Shape analysis of the carpal joint in healthy and septic arthritis in newborn calves.

Septic arthritis is common in newborn calves due to poor birth and housing hygiene. This study investigated the pathological deformities caused by arthritis in the carpal bones of calves using geometric morphometry. The changes in the carpal joint bones of newborn calves with septic arthritis were examined through shape analysis. The study included 20 healthy Simmental calves and 30 Simmental calves with septic arthritis. Dorso-palmar x-ray images of the carpal joint were taken, and geometric morphometry was performed on these images using 25 landmarks. The first principal components (PC1) represented 26.92% of the total variation, while PC2 represented 13.84%. One of the most significant shape changes with increasing PC1 occurred in the os carpi intermedium. The study found that it was statistically possible to discriminate between radiometric carpal joint images of Simmental calves in the control and arthritis groups using geometric morphometry. In newborn calves with septic arthritis, the trochlea radi was located more proximally. There was an enlargement of the os carpi intermedium and a tendency towards the os carpi ulnare in female calves with septic arthritis. These results indicate significant bone deformation due to septic arthritis. Geometric morphometric methods can be clinically useful, as demonstrated in this study. Researchers can statistically explore these shape analyses, opening new avenues for research in this field. This method not only enhances our understanding of morphological changes but also provides a framework for clinical investigations and discoveries in related areas.

Arthrographic description of the canine carpal joint cavities and its recesses.

Joint effusion is diagnostically important. The canine carpal joint effusion, which is sometimes difficult to detect clinically, has received less attention in diagnostic ultrasound (US) studies. The aim of the present study was to provide a description of the morphological appearance of the canine carpal joint cavities and recesses using US, radiography, helical computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional volume rendering technique (3D-VRT) images and to prove the applicability of musculoskeletal US for the detection of artificial carpal joint effusion in dogs. The understanding of the characteristics of these structures in normal patients is essential in the diagnosis. Twenty-eight clinically and radiologically unremarkable canine carpal cadavers of different breeds were examined, representative images were selected and anatomical structures were labelled. The canine carpal joint cavities and in particular its recesses had a complex appearance with a basic structure found in all dogs: Antebrachiocarpal joint: dorsoproximal antebrachiocarpal recess, dorsodistal antebrachiocarpal recess, medial antebrachiocarpal recess, lateral antebrachiocarpal recess and five palmar antebrachiocarpal recesses. Middle carpal joint: two dorsal middle carpal recesses, medial common middle carpal and carpometacarpal recess, lateral common middle carpal and carpometacarpal recess, four palmar middle carpal recesses. The carpometacarpal joint had dorsal and palmar funnel-shaped and irregular, finely tubular extensions, the most prominent ran dorsal to metacarpal III, the maximum distal end represented the proximal metacarpal diaphysis. All recesses presented ultrasonographically as a generalized anechogenic to hypoechoic filled continuation of the articular capsule with an indistinct peripheral hypoechogenic to isoechogenic fine capsule, the synovial-connective tissue interface was difficult to identify. The novel results of this study provide the first morphological description of the ultrasonographic, radiographic and computed tomographic arthrographic appearance of the canine carpal joint cavities and recesses with different injection volumes. The canine carpal joint cavities and in particular its recesses had a complex appearance with a basic structure found in all dogs. The applicability of musculoskeletal US to visualize an artificial carpal effusion has been demonstrated. The results of this study, and in particular US, give the practitioner an advantage in visualizing joint effusion and assist in the decision to perform arthrocentesis.

Dynamic assessment of scapholunate ligament status by real-time magnetic resonance imaging: an exploratory clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical-standard MRI is the imaging modality of choice for the wrist, yet limited to static evaluation, thereby potentially missing dynamic instability patterns. We aimed to investigate the clinical benefit of (dynamic) real-time MRI, complemented by automatic analysis, in patients with complete or partial scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Both wrists of ten patients with unilateral SLL tears (six partial, four complete tears) as diagnosed by clinical-standard MRI were imaged during continuous active radioulnar motion using a 1.5-T MRI scanner in combination with a custom-made motion device. Following automatic segmentation of the wrist, the scapholunate and lunotriquetral joint widths were analyzed across the entire range of motion (ROM). Mixed-effects model analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's posthoc test and two-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: With the increasing extent of SLL tear, the scapholunate joint widths in injured wrists were significantly larger over the entire ROM compared to those of the contralateral healthy wrists (p<0.001). Differences between partial and complete tears were most pronounced at 5°-15° ulnar abduction (p<0.001). Motion patterns and trajectories were altered. Complete SLL deficiency resulted in complex alterations of the lunotriquetral joint widths. CONCLUSION: Real-time MRI may improve the functional diagnosis of SLL insufficiency and aid therapeutic decision-making by revealing dynamic forms of dissociative instability within the proximal carpus. Static MRI best differentiates SLL-injured wrists at 5°-15° of ulnar abduction.

