Sonographic anatomy and technique to image the plantar digital nerves and aid identification of a Morton's neuroma.

Introduction: The anatomy of the forefoot is complex, and the sonographic assessment to image the plantar digital nerves and exclude, diagnose or discriminate between a Morton's neuroma and intermetatarsal bursitis can be challenging. Topic description and discussion: A good appreciation of the sonographic anatomy, technique, normal and abnormal appearances is required to undertake a sonographic assessment of the forefoot and its interspaces, particularly the plantar digital nerves. This is unpacked in this paper with associated pictorial aids. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the interspaces and the nearby metatarsophalangeal joints and their associated soft-tissue structures are helpful sonographic landmarks to guide imaging and assessment of the common and proper plantar digital nerves and the intermetatarsal bursa. These need to be appreciated from both dorsal and plantar sonographic approaches, in both short- and long-axis imaging planes. Conclusion: Improved understanding of the anatomy and sonographic appearances of the interspace structures can enhance the sonographic assessment of the forefoot and improve diagnosis of a Morton's neuroma and/or intermetatarsal bursitis when present to guide patient management.

Ultrasound definition of subacromial chronic "fibro-adhesive" bursitis and its treatment via ultrasound guided hydrodilation: a prospective pilot study.

PURPOSE: The shoulder pain is one of the main causes that lead the patient to medical evaluation. Today, the ultrasound (US) represents an essential tool in the orthopaedical, rheumatological and rehabilitative setting to address the musculoskeletal causes of pain. Amongst the commonest causes of shoulder complains lay the frequent subacromial chronic bursitis (SACB). In this condition, the thickening of the bursal walls and subsequent fusion of the two synovial sheets leads to the reciprocal loss of bursal walls gliding under the subacromial space and consequently pain. This condition represents a common cause of shoulder pain and may be easily addressed by musculoskeletal sonographers. The purpose of this paper will be to describe the US appearance of SACB and to evaluate the efficacy of US-guided hydrodilation in its treatment. METHODS: We included patients with painful shoulder attending our outpatient clinic for shoulder complains with the diagnosis of SACB with a bursal wall > 1.5 mm. A group was treated via US-guided hydrodilation, while the control group was treated via a classical blind approach using triamcinolone acetonide. Both groups underwent the same rehabilitation program following the injections. The shoulder functionality was assessed via qDASH questionnaire at baseline, days 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90. A p <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Both groups displayed a significant reduction of pain; nevertheless, in the group treated with US-hydrodilation, there was no need for re-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The US-guided hydrodilation for SACB should be the preferred technique to detach bursal walls and improve patient symptoms, since it requires fewer invasive maneuvers.

Imaging features of soft-tissue infections.

Skin and soft tissues are among the most common sites of infections. Infections can involve the superficial epidermis to deep muscles and bones. Most infections spread through contiguous structures, although hematogenous spread can occur in the setting of an immunocompromised state and with atypical infections. While clinical diagnosis of infections is possible, it often lacks specificity, necessitating the use of imaging for confirmation. Cross-sectional imaging with US, CT, and MRI is frequently performed not just for diagnosis, but to delineate the extent of infection and to aid in management. Nonetheless, the imaging features have considerable overlap, and as such, it is essential to integrate imaging features with clinical features for managing soft tissue infections. Radiologists must be aware of the imaging features of different infections and their mimics, as well as the pros and cons of each imaging technique to properly use them for appropriate clinical situations. In this review, we summarize the most recent evidence-based features of key soft tissue infections.

Prepatellar Morel-Lavallée Effusion Mimicking a Bursitis.

Morel-Lavallée lesions are traumatic abnormalities characterized by the accumulation of hemolymphatic fluid collection following disruption of subcutaneous fat tissue from the underlying deep fascia. Here, we present the case of a 63-year-old woman with a prepatellar Morel-Lavallée lesion, an unusual location for this pathology initially misdiagnosed as prepatellar bursitis. An MRI was performed allowing the correction of the diagnosis, highlighting the essential role of imaging in confirming the diagnosis and ruling out differentials such as prepatellar bursitis or neoplastic origins. In our case, conservative treatment with compression alone was employed, since surgery is reserved for chronic or complicated cases. Our experience underscores the utility of MRI in accurately delineating the anatomical extent and characteristics of prepatellar Morel-Lavallée effusion (PMLE). This imaging modality serves as a critical tool in guiding appropriate management strategies, ensuring timely and effective treatment for patients presenting with this lesion.

