Articular Findings on Chest Computed Tomography: An Algorithmic Approach for Radiologists.

ABSTRACT: Chest computed tomography (CT) is one of the most frequently performed imaging studies. Incidental osseous and articular findings are commonly encountered in chest CTs in daily practice. The spectrum of findings is broad, varying from benign to malignant, and interpretation of these incidental musculoskeletal findings could be challenging for radiologists. In this review, we provide a systematic algorithmic approach for the diagnosis of common articular findings seen on chest CT with recommendations for appropriate follow-up evaluation.

Incidental osseous lesions on chest CT: an algorithmic approach for radiologists.

Numerous osseous findings are commonly discovered incidentally at chest CTs in daily practice. A broad spectrum of these findings ranges from benign and do not touch lesions to ominous conditions requiring further imaging evaluation and/or intervention. Interpretation of these incidental musculoskeletal findings may constitute a diagnostic challenge to radiologists. This review provides a systematic, algorithmic approach to common osseous lesions on chest CT based on imaging findings with recommendations for proper next step management.

What can be learned from an analysis of 215 glenoid component failures?

BACKGROUND: Glenoid component failure is a prevalent mechanical complication of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to identify surgeon-controlled factors that may be addressed to reduce the rate of glenoid component failure that is sufficiently symptomatic to merit surgical revision. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and radiographic features of 215 total shoulder arthroplasties that we revised for symptomatic glenoid component failure. RESULTS: Glenoid component failure was associated with poor patient self-assessed shoulder function (mean Simple Shoulder Test score, 3.0 ± 2.7). These shoulders often showed multiple failure modes; 72% had glenoid component loosening, 69% had polyethylene wear, 51% had glenohumeral decentering, and 25% had humeral component loosening. Metal-backed/hybrid and keeled glenoid designs had higher rates of loosening (P = .010), malposition (P = .007), dislocation (P < .001), and early failure (P = .044) in comparison to pegged designs. Glenoid components with cement on the backside were more prevalent among those revised sooner than 5 years after the index surgery (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Glenoid component failure remains a major cause of poor patient outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty. The occurrence of severe glenoid component failure might be reduced by paying attention to glenoid component design and insertion technique, restoring the normal balance of the humeral head in the center of the glenoid, and considering a reverse total shoulder when the shoulder is unstable because of soft tissue deficiency.

What is a "periprosthetic shoulder infection"? A systematic review of two decades of publications.

PURPOSE: While as many as 50% of revision shoulder arthroplasties are culture positive, a consistent, clinically useful definition of a "periprosthetic shoulder infection" is lacking. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature with respect to (1) the definition of a "periprosthetic shoulder infection", (2) the pre-operative evaluation for possible infection, and (3) the harvesting and culturing of specimens at the time of surgical revision. METHODS: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we identified 20 studies concerning infection at the time of revision shoulder arthroplasty. The review was registered in the international Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. RESULTS: An explicit definition of infection was not present in six studies (27%). Classification systems used for periprosthetic hip and knee infections were used in three studies (14%). Clinical signs and symptoms were used in all definitions, but most studies did not report microbiologic results or culturing practices. CONCLUSIONS: Synthesis of the literature on failed arthroplasties with positive cultures is compromised by lack of standardization, leaving surgeons without secure evidence on which to base diagnostic and treatment decisions. These decisions would be better informed if authors used a consistent approach in the evaluation of failed arthroplasties with respect to the number and source of specimens submitted, the culture technique, the number of specimens that became culture positive, the bacteria identified, and the bacterial load recovered from the shoulder. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This was a systematic review of reports of all levels.

Blood-brain barrier dysfunction after primary blast injury in vitro.

The incidence of blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) has increased substantially in recent military conflicts. However, the consequences of bTBI on the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a specialized cerebrovascular structure essential for brain homeostasis, remain unknown. In this study, we utilized a shock tube driven by compressed gas to generate operationally relevant, ideal pressure profiles consistent with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). By multiple measures, the barrier function of an in vitro BBB model was disrupted following exposure to a range of controlled blast loading conditions. Trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) decreased acutely in a dose-dependent manner that was most strongly correlated with impulse, as opposed to peak overpressure or duration. Significantly increased hydraulic conductivity and solute permeability post-injury further confirmed acute alterations in barrier function. Compromised ZO-1 immunostaining identified a structural basis for BBB breakdown. After blast exposure, TEER remained significantly depressed 2 days post-injury, followed by spontaneous recovery to pre-injury control levels at day 3. This study is the first to report immediate disruption of an in vitro BBB model following primary blast exposure, which may be important for the development of novel helmet designs to help mitigate the effects of blast on the BBB.