Novel arthrocentesis approaches to the carpal joint of the Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The knowledge gap regarding the topography and anatomy of the dromedary's carpal joint must be bridged to improve diagnostic and treatment procedures such as ultrasonography, arthrocentesis, and arthroscopy. Thirty-five distal forelimbs were harvested from 21 dromedaries and studied through gross dissection, casting, ultrasonography, and computerized tomography. Representative three-dimensional models of the joint cavities, recesses, and pouches were obtained using various casting agents. The safety and feasibility of different arthrocentesis approaches were evaluated. This study provides a detailed description of dorsally located joint recesses and palmarly located joint pouches. The dorsomedial and dorsolateral approach is recommended for arthroscopy and arthrocentesis of the radiocarpal and intercarpal joint when the carpus is flexed. However, caution must be exercised during these approaches to prevent needle injury to the articulating cartilage. Caution is necessary to prevent the formation of inadvertent communication between the dorsally located tendon sheaths and joint cavities. Arthrocentesis via the lateral approach to the lateropalmar pouch is the most favourable approach for the radiocarpal joint. A subtendinous synovial bursa was found between the lateropalmar pouch of the radiocarpal joint and the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. The subtendinous synovial bursa must be considered during the lateral arthrocentesis approach. The palmar approach is not recommended for arthrocentesis due to the high risk of injury to nerves, veins, and arteries located palmarly.

Radiocarpal Fusion: Indications, Technique, and Modifications.

Degenerative disorders of the wrist may affect isolated joints and inhibit normal functions of the wrist secondary to pain and stiffness. These processes that affect only the radiocarpal joint may be secondary to posttraumatic osteoarthritis, primary osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Radiocarpal wrist arthrodesis may help preserve some of the native wrist kinematics while alleviating pain and improving the range of motion. However, the surgeon must ensure that the patient's pathologic process primarily affects the radiocarpal articulations while relatively sparing the midcarpal articulations. Depending on the location of the pathology, isolated radiolunate or radioscapholunate arthrodesis have been described to preserve some motion in the midcarpal joint. To maximize motion in the midcarpal joint after radiocarpal arthrodesis, techniques for distal scaphoid and triquetrum excision have been described. We report patient outcomes for various techniques and describe our preferred technique for radioscapholunate arthrodesis using distal scaphoid excision.

Ultrasound-guided injection of the pisotriquetral joint: technique and case series.

PURPOSE: To describe our techniques for ultrasound-guided injection of the pisotriquetral joint (PTJ), and to report our experience in a case series. METHODS: Between 7/1/14 and 11/30/20, we performed 42 injections in 33 patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain, referred by clinicians who suspected the PTJ as the pain generator. There were 16 males and 17 females, average age 46.7 years. The patients were positioned in one of five ways: sitting with the hand maximally supinated; sitting with the hand maximally pronated; supine with the elbow flexed across the chest and the ulnar aspect of the wrist facing upward; supine with the elbow flexed, the arm externally rotated, and the ulnar aspect of the wrist facing upward; prone with the symptomatic hand at their side and the ulnar aspect of the wrist facing upward. RESULTS: The procedures were performed by any of twelve fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Fifteen patients reported immediate relief of symptoms, including 6 patients whose pisotriquetral joints were normal sonographically. Four patients underwent subsequent surgical excision of their pisiforms and the fifth underwent arthroscopic debridement of the pisotriquetral joint. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is a facile imaging modality for guiding pisotriquetral injections, which may be accomplished with a variety of patient positions and injection techniques.

A threshold volume of 10 ml is suggested for detecting articular cartilage defects in equine carpal joints using CT arthrography: Ex vivo pilot study.

Computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) has been described as a method for detecting articular cartilage defects in equine carpal joints; however, published studies on the effects of contrast volume for lesion detection are currently lacking. The purpose of this prospective, experimental, pilot study was to determine a threshold volume of iodinated contrast for CTA of the antebrachiocarpal (ABC) and middle carpal (MC) joints for detection of articular cartilage surface defects. Articular cartilage defects were iatrogenically created in the surfaces of the ABC and MC joints of 20 equine cadaver limbs using arthroscopy. Unaltered articular surfaces within some joints acted as controls. Joints were imaged precontrast using multidetector CT. The ABC and MC joints were injected with a 150 mg iodine/ml nonionic contrast medium, in 5 ml increments from 5 to 50 ml per joint with CT performed subsequent to each increment. Cartilage defects were measured grossly using a caliper. Detection (qualitative) and measurement (quantitative) of the defects were independently performed by two board-certified radiologists using medical imaging software. At each volume of contrast, the interrater reliability for gross examination and the two observers in the detection of a defect was calculated (Gwet's AC1). Logistic mixed-effects models of selected volumes, 0, 5, 10, 15, and 50 ml, demonstrated that at 10 ml contrast and above, no statistically significant difference between either observer and gross examination for defect detection was identified for either joint. Findings supported using a dose of 10 ml for 150 mg iodine/ml concentration contrast media when performing CTA of equine carpal joints.

Traumatic Nondissociative Carpal Instability: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: We report 8 cases of acute or subacute unilateral nondissociative carpal instability (CIND) in the context of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures. METHODS: Eight patients from 3 centers developed abnormal volar intercalated segment instability (VISI) or dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) following the diagnosis of a nondisplaced scaphoid fracture. An operative inspection in each patient confirmed intact scapholunate and lunotriquetral interosseous ligaments. We outline the demographic characteristics of our patient cohort, radiologic and operative findings of CIND-DISI and CIND-VISI, and the outcomes of acute and delayed treatment. RESULTS: Two patients were diagnosed with CIND-DISI and 6 with CIND-VISI associated with ipsilateral nondisplaced scaphoid fractures. The average time from injury to diagnosis of CIND was 11 weeks, and the mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 18 months. Rapid healing of the scaphoid fractures was achieved in all patients (4 open reduction internal fixation, 4 cast). All patients underwent surgery to improve proximal carpal row alignment: in 3 of the 4 patients who were diagnosed and treated surgically within 12 weeks of injury, the radiolunate angle (RLA) was successfully restored. A contracture release and ligament repair or reconstruction with tendon graft 12 or more weeks following injury was unsuccessful in restoring proximal row alignment in all 4 patients. Two patients in the delayed treatment group required secondary surgery for partial fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the arthroscopic, imaging, and operative findings, we propose that the ligamentous restraints to CIND-VISI are dorsal at the radiocarpal joint and volar at the midcarpal joint. Conversely, the ligamentous restraints to CIND-DISI are dorsal at the midcarpal joint and volar at both the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. In our series, a delayed diagnosis and late reconstructive surgery were associated with no improvement in RLA. We recommend early recognition of traumatic CIND and prompt treatment of injured ligaments prior to the development of a fixed deformity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

A Double-Blinded Positive Control Study Comparing the Relative Efficacy of 2.5% Polyacrylamide Hydrogel (PAAG) Against Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA) And Sodium Hyaluronate (HA) in the Management of Middle Carpal Joint Lameness in Racing Thoroughbreds.

The purpose of this prospective double-blinded positive control study was to compare the efficacy of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5% PAAG) in the management of middle carpal joint lameness in Thoroughbreds against treatments of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) or sodium hyaluronate (HA). A total of 31 flat-racing Thoroughbreds with lameness (grade 1-3/5) localized to the carpus by intra-articular analgesia were selected. Following a radiological assessment of the carpi confirming the absence of fragment/fracture, the horses were randomly assigned for intra-articular treatment with either 2 ml of 2.5% PAAG, 12 mg TA or 20 mg HA (followed by two further intravenous treatments of 40 mg, at weekly intervals in the HA group only), by a treating veterinarian. All horses were rested for 48 hours post-treatment and then re-entered an unaltered training regimen. Subsequent examinations at 2, 4, and 6 weeks were performed by a blinded examining veterinarian for all groups, while horses treated with 2.5% PAAG were monitored for 12 weeks for recurrence of lameness. Significantly more joints treated with 2.5% PAAG were lame free (83%) at 6 weeks compared to TA (27%; P = .007) and to HA (40%; P = .04). There was no significant difference between TA and HA groups at any time. All the joints treated within 2.5% PAAG that were lame free at 6 weeks (10/12) were still lame-free at 12 weeks. In conclusion, treatment with 2.5% PAAG led to statistically superior results compared to TA and HA in the management of selected middle carpal joint lameness in flat-racing Thoroughbreds, with therapeutic effects persisting up to 12 weeks.