Effectiveness of a joint mobilizations protocol for shoulder subacromial pain syndrome: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Subacromial pain syndrome (SPS) is the most frequent shoulder pathology. The aims of this prospective randomized study were to evaluate the effects of some specific shoulder joint mobilizations ("spin correction"), and the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program, named Shoulder Global Concept, in SPS patients. METHODS: 45 patients with SPS were randomly assigned to two groups, to benefit from a different first session of mobilizations: the experimental group received all specific mobilizations, while the control group received the same program but without the spin correction mobilizations. The second session was identical for both groups, with all specific mobilizations. Before and after the first two sessions, range of motion (ROM) in flexion, abduction, external and internal rotations, pain and functional status with Constant score and Quick Dash were evaluated. Evaluation was repeated with 24 patients after 11 rehabilitation sessions. Rehabilitation with Shoulder Global Concept included 13 mobilizations aiming at improving the ROM with passive and active-assisted mobilizations, static stretching, and muscle strengthening. RESULTS: All ROM were improved at the end of the first session for both groups, but significantly more in the experimental group for glenohumeral (GH) abduction and external rotation (p < 0.05). Functional scores, pain and strength were significantly improved after 11 rehabilitation sessions with the Shoulder Global Concept. CONCLUSION: This manual therapy method was able to improve shoulder mobility in one session. The additional joint mobilizations (spin correction) specifically increased GH abduction and external rotation. Rehabilitation of SPS with Shoulder Global Concept allowed to improve functional capacity and decrease pain.

Is shockwave therapy effective in the management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is lacking for the efficacy of shockwave therapy (SWT) in the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). AIM: To investigate the efficacy of SWT on pain and function in the management of GTPS. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature was conducted up to May 2023. Studies utilising SWT on adults for GTPS, providing measures of pain and/or function at baseline and at follow-up were considered for inclusion. Meta-analysis was undertaken using converted pain and functional outcomes. Studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias, and assigned a level of evidence as per the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations criteria. RESULTS: Twelve articles (n = 1121 subjects) were included, including five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and seven non-RCTs. No statistical differences were observed for pain over time f(1,5) = 1.349 (p = 0.298) or between SWT and control f(1,5) = 1.782 (p = 0.238). No significant differences in functional outcomes in short- (H = 2.591, p = 0.181) and medium-term follow-up (H = 0.189, p = 0.664) were identified between SWT and control. Moderate magnitude treatment effects for pain (Hedges-G [HG] 0.71) favouring SWT groups over control was identified, decreasing to low for function (HG 0.20). Further pain and functional treatment effects were identified at higher magnitudes across follow-up time-points in SWT groups compared to control. CONCLUSION: Moderate-quality evidence demonstrated no statistically significant improvements in pain and function post-SWT compared to control. Low-quality evidence established clinical improvements throughout all included studies favouring SWT over control. Consequently, owing to relatively low incidence of side effects, SWT should be considered a viable option for the management of GTPS. Issues with both clinical and statistical heterogeneity of studies and during meta-analysis require consideration, and more robust RCTs are recommended if the efficacy of SWT for the management of GTPS is to be comprehensively determined.

More than skin-deep elbow pain in a psoriatic arthritis patient after phlebotomy.

Bicipitoradial bursitis is an unusual cause of cubital fossa pain in PsA patients. Bedside Ultrasound is a valuable tool to correlate the source of pain in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Orthopedic Articular and Periarticular Joint Infections.

Acute nontraumatic joint pain has an extensive differential. Emergency physicians must be adept at identifying limb and potentially life-threatening infection. Chief among these is septic arthritis. In addition to knowing how these joint infections typically present, clinicians need to be aware of host and pathogen factors that can lead to more insidious presentations and how these factors impact the interpretation of diagnostic tests.

