Search

This review paper offers a concise guide on how to execute Delphi-based interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging. Fundamental to the Delphi methodology are several core principles. First, an initial key element is the selection of experts, known as panelists. Second is the principle of anonymity among participants, ensuring that no single individual or group applies excessive influence over others. Third, the methodology involves iterative rounds where statements are presented repeatedly, allowing for controlled feedback. Lastly, after each round, participants are given insight into the collective panel’s previous responses. This knowledge enables them to potentially reconsider and adjust their positions in subsequent rounds, driving towards the group consensus. These principles emphasize the critical role of statistical group responses and the structured interaction inherent in the Delphi approach. Looking at the broader process, the development of Delphi-based interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging unfolds through several stages. It begins with identifying the research field or the consensus statements in question. This is followed by undertaking comprehensive literature research. Subsequently, pertinent questions and their corresponding statements are crafted. The process then moves on to administering anonymous, iterative questionnaire rounds. Feedback, both on an individual and collective level, is provided between the rounds. The process culminates in the summarization and reporting of the finalized Delphi-based interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this agreement was to establish evidence-based consensus statements on imaging of scapholunate joint (SLJ) instability by an expert group using the Delphi technique.MethodsNineteen hand surgeons developed a preliminary list of questions on SLJ instability. Radiologists created statements based on the literature and the authors' clinical experience. Questions and statements were revised during three iterative Delphi rounds. Delphi panellists consisted of twenty-seven musculoskeletal radiologists. The panellists scored their degree of agreement to each statement on an eleven-item numeric scale. Scores of '0', '5' and '10' reflected complete disagreement, indeterminate agreement and complete agreement, respectively. Group consensus was defined as a score of '8' or higher for 80% or more of the panellists.ResultsTen of fifteen statements achieved group consensus in the second Delphi round. The remaining five statements achieved group consensus in the third Delphi round. It was agreed that dorsopalmar and lateral radiographs should be acquired as routine imaging work-up in patients with suspected SLJ instability. Radiographic stress views and dynamic fluoroscopy allow accurate diagnosis of dynamic SLJ instability. MR arthrography and CT arthrography are accurate for detecting scapholunate interosseous ligament tears and articular cartilage defects. Ultrasonography and MRI can delineate most extrinsic carpal ligaments, although validated scientific evidence on accurate differentiation between partially or completely torn or incompetent ligaments is not available.ConclusionsDelphi-based agreements suggest that standardized radiographs, radiographic stress views, dynamic fluoroscopy, MR arthrography and CT arthrography are the most useful and accurate imaging techniques for the work-up of SLJ instability.Key points• Dorsopalmar and lateral wrist radiographs remain the basic imaging modality for routine imaging work-up in patients with suspected scapholunate joint instability. • Radiographic stress views and dynamic fluoroscopy of the wrist allow accurate diagnosis of dynamic scapholunate joint instability. • Wrist MR arthrography and CT arthrography are accurate for determination of scapholunate interosseous ligament tears and cartilage defects.

Background: The purpose of this pilot study was to validate the feasibility of a definitive study aimed at determining if high-intensity physical activity during adolescence impacts the development of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Methods: This prospective cohort pilot study had a sample size target of 50 volunteers between 12 and 14 years old at sites in Canada, South Korea, and the Netherlands. Participants were evaluated clinically and radiographically at baseline and at 2 years. The participants' sport and physical activity were evaluated using the Habitual Activity Estimation Scale (HAES) and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) criteria for sport specialization. The primary outcome was feasibility and secondary outcomes included the incidence of radiographic FAI and hip range of motion, function (Hip Outcome Score, HOS), and quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life questionnaire, PedsQL) at 24 months. Study groups were defined at the completion of follow-up, given the changes in participant activity levels over time. Results: Of the 54 participants enrolled, there were 36 (33% female) included in the final analysis. At baseline, those classified as highly active and played at least one organized sport had a higher incidence of asymptomatic radiographic FAI markers (from 6/32, 18.8% at baseline to 19/32, 59.4% at 24 months) compared to those classified as low activity (1/4, 25% maintained at baseline and 24 months). The incidence of radiographic FAI markers was higher among sport specialists (12/19, 63.2%) compared to non-sport specialists (8/17, 47.1%) at 24 months. The HOS and PedsQL scores were slightly higher (better) among those that were highly active and played a sport compared to those who did not at 2 years (mean difference (95% confidence interval): HOS-ADL subscale 4.56 (− 7.57, 16.70); HOS-Sport subscale 5.97 (− 6.91, 18.84); PedsQL Physical Function 7.42 (− 0.79, 15.64); PedsQL Psychosocial Health Summary 6.51 (− 5.75, 18.77)). Conclusion: Our pilot study demonstrated some feasibility for a larger scale, definitive cohort study. The preliminary descriptive data suggest that adolescents engaged in higher levels of activity in sports may have a higher risk of developing asymptomatic hip deformities related to FAI but also better quality of life over the 2-year study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Shoulder abnormalities are the major cause of morbidity in upper brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). We developed a rat model of upper trunk BPBP and compared our findings to previously reported animal models and to clinical findings in humans. Methods Forty-three 5-day-old newborn rats underwent selective upper trunk neurectomy of the right brachial plexus and were studied 3 to 20 weeks after surgery. The passive shoulder external rotation was measured and the shoulder joint was assessed bilaterally by a 7.2T MRI bilaterally. Results We found a marked decrease in passive shoulder external rotation, associated with a severe subscapularis muscle atrophy and contracture. None however developed the typical pattern of glenohumeral dysplasia. Conclusions In contradiction with previous reports, our study shows that the rat model is not adequate for preclinical studies of shoulder dysplasia. However, it might serve as a useful model for studies analyzing shoulder contracture occurring after upper BPBP.

