Association between MRI measurements of lumbar spine alterations and self-reported outcomes of pain and disability in subjects with non-specific low back pain.

PURPOSE: This study aims to elucidate the association between MRI measurements of spine alterations and self-reported outcomes of pain and disability in individuals with non-specific low back pain, using a comprehensive perspective based on machine learning algorithm. METHODS: 246 consecutive subjects were assessed. Pain severity in cervical, lumbar, and leg regions was determined using visual analogue scale, and functional disability was acquired by Oswestry Disability Index. Sagittal and axial MRI scans of the thoracolumbar spine were evaluated. Severity of disc degeneration, spinal canal stenosis, and presence of vertebral endplate lesions based on two different classification schemes involving the extent and the shape of defects were quantified at the levels from T12L1 to L5S1. The following parameters describing the lumbar region as a whole were calculated: maximum value along spinal levels, sum of values along levels, number of levels characterized by severe condition. The association with pain and disability was assessed by generalized multiple linear regression modelling. RESULTS: Disc degeneration was identified as a predictor of disability and partially of pain, whereas canal stenosis was found associated with changes in pain in the leg region. Partial correlation values ranged from 0.11 to 0.32. Endplate lesions did not show significant associations. CONCLUSION: A partial association between MRI measurements and self-reported outcomes of pain and disability was confirmed. Disc degeneration was the most correlated with the reported indexes, while canal stenosis mainly affected the pain levels in the leg region. The presence of endplate lesions did not demonstrate any significant relationships.

Deep learning-based pseudo-CT synthesis from zero echo time MR sequences of the pelvis.

OBJECTIVES: To generate pseudo-CT (pCT) images of the pelvis from zero echo time (ZTE) MR sequences and compare them to conventional CT. METHODS: Ninety-one patients were prospectively scanned with CT and MRI including ZTE sequences of the pelvis. Eleven ZTE image volumes were excluded due to implants and severe B1 field inhomogeneity. Out of the 80 data sets, 60 were used to train and update a deep learning (DL) model for pCT image synthesis from ZTE sequences while the remaining 20 cases were selected as an evaluation cohort. CT and pCT images were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by two readers. RESULTS: Mean pCT ratings of qualitative parameters were good to perfect (2-3 on a 4-point scale). Overall intermodality agreement between CT and pCT was good (ICC = 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.90); p < 0.001) with excellent interreader agreements for pCT (ICC = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88-0.93); p < 0.001). Most geometrical measurements did not show any significant difference between CT and pCT measurements (p > 0.05) with the exception of transverse pelvic diameter measurements and lateral center-edge angle measurements (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Image quality and tissue differentiation in CT and pCT were similar without significant differences between CT and pCT CNRs (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using a DL-based algorithm, it is possible to synthesize pCT images of the pelvis from ZTE sequences. The pCT images showed high bone depiction quality and accurate geometrical measurements compared to conventional CT. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: pCT images generated from MR sequences allow for high accuracy in evaluating bone without the need for radiation exposure. Radiological applications are broad and include assessment of inflammatory and degenerative bone disease or preoperative planning studies. KEY POINTS: pCT, based on DL-reconstructed ZTE MR images, may be comparable with true CT images. Overall, the intermodality agreement between CT and pCT was good with excellent interreader agreements for pCT. Geometrical measurements and tissue differentiation were similar in CT and pCT images.