HYDROTHERMAL ABLATION IN RECURRENT OR CHRONIC OLECRANON BURSITIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Olecranon bursitis can be difficult to treat, resulting in persistent or recurrent symptoms. Bursectomy is a frequently applied treatment option for refractory cases but has high complication rates. This is the first in-vivo study to investigate the safety and efficacy of hydrothermal ablation, a new treatment modality for recurrent or chronic olecranon bursitis that aims to cause thermal obliteration of the bursal lining by irrigation with heated saline. METHODS: First, a pilot animal trial was set up to determine a safe irrigation temperature window. Second, in a human trial the bursae of patients with chronic, recurrent or refractory olecranon bursitis were irrigated with a 3 mL/s flow of physiological saline for a duration of 180 seconds at temperatures between 50 and 52 °C. Patients were followed up for 6 months, allowing for assessment of the surgical site to screen for adverse events, volumetric ultrasound assessment of the bursae, and collection of QuickDASH, Patient Global Impression and Clinical Global impression scores, as well as data on return to activities or work. RESULTS: 24 elbows were prospectively included and underwent a full cycle of hydrothermal ablation. The mean age was 58.4 years (range 40.5 - 81.5), including 20 male and 4 female patients. None had clinical signs of septic bursitis. Bursal fluid cultures were positive in only one case. The average preoperative bursal volume was 11.18 cc (range 4.13-30.75). 18 out of 24 elbows (75%) were successfully treated, showing a complete remission of symptoms or decided improvement within 6 weeks and without any signs of recurrence during the entire follow-up period of 6 months. The average reduction of ultrasound-measured bursal volume was 91.9% in the group of patients that responded to treatment. In patients without recurrence the mean QuickDASH-scores before and after treatment were 13.6 (range 0-50) and 3.1 (range 0-27.5) respectively, showing a statistically significant improvement. All patients were able to fully return to work within 6 weeks after the index procedure. No serious adverse events were encountered. Moderate local adverse events were found in 2 patients. Increasing temperatures of irrigation did not result in a higher treatment efficacy. CONCLUSION: Hydrothermal ablation at temperatures between 50 and 52 degrees is a safe treatment option for recurrent or chronic olecranon bursitis with less complications than open bursectomy and a comparable efficacy.

Baastrup's disease prevalence across various age groups and its association with degenerative changes: insights from STIR sequence in MRI.

PURPOSE: Baastrup's disease is characterized by abnormal contact between adjacent spinous processes. Our study is the first to systematically incorporate the STIR sequence, recognized for its heightened sensitivity to fluid and edema, into the MRI protocol for diagnosing Baastrup's disease in symptomatic individuals. The objective is to determine its prevalence and association with lumbar spinal degenerative changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lumbar spinal MRI examinations of 375 patients performed between January 2021 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists. Baastrup's disease was diagnosed based on meeting any of the following criteria: lumbar interspinous bursitis, hyperintense signal changes in adjacent spinous processes, and ligaments on the STIR sequence. The study also investigated the presence of degenerative changes and interreader agreement among radiologists. RESULTS: Baastrup's disease was found in 141 of 375 individuals (37.8%). It correlated significantly with degenerative lumbar changes such as bulging (P = 0.0012), herniation (P = 0.0033), disc degeneration (P = 0.0013), Modic changes (P = 0.034), facet osteoarthritis (P = 0.0041), spinal stenosis (P = 0.005), and anterolisthesis (P = 0.0049). No significant associations were observed with gender (P = 0.468) or retrolisthesis (P = 0.167). Its occurrence increased gradually, peaking at 87.5% in individuals aged 80 and above. Radiologists showed complete agreement with Baastrup's diagnoses. CONCLUSION: Baastrup's disease is more commonly observed than being considered rare, displaying an incremental occurrence with increasing age in symptomatic individuals notably discernible on the STIR sequence. Using the STIR sequence seems to promote a consensus among radiologists, irrespective of their experience levels.

