Hip joint contact forces are lower in people with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome during squat tasks.

It remains unknown if hip joint forces during squat tasks are altered in people with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). The aim of this study is to compare hip joint forces between people with FAIS and healthy controls during double leg squat and single leg squat tasks and within limbs during a single leg squat task in people with FAIS. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected in eight people with FAIS and eight healthy matched controls using 3D motion capture and force plates. AnyBody Modeling System was used to perform musculoskeletal simulations to estimate hip joint angles, forces, and moments for all participants. Estimates were postprocessed with AnyPyTools and converted into normalized time series to be compared using a 1D statistical nonparametric mapping (SnPM) approach. SnPM with an independent samples t-test model was used to compare people with FAIS to controls, while a paired samples model was used to compare involved to uninvolved limb in people with FAIS. Patients demonstrated lower proximodistal force compared to controls (p < 0.01) and compared to the uninvolved side (p = 0.01) for single leg squat. The smaller joint contact forces in people with FAIS compared to controls could represent a strategy of reduced muscle forces to avoid pain and symptoms during this high demand task. These findings when combined with imaging data could help assess the severity of FAIS on hip related function during higher demand tasks.

Association of Changes in Hip and Knee Kinematics During a Single-Leg Squat With Changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes at 6 Months and 1 Year After Hip Arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated alterations in squat kinematics in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Little is known about the effects of arthroscopic hip surgery on biomechanics during a single-leg squat (SLS) in these patients. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine if (1) lower extremity dynamic range of motion (ROM) during an SLS task improves after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and (2) correlations exist between changes in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and changes in lower extremity dynamic ROM during an SLS after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. It was hypothesized that dynamic hip ROM would improve after hip arthroscopy and that hip dynamic ROM would be associated with changes in PRO scores at both 6 months and 1 year. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Patients with FAIS performed 3 SLSs that were analyzed using a 20-camera motion capture system. Dynamic ROMs were calculated in 3 planes for the hip, knee, ankle, and pelvic segments. Squat depth was calculated as the change in vertical center of mass during the squat cycle. PROs including the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sports (HOS-Sports), International Hip Outcome Tool-12, and visual analog scale for pain scores were collected preoperatively and at the time of postoperative testing. Paired-samples t tests were used to compare kinematic variables pre- and postoperatively. Correlations were used to compare changes in PROs with changes in kinematics. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were tested preoperatively and at a mean of 9 months postoperatively. All PRO measures improved postoperatively at 6 months and 1 year. Squat depth and sagittal plane hip and knee dynamic ROMs were significantly improved postoperatively. Positive correlations existed between changes in (1) hip ROM with the 6-month HOS-ADL score (r = 0.665) and (2) knee ROM with the 6 month (r = 0.590) and 1-year (r = 0.565) HOS-Sports scores. CONCLUSION: Dynamic sagittal plane hip and knee ROMs improve after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. These improvements demonstrate strong correlations with improvements in some but not all postoperative PROs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The current study sought to better understand the role of dynamic movement in the diagnosis and treatment of FAIS. These findings indicate that dynamic ROM and squat depth can, similarly to PROs, serve as biomarkers for patient function both before and after hip arthroscopic surgery.

Spontaneous Closure of Congenital Cranial Defect: Is Early Surgical Intervention Warranted?

Infantile cranial development typically occurs in a predictable sequence of events; however, less is known about how the development occurs in isolated, nonsyndromic congenital craniofacial anomalies. Furthermore, the timing of pediatric cranioplasty has been extrapolated from adult studies. Thus, the management of nonsyndromic congenital craniofacial anomalies presents with unique challenges to the craniofacial surgeon. The authors describe the case of a baby girl who was born with right Tessier 3 cleft, cleft palate, anophthalmos, and severe left craniofacial microsomia with Pruzansky grade III left mandibular anomaly. By analyzing 3-dimensional chronological models of the patient, the authors found that her abnormal fontanelle initially increased in size until 22 weeks of age, with subsequent spontaneous closure at a rate of 60.53 mm2/y. Although similar cranial anomalies are typically surgically corrected early in life, delaying treatment until after 2 years of age may be appropriate in some patients, obviating surgical morbidity in the newborn period.