Sleep Characteristics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging- and Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Based Morphological Parameters, Muscle Strength, and Risk of Falls in Sedentary Older Subjects.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this cross-sectional study were to (a) assess actigraphy-based sleep parameters (total sample and gender differences), (b) assess differences in morphological parameters and physical function between short- versus normal-sleepers and poor- versus good-sleepers, and (c) assess the possible correlations between sleep variables and morphological and physical function parameters in older subjects. METHODS: This study enrolled 42 healthy older participants (60-80 years). Participants completed the following clinical evaluations: (1) whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index; (2) magnetic resonance imaging acquisition to determine the cross-sectional muscle area of thigh muscles and intermuscular adipose tissue; (3) risk of fall assessment through the mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test; (4) strength assessment: (a) chair stand test and (b) handgrip strength test; (5) sleep monitoring by actigraphy to assess total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, sleep latency, fragmentation index, mobile time, and subjective sleep quality. RESULTS: 31.0% of subjects were short-sleepers (total sleep time < 6 hr), 19.1% were poor-sleepers (sleep efficiency < 85%), and gender differences were detected in mobile time (males: 15.8 ± 6.0 and females: 13.4 ± 6.8; p < .001) and fragmentation index (males: 35.3 ± 14.3 and females: 29.6 ± 14.6; p < .001); no significant differences were observed between groups (short- vs. normal-sleepers and poor- vs. good-sleepers) in morphological and physical function variables; correlation analysis showed that sleep latency negatively correlated with Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (r = -.352; p = .022) and a positive correlation was detected between cross-sectional muscle area and mobile time (r = .349, p = .023). CONCLUSION: No differences were observed in morphological and function parameters between good- versus poor-sleepers, those subjects with worse sleep onset latency (i.e., longer time to fall asleep) registered higher for risk of fall. The potential role of sleep in the physiological mechanisms of muscular aging must be explored through cross-sectional cohort studies with a larger population.

The use of artificial intelligence in musculoskeletal ultrasound: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound (US) with an emphasis on AI algorithm categories and validation strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic literature search was conducted for articles published up to January 2024. Inclusion criteria were the use of AI in MSK US, involvement of humans, English language, and ethics committee approval. RESULTS: Out of 269 identified papers, 16 studies published between 2020 and 2023 were included. The research was aimed at predicting diagnosis and/or segmentation in a total of 11 (69%) out of 16 studies. A total of 11 (69%) studies used deep learning (DL)-based algorithms, three (19%) studies employed conventional machine learning (ML)-based algorithms, and two (12%) studies employed both conventional ML- and DL-based algorithms. Six (38%) studies used cross-validation techniques with K-fold cross-validation being the most frequently employed (n = 4, 25%). Clinical validation with separate internal test datasets was reported in nine (56%) papers. No external clinical validation was reported. CONCLUSION: AI is a topic of increasing interest in MSK US research. In future studies, attention should be paid to the use of validation strategies, particularly regarding independent clinical validation performed on external datasets.

Updates in Ultrasound in Rheumatology.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the authors' narrative review was to outline the current literature regarding the use of ultrasound in main rheumatic disorders and summarize the updates, specifically about rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and crystal-induced arthropathies. METHODS: The authors searched on PubMed for articles discussing the major updates regarding the role of ultrasound in the previously mentioned rheumatic conditions. RESULTS: The authors have provided the updated definitions, new criteria, and diagnostic scores. CONCLUSIONS: In rheumatology's dynamic landscape, this review provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians on ultrasound's role in improving patient care and outcomes in rheumatic diseases.

Quantitative and Compositional MRI of the Articular Cartilage: A Narrative Review.

This review examines the latest advancements in compositional and quantitative cartilage MRI techniques, addressing both their potential and challenges. The integration of these advancements promises to improve disease detection, treatment monitoring, and overall patient care. We want to highlight the pivotal task of translating these techniques into widespread clinical use, the transition of cartilage MRI from technical validation to clinical application, emphasizing its critical role in identifying early signs of degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases. Recognizing these changes early may enable informed treatment decisions, thereby facilitating personalized medicine approaches. The evolving landscape of cartilage MRI underscores its increasing importance in clinical practice, offering valuable insights for patient management and therapeutic interventions. This review aims to discuss the old evidence and new insights about the evaluation of articular cartilage through MRI, with an update on the most recent literature published on novel quantitative sequences.

US-Guided Interventional Procedures for Total Hip Arthroplasty.

In patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) with recurrent pain, symptoms may be caused by several conditions involving not just the joint, but also the surrounding soft tissues including tendons, muscles, bursae, and peripheral nerves. US and US-guided interventional procedures are important tools in the diagnostic work-up of patients with painful THA given that it is possible to reach a prompt diagnosis both directly identifying the pathological changes of periprosthetic structures and indirectly evaluating the response and pain relief to local injection of anesthetics under US monitoring. Then, US guidance can be used for the aspiration of fluid from the joint or periarticular collections, or alternatively to follow the biopsy needle to collect samples for culture analysis in the suspicion of prosthetic joint infection. Furthermore, US-guided percutaneous interventions may be used to treat several conditions with well-established minimally invasive procedures that involve injections of corticosteroid, local anesthetics, and platelet-rich plasma or other autologous products. In this review, we will discuss the clinical and technical applications of US-guided percutaneous interventional procedures in painful THA that can be used in routine daily practice for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Soft tissue tumor imaging in adults: whole-body staging in sarcoma, non-malignant entities requiring special algorithms, pitfalls and special imaging aspects. Guidelines 2024 from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR).

OBJECTIVES: The revised European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) consensus guidelines on soft tissue tumor imaging represent an update of 2015 after technical advancements, further insights into specific entities, and revised World Health Organization (2020) and AJCC (2017) classifications. This second of three papers covers algorithms once histology is confirmed: (1) standardized whole-body staging, (2) special algorithms for non-malignant entities, and (3) multiplicity, genetic tumor syndromes, and pitfalls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated Delphi method based on peer-reviewed literature was used to derive consensus among a panel of 46 specialized musculoskeletal radiologists from 12 European countries. Statements that had undergone interdisciplinary revision were scored online by the level of agreement (0 to 10) during two iterative rounds, that could result in 'group consensus', 'group agreement', or 'lack of agreement'. RESULTS: The three sections contain 24 statements with comments. Group consensus was reached in 95.8% and group agreement in 4.2%. For whole-body staging, pulmonary MDCT should be performed in all high-grade sarcomas. Whole-body MRI is preferred for staging bone metastasis, with [18F]FDG-PET/CT as an alternative modality in PET-avid tumors. Patients with alveolar soft part sarcoma, clear cell sarcoma, and angiosarcoma should be screened for brain metastases. Special algorithms are recommended for entities such as rhabdomyosarcoma, extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma, myxoid liposarcoma, and neurofibromatosis type 1 associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Satisfaction of search should be avoided in potential multiplicity. CONCLUSION: Standardized whole-body staging includes pulmonary MDCT in all high-grade sarcomas; entity-dependent modifications and specific algorithms are recommended for sarcomas and non-malignant soft tissue tumors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: These updated ESSR soft tissue tumor imaging guidelines aim to provide support in decision-making, helping to avoid common pitfalls, by providing general and entity-specific algorithms, techniques, and reporting recommendations for whole-body staging in sarcoma and non-malignant soft tissue tumors. KEY POINTS: An early, accurate, diagnosis is crucial for the prognosis of patients with soft tissue tumors. These updated guidelines provide best practice expert consensus for standardized imaging algorithms, techniques, and reporting. Standardization can improve the comparability examinations and provide databases for large data analysis.

Health technology assessment in musculoskeletal radiology: the case study of EOSedge™.