Comparative Analysis of 3 Techniques of Scapholunate Reconstruction for Dorsal Intercalated Segment Instability.

PURPOSE: The combination of scaphoid rotatory subluxation, dorsal intercalated segment instability, and dorsal scaphoid translation (DST) constitutes stage 5 scapholunate dissociation in the modified classification system of Garcia-Elias. The purpose of this study was to compare the static radiographic outcomes of reduction and association of the scaphoid and lunate (RASL), three-ligament tenodesis (TLT), and anatomic front and back (ANAFAB) reconstructions for stage 5 scaphoid and lunate malrotation and translation. METHODS: Stage 5 scapholunate dissociation was created in 15 fresh-frozen specimens by cutting the scapholunate interosseous ligament, long radiolunate ligament, dorsal intercarpal ligament, and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid ligament complex. Specimens were randomized to receive 1 of the 3 reconstructive techniques. Radiolunate angle (RLA), scapholunate angle, scapholunate gap, and DST were measured in static fluoroscopic posteroanterior and lateral views in 3 conditions: baseline, injured, and reconstructed. RESULTS: Reduction and association of the scaphoid and lunate showed an improved correction of scapholunate gap compared with TLT and ANAFAB. Anatomic front and back demonstrated an improved correction in RLA and scapholunate angle compared with RASL but not TLT. When the reconstruction was compared with baseline, there was a persistent lunate extension for TLT (RLA and scapholunate angle) and RASL (RLA); however, no significant difference in any parameter was found with ANAFAB. Anatomic front and back significantly improved DST, whereas TLT and RASL did not. CONCLUSIONS: In this cadaveric model of scapholunate dissociation with dorsal intercalated segment instability and DST, each of the 3 repairs had different effects on carpal posture and alignment. While only RASL statistically improved scapholunate gap, only ANAFAB significantly improved DST. Both TLT and RASL improved radiographic parameters; however, each had a persistent increase in the lunate extension following reconstruction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It may be prudent to consider different reconstructive techniques for different stages of scapholunate instability. Anatomic front and back, a repair that addresses both dorsal and volar ligament stabilizers, provides improved reduction of dorsal intercalated segment instability and DST in stage 5 scapholunate dissociation.

Machine learning augmented near-infrared spectroscopy: In vivo follow-up of cartilage defects.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for in vivo arthroscopic monitoring of cartilage defects. METHOD: Sharp and blunt cartilage grooves were induced in the radiocarpal and intercarpal joints of Shetland ponies and monitored at baseline (0 weeks) and at three follow-up timepoints (11, 23, and 39 weeks) by measuring near-infrared spectra in vivo at and around the grooves. The animals were sacrificed after 39 weeks and the joints were harvested. Spectra were reacquired ex vivo to ensure reliability of in vivo measurements and for reference analyses. Additionally, cartilage thickness and instantaneous modulus were determined via computed tomography and mechanical testing, respectively. The relationship between the ex vivo spectra and cartilage reference properties was determined using convolutional neural network. RESULTS: In an independent test set, the trained networks yielded significant correlations for cartilage thickness (ρ = 0.473) and instantaneous modulus (ρ = 0.498). These networks were used to predict the reference properties at baseline and at follow-up time points. In the radiocarpal joint, cartilage thickness increased significantly with both groove types after baseline and remained swollen. Additionally, at 39 weeks, a significant difference was observed in cartilage thickness between controls and sharp grooves. For the instantaneous modulus, a significant decrease was observed with both groove types in the radiocarpal joint from baseline to 23 and 39 weeks. CONCLUSION: NIRS combined with machine learning enabled determination of cartilage properties in vivo, thereby providing longitudinal evaluation of post-intervention injury development. Additionally, radiocarpal joints were found more vulnerable to cartilage degeneration after damage than intercarpal joints.

Structural, compositional, and functional effects of blunt and sharp cartilage damage on the joint: A 9-month equine groove model study.