Noninvasive shape-fitting method quantifies cam morphology in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: Implications for diagnosis and surgical planning.

There are considerable limitations associated with the standard 2D imaging currently used for the diagnosis and surgical planning of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of a new patient-specific shape-fitting method that quantifies cam morphology in 3D based solely on preoperative MRI imaging. Preoperative and postoperative 1.5T MRI scans were performed on n = 15 patients to generate 3D models of the proximal femur, in turn used to create the actual and the virtual cam. The actual cams were reconstructed by subtracting the postoperative from the preoperative 3D model and used as reference, while the virtual cams were generated by subtracting the preoperative 3D model from the virtual shape template produced with the shape-fitting method based solely on preoperative MRI scans. The accuracy of the shape-fitting method was tested on all patients by evaluating the agreement between the metrics of height, surface area, and volume that quantified virtual and actual cams. Accuracy of the shape-fitting method was demonstrated obtaining a 97.8% average level of agreement between these metrics. In conclusion, the shape-fitting technique is a noninvasive and patient-specific tool for the quantification and localization of cam morphology. Future studies will include the implementation of the technique within a clinically based software for diagnosis and surgical planning for cam-type FAIS.

Tabletop MR elastography for investigating effects of the freeze-thaw cycle on the mechanical properties of biological tissues.

PURPOSE: We aimed at characterizing the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle (FTC) on ex vivo specimens of porcine muscle, liver, kidney, and brain using tabletop magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) combined with rheological modeling. While frozen tissue banks potentially facilitate access to large amounts of well-preserved biospecimens, the impact of the FTC on their viscoelastic properties remains elusive. METHODS: In this proof-of-concept study, fresh specimens from porcine lumbar muscle (n = 6), liver (n = 6), kidney (n = 6), and brain (n = 6) were examined before and after the FTC using 0.5T tabletop MRE at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, and 2000 Hz. Seven standard rheological models (Maxwell, Springpot, Voigt, Zener, Jeffrey, fractional Voigt, fractional Zener) were employed to calculate frequency independent viscoelastic parameters. RESULTS: The Zener rheological model showed the best fit quality for tissues before and after FTC in the investigated frequency range. Global rheological behavior after the FTC was softer for all tissues. Differences in mechanical parameters between tissues were preserved after the FTC and showed similar trends as before the FTC. Moreover, rheological fit quality improved after the FTC - a result that will be beneficial in investigating frozen tissue bank samples. CONCLUSION: Multifrequency tabletop MRE allows rheological characterization of tissue samples before and after the FTC. Our results encourage further biomechanical characterization of frozen tissue bank samples, which may provide valuable information on the diagnostic potential of elastographic methods.

Three-Dimensional Quantification of Cam Resection Using MRI Bone Models: A Comparison of 2 Techniques.