OBJECTIVES: Health technology assessment (HTA) is a systematic process used to evaluate the properties and effects of healthcare technologies within their intended use context. This paper describes the adoption of HTA process to assess the adoption of the EOSedge™ system in clinical practice. METHODS: The EOSedge™ system is a digital radiography system that delivers whole-body, high-quality 2D/3D biplanar images covering the complete set of musculoskeletal and orthopedic exams. Full HTA model was chosen using the EUnetHTA Core Model® version 3.0. The HTA Core Model organizes the information into nine domains. Information was researched and obtained by consulting the manufacturers' user manuals, scientific literature, and institutional sites for regulatory aspects. RESULTS: All nine domains of the EUnetHTA Core Model® helped conduct the HTA of the EOSedge, including (1) description and technical characteristics of the technology; (2) health problem and current clinical practice; (3) safety; (4) clinical effectiveness; (5) organizational aspects; (6) economic evaluation; (7) impact on the patient; (8) ethical aspects; and (9) legal aspects. CONCLUSIONS: EOS technologies may be a viable alternative to conventional radiographs. EOSedge has the same intended use and similar indications for use, technological characteristics, and operation principles as the EOS System and provides significant dose reduction factors for whole spine imaging compared to the EOS System without compromising image quality. Regarding the impact of EOS imaging on patient outcomes, most studies aim to establish technical ability without evaluating their ability to improve patient outcomes; thus, more studies on this aspect are warranted.

MRI of total hip arthroplasty: technical aspects and imaging findings.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the best surgical approach for treating advanced hip degeneration, providing pain relief, and improved function in most cases. In the past, MR imaging quality has been highly compromised by in-plane distortions, inadequate fat saturation, and other artifacts due to metal components of THA. Technological advancements have made pathologic conditions, which were previously hidden by periprosthetic artifacts, outstanding features due to the optimization of several sequences. To date, several short and long-term complications involving bony and soft-tissue structures may be detected through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The use of MRI with adapted sequences and protocols may drastically reduce artifacts thereby providing essential pre-operative elements for planning revision surgery of failed THA. This review has the purpose of conveying new insights to musculoskeletal radiologists about the techniques to suppress metal-related artifacts and the hallmark MRI findings of painful THA. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Advancements in metal-suppression have given radiologists the opportunity to play an emerging role in THA management. This article provides technical and imaging insights into challenges that can be encountered in cases of THA, which may present complications and characteristic imaging findings. KEY POINTS: Imaging total hip arthroplasty requires adapted MRI protocol and awareness of the common complications. We have reported the available metal-suppression sequences for evaluating total hip arthroplasty. Many structures and conditions should be considered when dealing with painful aseptic or septic arthroplasty.

Dual-energy CT in musculoskeletal imaging: technical considerations and clinical applications.

Dual-energy CT stands out as a robust and innovative imaging modality, which has shown impressive advancements and increasing applications in musculoskeletal imaging. It allows to obtain detailed images with novel insights that were once the exclusive prerogative of magnetic resonance imaging. Attenuation data obtained by using different energy spectra enable to provide unique information about tissue characterization in addition to the well-established strengths of CT in the evaluation of bony structures. To understand clearly the potential of this imaging modality, radiologists must be aware of the technical complexity of this imaging tool, the different ways to acquire images and the several algorithms that can be applied in daily clinical practice and for research. Concerning musculoskeletal imaging, dual-energy CT has gained more and more space for evaluating crystal arthropathy, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue structures, including tendons and ligaments. This article aims to analyze and discuss the role of dual-energy CT in musculoskeletal imaging, exploring technical aspects, applications and clinical implications and possible perspectives of this technique.

Artificial intelligence in interventional radiology: state of the art.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has demonstrated great potential in a wide variety of applications in interventional radiology (IR). Support for decision-making and outcome prediction, new functions and improvements in fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, specifically in the field of IR, have all been investigated. Furthermore, AI represents a significant boost for fusion imaging and simulated reality, robotics, touchless software interactions, and virtual biopsy. The procedural nature, heterogeneity, and lack of standardisation slow down the process of adoption of AI in IR. Research in AI is in its early stages as current literature is based on pilot or proof of concept studies. The full range of possibilities is yet to be explored.Relevance statement Exploring AI's transformative potential, this article assesses its current applications and challenges in IR, offering insights into decision support and outcome prediction, imaging enhancements, robotics, and touchless interactions, shaping the future of patient care.Key points• AI adoption in IR is more complex compared to diagnostic radiology.• Current literature about AI in IR is in its early stages.• AI has the potential to revolutionise every aspect of IR.