Ankle Muscle Strength and Gait Function After Dorsal Closing Wedge Calcaneal Osteotomy for Haglund Exostosis-Related Heel Pain.

BACKGROUND: Haglund exostosis-related heel pain may be surgically treated with dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy (DCWCO). Recent reports on this technique show good clinical and self-reported outcomes. However, uncertainty about functional consequences related to ankle muscle strength and gait function due to a shortened Achilles tendon lever arm exists. METHODS: Fifteen patients (15 feet) with Haglund exostosis-related heel pain were surgically treated with DCWCO and evaluated before and 1 year after surgery. Isometric plantar flexion and dorsiflexion strength was quantified for both the involved and the uninvolved limb. Gait analysis was performed at a self-selected walking speed using a 3D motion capture system including force plates. Self-reported outcomes (Foot Function Index and Global Treatment Outcome) were also assessed. RESULTS: Before surgery, as well as after surgery, plantar flexion strength of the involved limb was significantly lower compared to the uninvolved limb while dorsiflexion strength did not differ between limbs at both time points. Step length and time, ankle flexion angles, power generation, and propulsive impulses during gait did not differ between limbs both before and after surgery. Propulsive impulse and step length of the involved limb increased from pre- to postsurgery with an effect size of 1.04 and 0.48, respectively, revealing a general improvement in gait dynamics. Total Foot Function Index improved by 48% after surgery, and 80% of patients rated their surgery as "helped" or "helped a lot" (Global Treatment Outcome). CONCLUSION: In this relatively small cohort, we found that patients treated for Haglund exostosis-related heel pain with DCWCO surgery had minor interlimb differences in gait kinematics and kinetics and generally improved gait dynamics and self-reported function at 1-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, observational prospective cohort study.

The Lack of High-quality Educational Resources about Adhesive Capsulitis on YouTube.

Objective The advent of the Internet has provided new, easily accessible resources for patients seeking additional health information. Many doctors and healthcare organizations post informative videos on this platform, and nearly all patients are looking for videos online for a second opinion. Methods The phrases "frozen shoulder," "frozen shoulder treatment," "adhesive" capsulitis, and "adhesive capsulitis treatment" were entered into YouTube's search bar for a normal inquiry. The informativeness and overall quality of the adhesive capsulitis videos were rated using three separate scales. Results The mean and standard deviation values of the scoring systems were JAMA 1.25 ± 0.51, DISCERN 39.4 ± 13.4, GQS 2.83 ± 0.96 and ACSS 7.43 ± 4.86, respectively. Number of views, rate of views, and likes all had a positive correlation with Global Quality Score (GQS), as did DISCERN and ACSS. There was no statistically significant difference between the median JAMA, GQS score and Discern Criteria values according to the video source/uploader (p > 0.05). Conclusion YouTube videos on adhesive capsulitis, thus, need to be of higher quality, reliability, and instructive quality. There is a need for reliable videos about adhesive capsulitis, with instructional and high-quality cited.

Morel-Lavallée lesion around the knee successfully treated with video-assisted endoscopic débridement: A case report.

We report a chronic Morel-Lavallée lesion around the knee in a competitive high schooler softball player, successfully treated with video-assisted endoscopic debridement. Endoscopic surgery is a viable option to treat Morel-Lavallée lesions in active patients who seek a rapid return to sport. The potential advantages of an endoscopic treatment would be a faster healing process and an earlier return to motion and function due to a less morbid and more cosmetic surgical approach.

The onset of intermetatarsal bursitis in patient with rheumatoid arthritis - Case report of surgical treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Mono-arthritis and intermetatarsal bursitis according to rheumatoid arthritis aren't aware among general orthopedic surgeon. This report describes a case of surgical treatment of intermetatarsal bursitis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 50-year-old female presented with three years of metatarsophalangeal joint pain and deformity. MRI showed bursitis and synovial proliferation around the joint. Synovectomy reduced pain and foot deformity. After surgery, the patient was administered methotrexate. DISCUSSION: There were previous studies reporting intermetatarsal bursitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, few case reports were found in which surgery and pathological examination were performed. CONCLUSION: Intermetatarsal bursitis is common for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis and early appropriate treatment is necessary.

