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Inflammatory back pain is a hallmark feature of axial spondyloarthritis, a heterogeneous group of inflammatory disorders which affects the sacroiliac joints and spine. Imaging plays a key role in diagnosis of this disease and in facilitating appropriate treatment. This document provides evidence-based recommendations on the appropriate use of imaging studies during multiple stages of the clinical evaluation of patients with suspected or known axial spondyloarthritis. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

In the United States, acute low back pain, with or without radiculopathy, is the leading cause of years lived with disability and the third ranking cause of disability-adjusted life-years. Uncomplicated acute low back pain and/or radiculopathy is a benign, self-limited condition that does not warrant any imaging studies. Imaging is considered in those patients who have had up to 6 weeks of medical management and physical therapy that resulted in little or no improvement in their back pain. It is also considered for those patients presenting with red flags, raising suspicion for a serious underlying condition, such as cauda equina syndrome, malignancy, fracture, or infection. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Myelopathy is a clinical diagnosis with localization of the neurological findings to the spinal cord, rather than the brain or the peripheral nervous system, and then to a particular segment of the spinal cord. Myelopathy can be the result of primary intrinsic disorders of the spinal cord or from secondary conditions, which result in extrinsic compression of the spinal cord. While the causes of myelopathy may be multiple, the acuity of presentation and symptom onset frame a practical approach to the differential diagnosis. Imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation of myelopathy with MRI the preferred modality. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Although primary bone tumors are relatively uncommon, appropriate imaging evaluation is essential when they are suspected or incidentally detected. In almost all cases, radiographs are the most appropriate initial imaging study for screening and characterization of primary bone tumors. Radiographs often provide sufficient information for diagnosis and to guide the treating clinician. However, when conventional radiographs alone are inadequate, they still often guide the selection of the most appropriate next step for advanced imaging. MRI and CT are typically the most appropriate next step. MRI provides excellent soft-tissue contrast allowing for evaluation of the tissue composition (such as fat, hemorrhage, fluid levels) and anatomic extent of bone tumors. CT provides complementary information, with its ability to detect subtle matrix mineralization or periosteal reaction that may not be seen on radiographs or MRI. This publication focuses on six common variants to guide diagnosis and management of primary bone tumors. In addition to conventional radiographs, appropriate use of MRI, CT, PET/CT, bone scan, and ultrasound are discussed. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Nontraumatic neck pain is a leading cause of disability, with nearly 50% of individuals experiencing ongoing or recurrent symptoms. Radiographs are appropriate as initial imaging for cervical or neck pain in the absence of "red flag" symptoms or if there are unchanging chronic symptoms; however, spondylotic changes are commonly identified and may result in both false-positive and false-negative findings. Noncontrast CT can be complementary to radiographs for evaluation of new or changing symptoms in the setting of prior cervical spine surgery or in the assessment of extent of ossification in the posterior longitudinal ligament. Noncontrast MRI is usually appropriate for assessment of new or increasing radiculopathy due to improved nerve root definition. MRI without and with contrast is usually appropriate in patients with new or increasing cervical or neck pain or radiculopathy in the setting of suspected infection or known malignancy. Imaging may be appropriate; however, it is not always indicated for evaluation of cervicogenic headache without neurologic deficit. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons for musculoskeletal-related physician visits. Imaging plays an important role in identifying the specific cause of atraumatic shoulder pain. This review is divided into two parts. The first part provides a general discussion of various imaging modalities (radiographs, arthrography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, CT, and MRI) and their usefulness in evaluating atraumatic shoulder pain. The second part focuses on the most appropriate imaging algorithms for specific shoulder conditions including: rotator cuff disorders, labral tear/instability, bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, biceps tendon abnormalities, postoperative rotator cuff tears, and neurogenic pain. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Inflammatory sacroiliitis or the seronegative axial spondyloarthropathies often presents as back pain or sacroiliac joint pain of more than 3-month duration with inflammatory symptoms and typically in patients younger than 45 years of age. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis and disease monitoring. This article addresses the appropriate sequence of initial imaging for evaluation of a suspected spondyloarthropathy, the imaging follow-up of treatment response and the special considerations for imaging of trauma in patients with ankylosis of the spine. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Osteoporosis is a considerable public health risk, with 50% of women and 20% of men >50 years of age experiencing fracture, with mortality rates of 20% within the first year. Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the primary diagnostic modality by which to screen women >65 years of age and men >70 years of age for osteoporosis. In postmenopausal women