This study aimed to quantify the long-term progression of blunt and sharp cartilage defects and their effect on joint homeostasis and function of the equine carpus. In nine adult Shetland ponies, the cartilage in the radiocarpal and middle carpal joint of one front limb was grooved (blunt or sharp randomized). The ponies were subjected to an 8-week exercise protocol and euthanized at 39 weeks. Structural and compositional alterations in joint tissues were evaluated in vivo using serial radiographs, synovial biopsies, and synovial fluid samples. Joint function was monitored by quantitative gait analysis. Macroscopic, microscopic, and biomechanical evaluation of the cartilage and assessment of subchondral bone parameters were performed ex vivo. Grooved cartilage showed higher OARSI microscopy scores than the contra-lateral sham-operated controls (p < 0.0001). Blunt-grooved cartilage scored higher than sharp-grooved cartilage (p = 0.007) and fixed charge density around these grooves was lower (p = 0.006). Equilibrium and instantaneous moduli trended lower in grooved cartilage than their controls (significant for radiocarpal joints). Changes in other tissues included a threefold to sevenfold change in interleukin-6 expression in synovium from grooved joints at week 23 (p = 0.042) and an increased CPII/C2C ratio in synovial fluid extracted from blunt-grooved joints at week 35 (p = 0.010). Gait analysis outcome revealed mild, gradually increasing lameness. In conclusion, blunt and, to a lesser extent, sharp grooves in combination with a period of moderate exercise, lead to mild degeneration in equine carpal cartilage over a 9-month period, but the effect on overall joint health remains limited.

Evaluation of Dorsal Subluxation of the Scaphoid in Patients With Scapholunate Ligament Tears: A 4D CT Study.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variation of the posterior radioscaphoid (RS) angle in patients with and without scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears during wrist radioulnar deviation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Seventy-three patients with clinically suspected scapholunate instability were prospectively evaluated with 4D CT and CT arthrography from February 2015 to April 2018. The posterior RS angle is formed between the articular surface of the scaphoid fossa of the radius and the most posterior point of the scaphoid in the sagittal plane. Two independent radiologists calculated this angle during radioulnar deviation. Posterior RS angles were correlated with the SLL status and the presence of a scapholunate diastasis on conventional stress radiographs. RESULTS. Readers 1 and 2 found mean posterior RS angles of 99° and 98°, respectively, in patients without and 107° and 111°, respectively, in patients with a scapholunate diastasis. The posterior RS angle amplitude varied 7.6-9.3° in the subgroups studied. The reproducibility of posterior RS angle measurement was considered good (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.73). Mean posterior RS angles increased 6-10% and 12-14% when patients with an intact SLL were compared with those with partial tears and full tears, respectively (p < 0.001). These values also increased 8-13% when patients with diastasis were compared with those without (p < 0.0001). A dynamic acquisition was not necessary to assess this angle, with neutral posterior RS angles yielding a sensitivity of 64% and 72% and specificity of 79% and 94% for the diagnosis of SLL tears by readers 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION. Posterior RS angle tended to increase with the severity of SLL tears and with the presence of scapholunate instability and yielded high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of SLL tears.

Recent advances in the surgical treatment of malunions in hand and forearm using three-dimensional planning and patient-specific instruments.

Malunions of the forearm and hand cause significant disability. Moreover, intraarticular deformities may contribute to early onset osteoarthritis. Such conditions require precise surgical correction in order to improve functional outcomes and prevent early or late complications. The purpose of this study was to describe the technical advantages of accurate anatomical reconstruction using 3D guided osteotomies and patient specific instruments (PSI) in multiple joints of the hand and forearm. Acquisition of three-dimensional (3D) datasets and surgical implementation of PSI was performed in a series of patients between December 2014 and July 2017. Patients had intra- or extra-articular malunions of the forearm, radiocarpal joint, trapeziometacarpal joint, or proximal interphalangeal joint. A previously described 3D surface model that incorporates CT data was used for segmentation (Mimics®, Materialise™, Belgium). For all the cases, CT scans of both forearms were acquired to use the contralateral uninjured side as the anatomic reconstruction template. Computer-assisted assessment of the deformity, the preoperative plan, and the design of PSI are described. Outcomes were determined by evaluating step-off correction, fusion, changes in range of motion (ROM) and grip strength. Six patients were included in the study; all achieved fusion. Improved clinical outcomes including pain reduction, better ROM and grip strength were obtained. Complete correction of intraarticular step-off was achieved in all cases with intraarticular malunions. 3D guided osteotomies are an established surgical treatment option for malunions of the hand and forearm. 3D analysis is a helpful diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about the underlying deformity. PSI can be developed and used for surgical correction with maximal accuracy for both intraarticular step-off and angular deformity.