Posteromedial Corner Injuries of the Knee: Imaging Findings.

The posteromedial corner (PMC) of the knee is an anatomical region formed by ligamentous structures (medial collateral ligament, posterior oblique ligament, oblique popliteal ligament), the semimembranosus tendon and its expansions, the posteromedial joint capsule, and the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Injuries to the structures of the PMC frequently occur in acute knee trauma in association with other ligamentous or meniscal tears. The correct assessment of PMC injuries is crucial because the deficiency of these supporting structures can lead to anteromedial rotation instability or the failure of cruciate ligaments grafts. This article reviews the anatomy and biomechanics of the PMC to aid radiologists in identifying injuries potentially involving PMC components.

Generation and Validation of Normative, Age-Specific Reference Curves for Bone Strain Index in Women.

Bone Strain Index (BSI), based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is a densitometric index of bone strength of the femur and lumbar spine. Higher BSI values indicate a higher strain applied to bone, predisposing to higher fracture risk. This retrospective, multicentric study on Italian women reports the BSI normative age-specific reference curves. A cohort of Caucasian Italian women aged 20 to 90 years was selected from three different clinical centres. Bone mineral density (BMD) and BSI measurements were obtained for the lumbar spine vertebrae (L1-L4) and for the femur (neck, trochanter and intertrochanter) using Hologic densitometers scans. The data were compared with BMD normative values provided by the densitometer manufacturer. Then, the age-specific BSI curve for the femur and lumbar spine was generated. No significant difference was found between the BMD of the subjects in this study and BMD reference data provided by Hologic (p = 0.68 for femur and p = 0.90 for lumbar spine). Spine BSI values (L1-L4) increase by 84% between 20 and 90 years of age. The mean BSI of the total femur increases about 38% in the same age range. The BSI age-specific reference curve could help clinicians improve osteoporosis patient management, allowing an appropriate patient classification according to the bone resistance to the applied loads and fragility fracture risk assessment.

High incidence of RAMP lesions and a nonnegligible incidence of anterolateral ligament and posterior oblique ligament rupture in acute ACL injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior oblique ligament (POL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) tears and different types of RAMP lesions of patients with verified acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: MRI was performed on patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute ACL injury. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had an initially clinically noted ACL tear confirmed on MRI within 30 days of trauma. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients were included in the study, 42 (28.8%) females and 104 (71.2%) males. The mean age at MRI was 27.2 ± 9.4 years, and the mean time from injury to MRI was 15.7 ± 7.8 days. Thirty-four (23.3%) patients had a complete MCL lesion, 32 (21.9%) had a complete POL lesion and 28 (19.2%) had a complete ALL lesion. One hundred and fourteen patients (78.1%) presented with RAMP lesions, while 20 (13.7%) patients reported other meniscal lesions. The mean medial and lateral tibial slopes were 4.0° ± 2.7° and 4.0° ± 3.1°, respectively. Only 10 (6.8%) patients reported no lesions associated with ACL rupture. The most common injuries were isolated RAMP type 3 (18-12.3%) and isolated RAMP type 1 (17-11.6%). Thirteen (8.9%) patients had a combination of MCL, POL and ALL rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated lesions of the ACL are extremely rare. In most cases, a single RAMP lesion should be investigated. In the presence of MCL injury, POL injury should always be suspected as well, while nearly 20% of patients present a rupture of the ALL. About one in 10 patients had three lesions (MCL, ALL and POL), and most of them had a combined RAMP lesion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

CT Arthrography of the Elbow: What Radiologists Should Know.