MRI without and with contrast is the most accurate imaging method to determine whether a process is intrinsic or extrinsic to a nerve of the brachial or lumbosacral plexus. However, there are no Current Procedural Terminology codes to correspond to imaging studies of the brachial or lumbar plexus discretely. This assessment uses "MRI of the brachial plexus" or "MRI of the lumbosacral plexus" as independent entities given that imaging acquisition for the respective plexus differs in sequences and planes compared with those of a routine neck, chest, spine, or pelvic MRI, yet acknowledges the potential variability of ordering practices across institutions. In patients unable to undergo MRI, CT offers the next highest level of anatomic evaluation. In oncologic patients, PET/CT imaging can identify the extent of tumor involvement and be beneficial to differentiate radiation plexitis from tumor recurrence but provides limited resolution of the plexus itself. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Stress fractures, including both fatigue and insufficiency types, are frequently encountered in clinical practice as a source of pain in both athletes and patients with predisposing conditions. Radiography is the imaging modality of choice for baseline diagnosis. MRI has greatly improved our ability to diagnose radiographically occult stress fractures. Tc-99m bone scan and CT may also be useful as diagnostic tools. Although fatigue and insufficiency fractures can be self-limited and go onto healing even without diagnosis, there is usually value in initiating prompt therapeutic measures as incomplete stress fractures have the potential of progressing to completion and requiring more invasive treatment or delay in return to activity. This is particularly important in the setting of stress fractures of the femoral neck. Accuracy in the identification of these injuries is also relevant because the differential diagnosis includes entities that would otherwise be treated significantly different (ie, osteoid osteoma, osteomyelitis, and metastasis). The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Evaluation for suspected inflammatory arthritis as a cause for chronic extremity joint pain often relies on imaging. This review first discusses the characteristic osseous and soft tissue abnormalities seen with inflammatory arthritis and how they may be imaged. It is essential that imaging results are interpreted in the context of clinical and serologic results to add specificity as there is significant overlap of imaging findings among the various types of arthritis. This review provides recommendations for imaging evaluation of specific types of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathy, gout, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate disease (or pseudogout), and erosive osteoarthritis. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Chronic hip pain is a common clinical problem whose cause is often elucidated by imaging. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria for chronic hip pain define best practices of image ordering. Clinical scenarios are followed by the imaging choices and their appropriateness. The information is in ordered tables with an accompanying narrative explanation to guide physicians to order the right test. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Pre-existing comorbid psychiatric mood disorders are a known risk factor for impaired health-related quality of life and poor long-term outcomes after spine surgery.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of preexisting mood disorders on (1) pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcomes, (2) complications, and (3) pre- and postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing elective cervical or lumbar spine surgery.Retrospective review at a single academic institution from 2014 to 2017.Consecutive adult patients who underwent cervical or lumbar surgery.Quantitative measurements of pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) and spinal region-specific disability scores (Neck Disability Index [NDI] and Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]).This is a retrospective review of 435 consecutive patients (179 cervical, 256 lumbar) who underwent elective spine surgery at a single academic institution from 2014 to 2017. Patient preoperative diagnosis of psychiatric mood disorder (eg, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, or dementia), baseline characteristics, medical (nonpsychiatric) comorbidities, operative variables, and surgical complications (eg, superficial and deep infection, wound complication, emergency department [ED] visits, readmissions, and repeat operations) were recorded. Additionally, preoperative ED visits, pre- and postoperative opioid requirements, total opioid prescription quantities and most recent dateof opioid prescription were collected. VAS, NDI, and ODI scores were recorded preoperatively and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery. Continuous variables were compared between those with and without diagnosed psychiatric comorbidity using two-tailed independent t test, and categorical variables were compared using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Analyses of variance and analysis of covariance were used to compare patient-reported outcomes between groups. A multivariate approach was taken to account for contribution of potential covariates in significant findings. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine variables associated with the number of postoperative opioid prescriptions.Of the cervical and lumbar cohorts, 78 (43.6%) and 113 (44.1%), respectively, had a preoperative diagnosis of comorbid psychiatric mood disorder. Cervical patients with mood disorders received a significantly higher total number of opioid prescriptions post-operatively (4.6±5.2 vs. 2.8±3.9; p=.002). Patients with mood disorders had worse NDI scores at all time points (p=.04), however there were no differences in VAS pain scores (p=.5). There were no statistical differences between patients with and without mood disorders regarding baseline characteristics, medical (nonpsychiatric) comorbidities, operative variables, surgical complications, preoperative ED visits or prior opioid use (p.05). For lumbar patients, patients with mood disorders were more commonly females (p=.04), tobacco users (p=.003), alcohol dependent (p=.01) and illicit-drug abusers (p=.03). There were no differences regarding surgical complications or opioid consumption. Tobacco use (p.001) was the sole contributor to postoperative VAS pain scores. Patients with mood disorders had significantly higher VAS values both before and 3 months following surgery (p=.01), but there was no difference in ODI scores.Patients with preoperative psychiatric mood disorders undergoing elective cervical surgery had worse NDI scores and received more opioid prescriptions, despite similar VAS scores as those without mood disorders. Lumbar surgery patients with mood disorders were demographically different than those without mood disorders and had worse pain before and after surgery, though ODI scores were not different. Tobacco use was the sole contributor to postoperative VAS pain scores. This information can be useful in counseling patients with mood disorders before elective spinal surgery.

Diabetes-related foot complications such as soft-tissue infection, osteomyelitis, and neuropathic osteoarthropathy account for up to 20% of all diabetic-related North American hospital admissions. Radiography of the foot is usually appropriate as the initial screening examination in diabetic patients with suspected osteomyelitis of the foot. For follow-up examination, MRI of the foot with or without contrast enhancement demonstrates excellent soft-tissue contrast and sensitivity to marrow abnormalities with high-resolution detail in multiple anatomic planes and is usually appropriate when osteomyelitis or early neuropathic arthropathy is suspected. This publication of diabetes-related foot complications summarizes the literature and makes recommendations for imaging based on the available data. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Numerous studies have described associations between preexisting comorbid psychiatric mood disorders and increased health risks, poor surgical outcomes, and increased health care utilization. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of preoperative mood disorders on (1) pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcomes, (2) complications, and (3) pre- and postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective chart review. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 179 consecutive patients who underwent elective cervical spine surgery at a single academic institution from 2014-2016 with 2-year follow-up data. OUTCOME MEASURES Perioperative variables, opioid consumption, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), postoperative complications. METHODS Patient preoperative diagnosis of psychiatric mood disorder (eg, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, or dementia), baseline characteristics, medical (nonpsychiatric) comorbidities, operative variables, and surgical complications (eg, superficial and deep infection, wound complication, emergency department (ED) visits, re-admissions, and repeat operations) were recorded. Additionally, preoperative ED visits, pre- and postoperative opioid requirements, total opioid prescription quantities and last date of opioid prescription were collected. Quantitative measurements of pain VAS and disease specific disability score NDI were recorded preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. Continuous variables were compared between those with diagnosed mood disorder and those without psychiatric comorbidity using two-tailed independent t-test, and categorical variables were compared using chi-square or Fisher Exact tests. RESULTS Of the 179 patients involved in this study, 78 (43.5%) had a preoperative diagnosis of comorbid psychiatric mood disorder. Fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome were more common in patients with mood disorders (p=0.01). Patients with mood disorders required a statistically significant higher total number of opioid prescriptions postoperatively (4.6±5.2 vs 2.8±3.9, p=0.002). Patients with psychiatric comorbidity had worse NDI scores at all time points (p=0.04); however, there were no differences in VAS pain scores at any time point between groups (p=0.5). There were no statistical differences between patients with and without mood disorders regarding baseline characteristics, medical (nonpsychiatric) comorbidities, operative variables, surgical complications, preoperative ED visits or prior opioid use (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with preoperative psychiatric comorbidities undergoing elective cervical spine surgery should be counseled that they may experience a significantly worse functional score during the perioperative and early postoperative period compared to patients without mood disorders. A preoperative diagnosis of a comorbid psychiatric mood disorder may be a predictor of higher postoperative opioid consumption, therefore, further study is appropriate for optimization of postoperative opioid prescribing practices in these patients. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Background Context The North American Spine Society's (NASS) Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis features evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. The guideline updates the 2008 guideline on this topic and is intended to reflect contemporary treatment concepts for symptomatic degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis as reflected in the highest quality clinical literature available on this subject as of May 2013. The NASS guideline on this topic is the only guideline on degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis included in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC). Purpose The purpose of this guideline is to provide an evidence-based educational tool to assist spine specialists when making clinical decisions for patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. This article provides a brief summary of the evidence-based guideline recommendations for diagnosing and treating patients with this condition. Study Design A systematic review of clinical studies relevant to degenerative spondylolisthesis was carried out. Methods This NASS spondyolisthesis guideline is the product of the Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Work Group of NASS' Evidence-Based Guideline Development Committee. The methods used to develop this guideline are detailed in the complete guideline and technical report available on the NASS website. In brief, a multidisciplinary work group of spine care specialists convened to identify clinical questions to address in the guideline. The literature search strategy was developed in consultation with medical librarians. Upon completion of the systematic literature search, evidence relevant to the clinical questions posed in the guideline was reviewed. Work group members used the NASS evidentiary table templates to summarize study conclusions, identify study strengths and weaknesses, and assign levels of evidence. Work group members participated in webcasts and in-person recommendation meetings to update and formulate evidence-based recommendations and incorporate expert opinion when necessary. The draft guidelines were submitted to an internal peer review process and ultimately approved by the NASS Board of Directors. Upon publication, the Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis guideline was accepted into the NGC and will be updated approximately every 5 years. Results Twenty-seven clinical questions were addressed in this guideline update, including 15 clinical questions from the original guideline and 12 new clinical questions. The respective recommendations were graded by strength of the supporting literature, which was stratified by levels of evidence. Twenty-one new or updated recommendations or consensus statements were issued and 13 recommendations or consensus statements were maintained from the original guideline. Conclusions The clinical guideline was created using the techniques of evidence-based medicine and best available evidence to aid practitioners in the care of patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. The entire guideline document, including the evidentiary tables, literature search parameters, literature attrition flow chart, suggestions for future research, and all of the references, is available electronically on the NASS website at https://www.spine.org/Pages/ResearchClinicalCare/QualityImprovement/ClinicalGuidelines.aspx and will remain updated on a timely schedule.

Background Congenital insensitivity to pain is a rare disorder that can lead to neuropathic arthropathy of any joint including the spine. Most of the case reports in the literature are in the pediatric population. Purpose This case report emphasizes the importance of anterior and posterior fusion in patients with congenital insensitivity to pain. The patient was initially treated as if the deformity was postinfectious. Study designsetting The patient was treated in a university-based tertiary care center. Methods The patient underwent an anterior decompression and fusion with instrumentation that failed with ambulation. An anterior and posterior revision with instrumentation was then performed to stabilize the Charcot spine. Results The patient had an excellent final outcome. At 2 years postoperatively, he is solidly fused and back to his normal occupation. Conclusion Anterior and posterior fusion is essential in neuropathic spinal arthropathy. Congenital insensitivity to pain can manifest problems into adulthood.

Though athletes may be able to return to their sport after treatment of spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis, prevention of back injury in at-risk patient athletes should be the treating physician's primary goal.