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The purposes of this study was to determine the prevalence of the accessory anterolateral talar facet (AALTF); to evaluate the relationship between AALTF, focal abutting bone marrow edema (FABME), and sinus tarsi edema; and to study the prevalence of tarsal coalitions in patients with the AALTF utilizing ankle MR images. 5-T ankle MR images were reviewed for the presence of AALTF, FABME, sinus tarsi edema, tarsal coalition, and location and type of coalition (cartilaginous, fibrous, and osseous). Multivariate analysis was performed to examine the correlation between AALTF and the other variables. Three hundred ninety-one consecutive patients were included (age range 5–86 years; mean age 45 years). An AALTF was present in 3.6% (14/391) of patients. The AALTF prevalence was 2% in women and 6.6% in men. There was a significantly association between AALTF and FABME (9/14, p < 0.05), sinus tarsi edema (13/14, p < 0.05), and tarsal coalition (4/14, p < 0.05). AALTF is relatively often detected on MRI of the ankle and significantly associated with BME, sinus tarsi edema, and subtalar coalition. Patients with a tarsal coalition should be evaluated for the concurrent presence of an AALTF.

The objective of our study was to sonographically characterize the dorsal aspect of the scapholunate ligament in cadaveric wrists using arthrography, MR arthrography, and anatomic correlation as the gold standard.The dorsal aspect of the scapholunate ligament in four cadaveric wrists was evaluated on sonography without knowledge of the findings from standard arthrography, MR arthrography, and anatomic sectioning. The sonographic findings were compared with the findings from other modalities. The criteria for an abnormal scapholunate ligament included an abnormal contrast communication between the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints on arthrography and a discontinuity of the dorsal aspect of the scapholunate ligament that was documented both on MR arthrography and at anatomic sectioning.Arthrography, MR arthrography, and anatomic sectioning showed the dorsal aspect of the scapholunate ligament to be normal in one specimen and abnormal in three specimens. On sonography, the normal scapholunate ligament was hyperechoic between the scaphoid and lunate bones. In the three cases of abnormality, a normal scapholunate ligament was not visualized, and an abnormal hypoechogenicity was present.The dorsal aspect of the scapholunate ligament can be depicted on sonography; abnormality is present in patients in whom the normally hyperechoic fibrillar ligament is hypoechoic or absent.

Objective To determine if inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with cindunistat hydrochloride maleate slows progression of osteoarthritis (OA) Methods This 2-year, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled patients with symptomatic knee OA (Kellgren and Lawrence Grade (KLG) 2 or 3). Standard OA therapies were permitted throughout. Patients were randomly assigned to cindunistat (50 or 200 mg/day) or placebo. Randomisation was stratified by KLG. Radiographs to assess joint space narrowing (JSN) were acquired using the modified Lyon-schuss protocol at baseline, week 48 and 96. Results Of 1457 patients (50 mg/day, n=485; 200 mg/day, n=486; placebo, n=486), 1048 (71.9%) completed the study. Patients were predominantly women; 56% had KLG3. The primary analysis did not demonstrate superiority of cindunistat versus placebo for rate of change in JSN. In KLG2 patients, JSN after 48 weeks was lower with cindunistat 50 mg/day versus placebo (p=0.032). Least-squares mean±SE JSN with cindunistat 50 mg/day ( −0.048±0.028 mm) and 200 mg/day (−0.062±0.028 mm) were 59.9% (95% CI 6.8% to 106.9%) and 48.7% (95% CI -8.4% to 93.9%) of placebo, improvement was not maintained at 96 weeks. No improvement was observed for KLG3 patients at either time-point. Cindunistat did not improve joint pain or function, but was generally well tolerated. Conclusions Cindunistat (50 or 200 mg/day) did not slow the rate of JSN versus placebo. After 48-weeks, KLG2 patients showed less JSN; however, the improvement was not sustained at 96-weeks. iNOS inhibition did not slow OA progression in KLG3 patients. Clinical trial listing NCT00565812