Computed tomography (CT) arthrography is a quickly available imaging modality to investigate elbow disorders. Its excellent spatial resolution enables the detection of subtle pathologic changes of intra-articular structures, which makes this technique extremely valuable in a joint with very tiny chondral layers and complex anatomy of articular capsule and ligaments. Radiation exposure has been widely decreased with the novel CT scanners, thereby increasing the indications of this examination. The main applications of CT arthrography of the elbow are the evaluation of capsule, ligaments, and osteochondral lesions in both the settings of acute trauma, degenerative changes, and chronic injury due to repeated microtrauma and overuse. In this review, we discuss the normal anatomic findings, technical tips for injection and image acquisition, and pathologic findings that can be encountered in CT arthrography of the elbow, shedding light on its role in the diagnosis and management of different orthopedic conditions. We aspire to offer a roadmap for the integration of elbow CT arthrography into routine clinical practice, fostering improved patient outcomes and a deeper understanding of elbow pathologies.

AI applications in musculoskeletal imaging: a narrative review.

This narrative review focuses on clinical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in musculoskeletal imaging. A range of musculoskeletal disorders are discussed using a clinical-based approach, including trauma, bone age estimation, osteoarthritis, bone and soft-tissue tumors, and orthopedic implant-related pathology. Several AI algorithms have been applied to fracture detection and classification, which are potentially helpful tools for radiologists and clinicians. In bone age assessment, AI methods have been applied to assist radiologists by automatizing workflow, thus reducing workload and inter-observer variability. AI may potentially aid radiologists in identifying and grading abnormal findings of osteoarthritis as well as predicting the onset or progression of this disease. Either alone or combined with radiomics, AI algorithms may potentially improve diagnosis and outcome prediction of bone and soft-tissue tumors. Finally, information regarding appropriate positioning of orthopedic implants and related complications may be obtained using AI algorithms. In conclusion, rather than replacing radiologists, the use of AI should instead help them to optimize workflow, augment diagnostic performance, and keep up with ever-increasing workload.Relevance statement This narrative review provides an overview of AI applications in musculoskeletal imaging. As the number of AI technologies continues to increase, it will be crucial for radiologists to play a role in their selection and application as well as to fully understand their potential value in clinical practice. Key points • AI may potentially assist musculoskeletal radiologists in several interpretative tasks.• AI applications to trauma, age estimation, osteoarthritis, tumors, and orthopedic implants are discussed.• AI should help radiologists to optimize workflow and augment diagnostic performance.

Assessment of malalignment at early stage in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a longitudinal cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to assess abnormalities of the odontoid-hip axis (OD-HA) angle in a mild scoliotic population to determine whether screening for malalignment would help predict the distinction between progressive and stable adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) at early stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients (non-scoliotic and AIS) underwent a biplanar X-ray between 2013 and 2020. In AIS, inclusion criteria were Cobb angle between 10° and 25°; Risser sign lower than 3; age higher than 10 years; and no previous treatment. A 3D spine reconstruction was performed, and the OD-HA was computed automatically. A reference corridor for OD-HA values in non-scoliotic subjects was calculated as the range [5th-95th percentiles]. A severity index, helping to distinguish stable and progressive AIS, was calculated and weighted according to the OD-HA value. RESULTS: Eighty-three non-scoliotic and 205 AIS were included. The mean coronal and sagittal OD-HA angles in the non-scoliotic group were 0.2° and -2.5°, whereas in AIS values were 0.3° and -0.8°, respectively. For coronal and sagittal OD-HA, 27.5% and 26.8% of AIS were outside the reference corridor compared with 10.8% in non-scoliotic (OR = 3.1 and 3). Adding to the severity index a weighting factor based on coronal OD-HA, for thoracic scoliosis, improved the positive predictive value by 9% and the specificity by 13%. CONCLUSION: Analysis of OD-HA suggests that AIS patients are almost three times more likely to have malalignment compared with a non-scoliotic population. Furthermore, analysis of coronal OD-HA is promising to help the clinician distinguish between stable and progressive thoracic scoliosis.