Scaphoid Motion of the Wrist with Scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal Osteoarthritis-A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate scaphoid motion within the scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal (STT) joint during wrist motion in the presence of STT joint osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: We studied 11 wrists with STT OA and 5 normal wrists. Computed tomography (CT) images were acquired in five wrist positions (maximum active flexion, extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, and neutral position). The 3-dimensional surface models of the radius and scaphoid were constructed and the motion of scaphoid relative to the radius was calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: During wrist flexion/extension motion, the scaphoid rotated mostly in the flexion/extension plane. The angle tended to be smaller in STT OA than in normal. During wrist radioulnar deviation, the scaphoid was in an extended position in neutral wrist in STT OA. The motion of scaphoid in STT OA was divided into two types: a rigid type and mobile type. The mobile type rotated closer to the flexion/extension plane than the rigid type. Taking into account scaphoid motion during wrist movement before surgery may provide better results in the treatment of STT OA.

Capitate and Lunate Morphology in Normal Wrist Radiographs-A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Morphology may provide the basis for the understanding of wrist mechanics. METHODS: We used classification systems based on cadaver dissection of lunate and capitate types to evaluate a normal database of 70 wrist radiographs in 35 subjects looking for associations between bone shapes. Kappa statistics and a log-linear mixed -effects model with a random intercept were used. RESULTS: There were 39 type-1, 31 type- 2 lunates, 50 spherical, 10 flat and 10 V-shaped capitates. There was a significant difference in lunate and capitate shape between the hands of the same individual p <0.001. This may be due to different loads on the dominant vs. nondominant hands in the same individual. CONCLUSION: Further study to better understand the development of radiographic parameters of the midcarpal joint may aid in our understanding of the morphology and mechanics of the wrist.

A New Technique for Radiographic Visualization of the Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Joint.

Standard radiographs of the wrist do not provide adequate visualization of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint. A radiographic technique that provides an improved and more complete visualization of the joint compared with routine views is described. [Orthopedics. 2020; 43(2):e123-e124.].

Evaluation of Cartilage in the Wrist using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Wrist pain is a common patient complaint with a myriad of clinical conditions that can explain the underlying cause. Short of wrist arthroscopy, no technique other than formal wrist arthrotomy exists for direct examination of the hyaline cartilage coating the articular surfaces of the carpal bones. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proven accurate in evaluating joint surfaces of large joints such as the shoulder, hip, and knee with articular cartilage surface thickness is in excess of 1 mm. However, in the carpus the thickness of the cartilage and the contours present have precluded accurate imaging. Advances in MRI technology over the last several decades are now making imaging of small joint surfaces, such as the carpus, an area worth revisiting. Herein we provide a review of these efforts with a specific focus on the evaluation of the wrist.

Scapholunate, lunotriquetral and TFCC ligament injuries associated with intraarticular distal radius fractures: Arthroscopic assessment and correlation with fracture types.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of arthroscopic scapholunate (SL) and/or lunotriquetral (LQ) laxity and triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC) injuries in patients who have an intraarticular fracture of the distal radius and to correlate these lesions with fracture type. Fifty-seven intraarticular radius fractures, whether or not they were associated with an ulnar styloid fracture, were evaluated and treated by arthroscopy. Scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligament injuries were classified according to the EWAS classification. TFCC lesions were assessed according to Palmer's classification. Each injury was documented through preoperative X-rays and a CT scan. Fracture type and soft tissue injury were not significantly associated one to another. Arthroscopic examination revealed at least one soft tissue injury in 39 intraarticular fractures of the distal radius (68.4%). Twenty-five percent of arthroscopic SL laxities (including severe EWAS 3 injuries) were not detected on standard radiographs. Arthroscopic SL laxity was present in 8 of 11 cases (72.7%) of radial styloid fracture and in 15 of 25 cases (60%) of fractures with at least one radial styloid component. There was no association between LQ integrity and fracture type. Ulnar styloid fractures (base or tip) and TFCC lesions were significantly correlated (P<0.0001). The prevalence of soft tissue lesions secondary to intraarticular fractures of the distal radius was 68.4%. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between the different types of radius fractures and soft tissue injuries. On the other hand, ulnar styloid fracture was predictive of TFCC injury.