Background: The current clinical standard for the evaluation of cam deformity in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is based on radiographic measurements, which limit the ability to quantify the complex 3-dimensional (3D) morphology of the proximal femur. Purpose: To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based metrics for the quantification of cam resection as derived using a best-fit sphere alpha angle (BFS-AA) method and using 3D preoperative-postoperative surface model subtraction (PP-SMS). Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Seven cadaveric hemipelvises underwent 1.5-T MRI before and after arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty, and 3D bone models of the proximal femur were reconstructed from the MRI scans. The alpha angles were measured radially along clockfaces using a BFS-AA method from the literature and plotted as continuous curves for the pre- and postoperative models. The difference between the areas under the curve for the pre- and postoperative models was then introduced in the current study as the BFS-AA-based metric to quantify the cam resection. The cam resection was also quantified using a 3D PP-SMS method, previously described in the literature using the metrics of surface area (FSA), volume (FV), and height (maximum [FHmax] and mean [FHmean]). Bivariate correlation analyses were performed to compare the metrics quantifying the cam resection as derived from the BFS-AA and PP-SMS methods. Results: The mean ± standard deviation maximum pre- and postoperative alpha angle measurements were 59.73° ± 15.38° and 48.02° ± 13.14°, respectively. The mean for each metric quantifying the cam resection with the PP-SMS method was as follows: FSA, 540.9 ± 150.7 mm2; FV, 1019.2 ± 486.2 mm3; FHmax , 3.6 ± 1.0 mm; and FHmean, 1.8 ± 0.5 mm. Bivariate correlations between the BFS-AA-based and PP-SMS-based metrics were strong: FSA (r = 0.817, P = .012), FV (r = 0.888, P = .004), FHmax (r = 0.786, P = .018), and FHmean (r = 0.679, P = .047). Conclusion: Strong positive correlations were appreciated between the BFS-AA and PP-SMS methods quantifying the cam resection. Clinical Relevance: The utility of the BFS-AA technique is primarily during preoperative planning. The utility of the PP-SMS technique is in the postoperative setting when evaluating the adequacy of resection or in patients with persistent hip pain with suspected residual impingement. In combination, the techniques allow surgeons to develop a planned resection while providing a means to evaluate the depth of resection postoperatively.

MRI-- and CT--based metrics for the quantification of arthroscopic bone resections in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to quantify the bone resected from the proximal femur during hip arthroscopy using metrics generated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) bone models. Seven cadaveric hemi-pelvises underwent both a 1.5 T MRI and CT scan before and following an arthroscopic proximal femoral osteochondroplasty. The images from MRI and CT were segmented to generate 3D proximal femoral surface models. A validated 3D--3D registration method was used to compare surface--to--surface distances between the 3D models before and following surgery. The new metrics of maximum height, mean height, surface area and volume, were computed to quantify bone resected during osteochondroplasty. Stability of the metrics across imaging modalities was established through paired sample t--tests and bivariate correlation. Bivariate correlation analyses indicated strong correlations between all metrics (r = 0.728--0.878) computed from MRI and CT derived models. There were no differences in the MRI- and CT-based metrics used to quantify bone resected during femoral osteochondroplasty. Preoperative- and postoperative MRI and CT derived 3D bone models can be used to quantify bone resected during femoral osteochondroplasty, without significant differences between the imaging modalities.

Sex-Based Differences in Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and the Effect of Cam Deformity Location on the Extent of Labral Tearing: A 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Study.

Background: Sex-specific quantification of cam morphology in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome may improve diagnostics, surgical planning, and outcomes. Purpose: To (1) examine differences between men and women with symptomatic cam deformities based on deformity location, magnitude, and extent; (2) assess the association between cam deformity and labral pathology; and (3) evaluate the relationship between cam deformity and patient-reported outcome measures after hip arthroscopy. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Computed tomography (CT) scans were acquired in 98 consecutive patients before hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Custom software was used to generate 3-dimensional bone models and align them to a standard coordinate system. The alpha angle was measured at the 12-, 1-, 2-, and 3-o'clock positions, with 12 and 3 o'clock corresponding to the superior and anterior aspects of the femur, respectively. These alpha angle measurements were used to define the cam midpoint and extent. The labral tear midpoint and extent were evaluated intraoperatively. Bivariate correlation analysis was used to evaluate the association between the cam and labral tear midpoints and between the extent of the cam morphology and labral tearing. Results: The 3-dimensional models were analyzed in a cohort of 69 female and 29 male patients. Male patients were older (mean ± SD, 38.9 ± 12.6 vs 30.7 ± 12.2 years, P = .006) and had a greater body mass index (27.8 ± 4.4 vs 25.3 ± 5.6 kg/m2, P = .005). Male patients had greater alpha angle measures at 12, 1, and 3 o'clock (P < .05) and a greater maximum alpha angle (69.0° ± 18.8° vs 62.1° ± 21.0°, P = .031); the location of their maximum cam impingement was also significantly different (P < .05) when compared with female patients. Cam impingement (2:06 ± 1:09 vs 1:33 ± 1:16 clockfaces, P = .032) and labral tearing (3:02 ± 0:35 vs 2:34 ± 0:53 clockfaces, P = .003) in men extended over a greater region of the femoral clockface when compared with women. Significant correlations were demonstrated between the cam and labral tear midpoint locations (r = 0.190, P = .032) and the extent of the cam deformity and labral tearing (r = 0.203, P = .024). There were no sex-based differences in patient-reported outcome measures at baseline or 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Male patients possessed greater cam deformity magnitude and extent when compared with female patients. Cam pathomorphology was associated with the location and extent of labral tearing.