To characterize the ultrasonographic (US) appearance of the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow by comparing US images with magnetic resonance (MR) arthrograms and anatomic slices.The ulnar collateral ligament in four cadavers (eight elbows) was blindly evaluated with US by one musculoskeletal radiologist with experience in musculoskeletal US. These results were compared with standard arthrograms, MR arthrograms, and anatomic slices by consensus reading of two musculoskeletal radiologists. The criteria for an abnormal ulnar collateral ligament included contrast material extension into the ligament or fiber discontinuity, as documented by MR arthrography and anatomic slices.Standard arthrography, MR arthrography, and anatomic slices demonstrated the ulnar collateral ligament to be unequivocally normal in three specimens and abnormal in two. The remaining three elbows did not meet the criteria for classification as either normal or abnormal, and thus they were excluded from the study. With US, the normal ulnar collateral ligament was fibrillar and hyperechoic between the medial epicondyle and proximal ulna. In the two abnormal cases, abnormal hypoechogenicity and ligament fiber disruption were noted. In addition, the proximal aspect of the ulnar collateral ligament varied from a cordlike structure to a broad attachment to the undersurface of the medial epicondyle with variable fat.In this small sample, the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament is identified with US by its hyperechoic and compact fibrillar echotexture. The proximal attachment of the ulnar collateral ligament has a variable appearance. Hypoechogenicity and fiber disruption indicated ulnar collateral ligament abnormality.

1247 he sonographic appearance of ankle tendons, ligaments, joints, and other soft-tissue masses has recently been described [1–4]. Familiarity with the anatomic variants and knowledge of sonographic artifacts and pitfalls improves diagnostic yield and aids in treatment. In this article, we discuss a variety of artifacts, anatomic variants, and pitfalls that can simulate abnormality or injury and become a source of confusion and misdiagnosis. Pitfalls Associated with Technical Factors Artifacts Anisotropy is an artifact commonly seen when ligaments and tendons are examined Artifacts, Anatomic Variants, and Pitfalls in Sonography of the Foot and Ankle Smita Patel 1 , David P. Fessell 1 , Jon A. Jacobson 1 , Curtis W. Hayes 1 , Marnix T. van Holsbeeck 2

The objective of this study was to assess the ability of sonography to reveal Baker's cysts using MR imaging as a gold standard.The study group consisted of 36 consecutive knees in 36 patients evaluated with both MR imaging and sonography. Inclusion criteria included axial proton density-weighted or T2-weighted MR images, a sonography report that documented the evaluation of the popliteal region of the knee, and sonographic and MR images that were available for review. The MR images were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of Baker's cyst (fluid signal between the semimembranosus and medial gastrocnemius tendons). Sonography reports were compared with the MR imaging results. The sonographic images were also retrospectively reviewed to determine whether any characteristic findings on sonography were significantly associated with the presence of Baker's cyst on MR imaging.Retrospective review of MR images revealed 21 Baker's cysts, one myxoid liposarcoma, one meniscal cyst, and 13 examinations with normal findings. The sonography reports revealed that the 21 Baker's cysts were correctly diagnosed, whereas the meniscal cyst and myxoid liposarcoma were misdiagnosed as Baker's cysts. Retrospective review of sonographic images showed a 100% sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy in the diagnosis of Baker's cyst when hypoechoic or anechoic fluid was present between the semimembranosus and medial gastrocnemius tendons. No other sonographic characteristics were significant.Identification of fluid between the semimembranosus and medial gastrocnemius tendons in communication with a posterior knee cyst indicates Baker's cyst with 100% accuracy.

Fourteen freshly disarticulated knee specimens were studied to assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the detection and correct staging of patellar chondral lesions. Axial and sagittal images were obtained; T1-weighted spin-echo sequences were found satisfactory for defining cartilage morphology. Specimens were sectioned and examined grossly for cartilage changes such as softening, blistering, fibrillation, fissuring, and frank subchondral bone exposure. In a side-by-side comparison, all lesions classified grossly in the Shahriaree system as stage II or higher showed MR changes. Stage I changes could not be identified in disarticulated specimens. Stage III lesions showed cartilage irregularity (ulceration) or a loss of the normal, sharply defined margin between coapted cartilage, which represented "crabmeat" fibrillation. Stage IV lesions showed ulceration to bone, sometimes with subchondral bone changes. In this in vitro, preliminary study, MR imaging was found to be an accurate means for detecting and staging moderate and advanced patellar cartilage lesions.