Evidence for Combining Conservative Treatments for Adhesive Capsulitis.

Background: Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a challenge to treat clinically. Common first-line treatment options are suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), intra-articular corticosteroid (IACS) injection, hydrodilatation, and physical therapy. This literature review summarizes each of these conservative treatments and discusses the evidence base for combining treatment options for potential additive benefits to improve patient outcomes (ie, pain, range of motion [ROM], and shoulder function). Methods: The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using the search terms "adhesive capsulitis," "frozen shoulder," "corticosteroids," "physical therapy," "suprascapular nerve block," "hydrodilatation," and "conservative care." Pertinent articles were identified and synthesized to provide a comprehensive review of 4 common conservative treatments for adhesive capsulitis. Results: Combining SSNB with physical therapy and/or IACS injection and combining IACS injection with physical therapy have support in the literature for improving shoulder pain, ROM, and function, while hydrodilatation and physical therapy seem to offer some additive benefits for improving shoulder ROM when used as adjunct treatments for adhesive capsulitis. Conclusion: Adhesive capsulitis remains a challenge to treat clinically with much still unknown regarding treatment optimization. For the foreseeable future, first-line conservative management will continue to be the mainstay of managing adhesive capsulitis. Thus, knowing how to best use and optimize these various options-both individually and in combination-is vital for effective treatment.

All-endoscopic approach for distal biceps tendon pathology: analysis of long-term outcomes in partial and complete ruptures.

BACKGROUND: Distal biceps tendon (DBT) pathology is a spectrum that ranges from tendinopathy to complete retracted ruptures, and surgical treatment is usually performed via open approaches. The purpose of this study was to analyze safety and long-term outcomes of all-endoscopic surgery for entire spectrum of primary DBT pathology. The hypothesis was that at an all-endoscopic technique would result in satisfactory clinical outcomes and a low complication rate. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent all-endoscopic surgery for primary isolated DBT pathology (bursitis, partial and acute/chronic complete tears) between January 2013 and December 2021 were assessed and analyzed retrospectively. Refractory bursitis and low-grade partial tears underwent endoscopic débridement, and high-grade partial tears and complete ruptures underwent all-endoscopic repair or graft reconstruction. Preoperative and follow-up assessment included functional assessment using Mayo Elbow Performance Score and a Patient-Reported Distal Biceps Score, and radiological assessment was performed using plain biplanar radiographs and sonography. Pre- and postoperative scores for the overall group, and for partial and complete tears, were compared using a paired t test. RESULTS: Overall, 26 male patients underwent an all-endoscopic surgery for DBT tears; the pathology was classified by endoscopic findings into 6 types, and follow-up period ranged from 21 to 125 months (mean 79.4 months). Nine chronic partial tears (35%) included predominantly bursitis (type I, n = 2) and predominantly partial tears (type IIA and B, n = 7). The complete tear group (65%) included isolated short or long head tears (type IIIA and IIIB, n = 2) and complete tendon ruptures (types IV, V, and VIA-C, n = 15). Endoscopic débridement of the bursitis/low-grade tears and repair of the high-grade and complete ruptures resulted in complete resolution of symptoms and significant improvement in both Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Patient-Reported Distal Biceps Score (P < .001). Autografts were necessary in 35% (6/17) of complete tears, and no significant difference was found in functional scores in this group as compared to those where primary repairs were possible. There were 2 minor complications (7.6%) that involved transient lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve neuropraxia. Follow-up sonography and radiographs showed an intact tendon and absence of heterotopic ossification or synostosis. CONCLUSIONS: An all-endoscopic approach for treating DBT pathology was safe and reliable and was associated with significant improvement in subjective and functional outcomes in the long-term. The dual-anchor onlay repair technique showed long-term radiologically demonstrable structural integrity of the tendon and was associated with a low minor complication rate and absence of heterotopic ossification.