Fluoroscopy is used in hip arthroscopy (HA) for portal placement, instrument localisation, and guidance in bony resection. The recent increase in arthroscopic hip procedures may place patients and surgeons at risk for increased radiation exposure and radiation-induced complications. The purpose of the current systematic review was to assess intraoperative radiation exposure in HA. The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines; inclusion criteria were studies assessing radiation exposure in HA. 9 studies including 994 patients were included. Mean age was 38.6 years and 48% (436 of 906) were female. Mean time of fluoroscopy exposure was 0.58 minutes. Dose area product was 129.5 cGycm2. Mean intraoperative absorbed radiation dose studies was 12.6 mGy. Mean intraoperative effective dose was 0.48 mSv. The mean occupational exposure to the surgeon per case was 0.0031 mSv. Higher patient body mass index (BMI) correlated to greater patient effective and cumulative dose (p < 0.05, r = 0.404), and greater occupational exposure (p < 0.001, r = 0.460). Increasing surgeon experience decreased fluoroscopy time (p = 0.039) and radiation dose (p = 0.002). Radiation dose and effective dose were well under the thresholds for deterministic effects (2 Gy) and annual radiation exposure for occupational workers (20 mSv). Intraoperative radiation exposure to patients and surgeons is within acceptable annual radiation limits. Ensuring careful selection of perioperative imaging modalities, proper protective shielding, specifically the use of leaded eyeglasses, and optimal C-arm positioning are key strategies to reduce radiation exposure to patients and surgeons alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an important cause of hip pain in young and active individuals and occurs as a result of size and shape mismatch between the femoral head and acetabulum. Open physes in children can make hips more susceptible to injury, and high impact forces have been suggested to affect the developing femur. The diagnosis of FAI has recently risen, especially within adolescent populations, and there is an increasing trend towards year-round participation in sports with early specialization. The PREVIEW study is an international longitudinal study designed to determine the association between sport specialization in adolescence and the development of hip impingement.Methods: This is a multicentre prospective cohort study evaluating 200 participants between the ages of 12-14 that include sport specialists at the moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) level and non-sport specialists at any activity level. We will monitor physical activity levels of all participants using an activity log and a wrist-mounted activity tracker, with synced data collected every 3 months during the study period. In addition, participants will be evaluated clinically at 6, 12, and 18 months and radiographically at the time of enrolment and 24 months. The primary outcome is the incidence of FAI between groups at 2 years, determined via MRI. Secondary outcomes include hip function and health-related quality of life between subjects diagnosed with FAI versus no FAI at 2 years, as determined by the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) questionnaires.Discussion: It is important to mitigate the risk of developing hip deformities at a young age. Our proposed prospective evaluation of the impact of sport activity and hip development is relevant in this era of early sport specialization in youth. Improving the understanding between sport specialization and the development of pre-arthritic hip disease such as FAI can lead to the development of training protocols that protect the millions of adolescents involved in sports annually.Trial Registration: PREVIEW is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03891563). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of hip impingement and hip-preserving surgery has been appreciated in more detail since 2001 when a new surgical approach was reported and a hypothesis linking femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with osteoarthritis was presented. Paralleling the introduction of hip arthroscopy, these events led to an increasing interest in the hip, and the number of publications has risen rapidly over the past 15 years, despite limited evidence levels and inconsistent methodology. Accordingly, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and the effects of treatment for FAI are still elusive due to a number of uncertainties and a lack of clear diagnostic criteria.Future research must focus on developing high-quality scientific studies, so thorough and reproducible methodology is needed. This review provides researchers, radiologists, and clinicians with a comprehensive approach to hip imaging with a focus on strategies to help guide the clinical diagnosis. Using evidence from current literature and knowledge from experienced clinicians, some of the imaging methodology challenges are deciphered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]