Measuring viscoelastic parameters in Magnetic Resonance Elastography: a comparison at high and low magnetic field intensity.

Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is a non-invasive imaging technique which involves motion-encoding MRI for the estimation of the shear viscoelastic properties of soft tissues through the study of shear wave propagation. The technique has been found informative for disease diagnosis, as well as for monitoring of the effects of therapies. The development of MRE and its validation have been supported by the use of tissue-mimicking phantoms. In this paper we present our new MRE protocol using a low magnetic field tabletop MRI device at 0.5 T and sinusoidal uniaxial excitation in a geometrical focusing condition. Results obtained for gelatin are compared to those previously obtained using high magnetic field MRE at 11.7 T. A multi-frequency investigation is also provided via a comparison of commonly used rheological models: Maxwell, Springpot, Voigt, Zener, Jeffrey, fractional Voigt and fractional Zener. Complex shear modulus values were comparable when processed from images acquired with the tabletop low field scanner and the high field scanner. This study serves as a validation of the presented tabletop MRE protocol and paves the way for MRE experiments on ex-vivo tissue samples in both normal and pathological conditions.

Axially- and torsionally-polarized radially converging shear wave MRE in an anisotropic phantom made via Embedded Direct Ink Writing.

Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is a non-invasive imaging method to quantitatively map the shear viscoelastic properties of soft tissues. In this study, Embedded Direct Ink Writing is used to fabricate a muscle mimicking anisotropic phantom that may serve as a standard for imaging studies of anisotropic materials. The technique allowed us to obtain a long shelf life silicone-based phantom expressing transverse isotropic mechanical properties. Another goal of the present investigation is to introduce a torsionally-polarized, radially-converging shear wave actuation method for MRE. The implemented design for this novel setup was first validated via its application to isotropic and homogeneous gelatin phantoms. Then, a comparison of the resulting complex wave images from axially- and torsionally-polarized MRE on the developed anisotropic phantom and on a skeletal muscle murine sample is presented, highlighting the value of using multiple actuation and motion encoding polarization directions when studying anisotropic materials.

Converging super-elliptic torsional shear waves in a bounded transverse isotropic viscoelastic material with nonhomogeneous outer boundary.

A theoretical approach was recently introduced [Guidetti and Royston, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144, 2312-2323 (2018)] for the radially converging slow shear wave pattern in transverse isotropic materials subjected to axisymmetric excitation normal to the axis of isotropy at the outer boundary of the material. This approach is enabled via transformation to an elliptic coordinate system with isotropic properties. The approach is extended to converging fast shear waves driven by axisymmetric torsional motion polarized in a plane containing the axis of isotropy. The approach involves transformation to a super-elliptic shape with isotropic properties and use of a numerically efficient boundary value approximation.

Analytical solution for diverging elliptic shear wave in bounded and unbounded transverse isotropic viscoelastic material with nonhomogeneous inner boundary.

A theoretical approach was recently introduced by Guidetti and Royston [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144, 2312-2323 (2018)] for the radially converging elliptic shear wave pattern in transverse isotropic materials subjected to axisymmetric excitation normal to the fiber axis at the outer boundary of the material. This approach is enabled via a transformation to an elliptic coordinate system with isotropic properties. The approach is extended to the case of diverging shear waves radiating from a cylindrical rod that is axially oscillating perpendicular to the axis of isotropy and parallel to the plane of isotropy.

