with a higher risk of PsA versus PsO, although there was a trend to a higher degree of US erosions and NBF in PsA. 82% of PsA and 67% of PsO was treated with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs which commonly reflects the clinical setting. CONCLUSION: High grade of US, MRI and X-ray NBF reduce the RR of having PsA compared with OA. In PsA versus PsO patients, there was a trend for US to demonstrate more structural changes in PsA although this did not reach significance.

Functional acetabular retroversion syndrome: description of a specific sub-type of FAI and results of treatment with minimally invasive PAO.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular retroversion syndrome is associated with pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and results, theoretically, from an externally rotated hemipelvis. The purpose of this study was to examine our surgical experience and the clinical results of functional acetabular retroversion syndrome treated with minimally-invasive periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data in consecutive patients who had an anteverting PAO from 01 November 2010 to 31 December 2015. All patients were followed up clinically and radiologically.Functional scores were ascertained using pre- and postoperative iHOT-12 and EQ-5D. The effect of hypermobility, smoking status and body mass index (BMI) on outcome measures was evaluated. RESULTS: 31 anteverting PAOs were performed on 27 consecutive patients. All patients were female. The mean age was 26.7 years (SD 6.7). The mean BMI was 25.8 kg/m2 (SD 5.1). 5 patients were smokers (16.1%) and 11 exhibited signs of generalised joint laxity. 23 hips had undergone prior hip arthroscopy and 1 patient had previous open FAI surgery. The minimum clinical follow-up was 2 years (mean 3.4 years; range 2-7 years). A crossover sign was present in all cases. The mean iHOT-12 score improved from 19.5 to 51 at 6 months, 64.5 at 1 year and 48 at 2 years following surgery (p < 0.05) EQ-5D improved from 0.42 preoperatively to 0.76 at 6 months and 0.69 at 1 year following surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We have characterised functional acetabular retroversion syndrome (FARS) as a condition affecting young, active females which severe symptoms out of proportion to demonstrable radiographic pathology.

Sonographic appearance of a migrated Angelchik anti-reflux prosthesis in the pelvis.

Surgical implantation of Angelchik prosthesis around the distal esophagus was a popular treatment for gastroesophageal reflux in the 1980s. However, because of frequent complications, this surgical technique was abandoned. We report a case of a migrated Angelchik prosthesis in a 56-year-old woman in whom the prosthesis was found in the pelvic cavity 20 years after the initial surgery. The plain radiographic and ultrasound findings are described.

Positioning Techniques to Improve the Ultrasound Evaluation of the Elbow.

We introduce an ergonomic positioning for sonographic scanning of elbow joint where the patient is lying semisupine on the examination bed. This is in contrast with the conventional positioning where the patient is sitting on the edge of the bed or across the table on a chair. Our proposed positioning is more comfortable for both the patient and ultrasound practitioner. It also allows immediate ultrasound-guided injections with lesser risk regarding a vasovagal syncope of the patient.

Nerve root injection cancellations because of incomplete anticoagulation management.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography-guided steroid injection is a well-recognized, conservative treatment of localized spinal pain as a result of facet arthropathy and radiculopathy secondary to nerve root compression. An extremely rare complication is the development of an epidural haematoma with potential to cause permanent neurological damage, so anticoagulation at the time of procedure is contraindicated. Routinely injections are performed as an outpatient requiring the referring physician to implement a peri-procedural anticoagulation plan. Anecdotal experience suggested that cancellations were occurring as patients remained on anticoagulation at the time of their appointment. The authors therefore assessed the existing service against expected standards to identify the causes of cancellations and find ways to improve the service. AIMS: This audit aimed to identify the incidence of cancelled computed tomography-guided nerve root injections secondary to incorrect peri-procedural anticoagulation management, develop an intervention to help reduce the incidence of cancellations and then re-audit to assess the effect of the intervention. METHODS: The audit standard was that 100% of outpatients attending for computed tomography-guided nerve root and facet injections should have an appropriate anticoagulation plan implemented. Baseline data collection took place prospectively between 1 September and 30 November 2016. The study population was elective computed tomography-guided spinal nerve root and facet injections scheduled on the radiology information system at the authors' trust. Descriptive analysis was completed. The intervention involved a revised electronic request form being implemented with new compulsory fields concerning antiplatelets and anticoagulants. Re-audit post-intervention involved prospective data collection between 1 September and 30 November 2017 using the same methods. RESULTS: Baseline audit found that of three out of 55 (5%) patients had cancellations. On re-audit, there were 0 cancellations out of 93 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The new request form prevented 5% of patients referred for computed tomography-guided nerve root injection being cancelled because of incorrect anticoagulation management. Extrapolated over the year the potential savings through preventing lost activity are £3445.56.

High vero cell density and rabies virus proliferation on fibracel disks versus cytodex-1 in spinner flask.

To achieve higher titer of rabies virus higher density of host cells will need. In this study, capability of FibraCel disks packed in 500 mL spinner basket versus Cytodex-1 in 500 mL spinner flask was investigated for propagation of Vero cells and PV rabies virus proliferation. Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) + 10% Foetal Calf Serum (FCS) and Virus Production- Serum Free Medium (VP-SFM) +4 mM L-glutamine were used in growth phase and MEM+ 0.2% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and VP-SFM were used in virus production phase. Adapted Vero cells grown in VP-SFM were used in all SFM experiments while batch and stepwise perfusion modes were applied and compared in growth stage. The highest Vero cell density were achieved in the trials with 10 g FibraCel disk in stepwise perfusion mode equal to 6.12 x 10(6) and 5.87 x 10(6) cells mL(-1) in MEM and VP-SFM, respectively while with 2.73 g Cytodex-1 lower density equal to 4.2 x 10(6) and 4.0 x 10(6) cells mL(-1) were achieved. The highest titer of rabies virus and overall virus production rate were resulted in VP-SFM and on 10 g disks equal to 2.9 x 10(7) Fluorescent Focus Unit (FFU) mL(-1) and 0.14 FFU/Cell/h, respectively versus 1.7 x 10(7) FFU mL(-1) and 0.08 FFU/cell/h on cytodex-1 in similar conditions. The second harvest of virus was also satisfactory in experiment with 10 g disks (1.7 x 10(7) FFU mL(-1)) in compare to Cytodex-1 (0.51 x 10(7) FFU mL(-1)). An equal surface area at 6600 and 12000 cm(-2) were provided in all comparable trials with seeding density of 12.5 x 10(3) cells cm(-2). Adapted Vero cells grown in VP-SFM were used in all SFM experiments while batch and stepwise perfusion modes were applied and compared in growth stage.