Anisotropic composite material phantom to improve skeletal muscle characterization using magnetic resonance elastography.

The presence and progression of neuromuscular pathology, including spasticity, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and hyperthyroidism, has been correlated with changes in the intrinsic mechanical properties of skeletal muscle tissue. Tools for noninvasively measuring and monitoring these properties, such as Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE), could benefit basic research into understanding neuromuscular pathologies, as well as translational research to develop therapies, by providing a means of assessing and tracking their efficacy. Dynamic elastography methods for noninvasive measurement of tissue mechanical properties have been under development for nearly three decades. Much of the technological development to date, for both Ultrasound (US)-based and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based strategies, has been grounded in assumptions of local homogeneity and isotropy. Striated skeletal and cardiac muscle, as well as brain white matter and soft tissue in some other organ regions, exhibit a fibrous microstructure which entails heterogeneity and anisotropic response; as one seeks to improve the accuracy and resolution in mechanical property assessment, heterogeneity and anisotropy need to be accounted for in order to optimize both the dynamic elastography experimental protocol and the interpretation of the measurements. Advances in elastography methodology at every step have been aided by the use of tissue-mimicking phantoms. The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize a heterogeneous composite phantom design with uniform controllable anisotropic properties meant to be comparable to the frequency-dependent anisotropic properties of skeletal muscle. MRE experiments and computational finite element (FE) studies were conducted on a novel 3D-printed composite phantom design. The displacement maps obtained from simulation and experiment show the same elliptical shaped wavefronts elongated in the plane where the structure presents higher shear modulus. The model exhibits a degree of anisotropy in line with literature data from skeletal muscle tissue MRE experiments. FE simulations of the MRE experiments provide insight into proper interpretation of experimental measurements, and help to quantify the importance of heterogeneity in the anisotropic material at different scales.

Analytical solution for converging elliptic shear wave in a bounded transverse isotropic viscoelastic material with nonhomogeneous outer boundary.

Dynamic elastography methods-based on optical, ultrasonic, or magnetic resonance imaging-are being developed for quantitatively mapping the shear viscoelastic properties of biological tissues, which are often altered by disease and injury. These diagnostic imaging methods involve analysis of shear wave motion in order to estimate or reconstruct the tissue's shear viscoelastic properties. Most reconstruction methods to date have assumed isotropic tissue properties. However, application to tissues like skeletal muscle and brain white matter with aligned fibrous structure resulting in local transverse isotropic mechanical properties would benefit from analysis that takes into consideration anisotropy. A theoretical approach is developed for the elliptic shear wave pattern observed in transverse isotropic materials subjected to axisymmetric excitation creating radially converging shear waves normal to the fiber axis. This approach, utilizing Mathieu functions, is enabled via a transformation to an elliptic coordinate system with isotropic properties and a ratio of minor and major axes matching the ratio of shear wavelengths perpendicular and parallel to the plane of isotropy in the transverse isotropic material. The approach is validated via numerical finite element analysis case studies. This strategy of coordinate transformation to equivalent isotropic systems could aid in analysis of other anisotropic tissue structures.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Tendons and Ligaments at Ultra-High Magnetic Fields.

Injuries to tendons and ligaments are a common problem limiting daily activities and athletic participation across all age groups. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reliable for detecting complete tears in tendons and ligaments, but it has difficulty identifying low-grade injuries due to poor contrast and low intensity signal. We describe recent MRI advances using ultra-high magnetic fields and very short time echoes which overcome many of the limitations of the low signal and the short T2 of connective tissues. Using diffusion and relaxometry measurements at 11.7 T, we measured the high field relaxation times, mean diffusivity, and the fractional anisotropy of rabbit semitendinosus tendons and medial collateral ligaments. We found that ultra-high field diffusion tensor imaging and tractography provide repeatable and quantitative maps of fiber organization, which could improve injury diagnosis and therapeutic treatments and assist in presurgical planning.