Utility of Volumetric Measurement via Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography Scan to Diagnose Syndesmotic Instability

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 859-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohan Bhimani ◽  
Soheil Ashkani-Esfahani ◽  
Bart Lubberts ◽  
Daniel Guss ◽  
Noortje C. Hagemeijer ◽  
...  

Background: Weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) allows evaluation of the distal syndesmosis under physiologic load. We hypothesized that WBCT volumetric measurement of the distal syndesmosis would be increased on the injured as compared to the contralateral uninjured side and that these 3-dimensional (3D) calculations would be a more sensitive determinant than 2-dimensional (2D) methodology among patients with syndesmotic instability. Methods: Twelve patients with unilateral syndesmotic instability requiring operative fixation who underwent preoperative bilateral foot and ankle WBCT were included in the study group. The control group consisted of 24 patients without ankle injury who underwent similar imaging. On WBCT scan, 2D measurements of the syndesmosis joint were first measured 1 cm above the joint line in the axial plane via syndesmotic area and distances between the anterior, middle, and posterior quadrants. Thereafter, comparative 3D volumetric measurements of the syndesmotic joint were also calculated: (1) from the tibial plafond extending until 3 cm proximally, (2) 5 cm proximally, and (3) 10 cm proximally. Results: In patients with unilateral syndesmotic instability, all 3 weight-bearing volumetric measurements were significantly larger on the injured side as compared to the contralateral, uninjured side ( P < .001). In the control group, there was no difference between syndesmotic volumes at any level. Of these 3 anatomic reference points, the 3D measurement spanning from the tibial plafond to a level 5 cm proximally had the highest relative volumetric ratio between the injured and uninjured side, suggesting it is the most sensitive in distinguishing between stable and unstable syndesmotic injury ( P < .001). Notably, this 3D volumetric measurement was also more sensitive than 2D measurements ( P = .001). Conclusion: 3D volumetric measurement of the syndesmosis joint appears to be the most effective way to diagnose syndesmotic instability, compared with more traditional 2D syndesmosis measurement. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0002
Author(s):  
Rohan Bhimani ◽  
Soheil Ashkani-Esfahani ◽  
Bart Lubberts ◽  
Daniel Guss ◽  
Noortje Hagemeijer ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Diagnosing syndesmotic instability, especially when subtle, remains challenging. Weight bearing computed tomography (WBCT) offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the distal syndesmosis under physiologic load while simultaneously comparing the injured and uninjured side. We hypothesized that WBCT volumetric measurements of the distal syndesmosis were increased on the injured side as compared to the contralateral uninjured side among patients with syndesmotic instability. Our secondary hypothesis was that these 3-dimensional calculations were an even more sensitive determinant of instability as compared to 2-dimensional methodology. Methods: Twelve patients with unilateral syndesmotic instability requiring operative fixation who underwent preoperative bilateral foot and ankle WBCT were included in the study group. The control group comprised of 24 patients without ankle injury who underwent similar imaging. For each WBCT scan, 2-dimensional measurements of the interspace between the distal fibula and tibia were measured 1cm above the joint line in the axial plane, namely the syndesmosis area and the direct anterior, middle and posterior difference. Furthermore, three volumetric measurements of the interspace between the distal fibula and tibia were evaluated: 1) from the tibial plafond extending until 3cm proximally, 2) 5cm proximally, and 3) 10cm proximally from the joint line. Results: In patients with unilateral syndesmotic instability, all weightbearing volumetric measurements were significantly larger on the injured side as compared to the contralateral, uninjured side (p<0.001). In the control group, there was no difference between syndesmotic volumes at any level. Of the three anatomic reference points, the volumetric measurement spanning from the tibial plafond to a level 5cm proximally had the highest relative volumetric ratio between the injured and uninjured side, suggesting it is more sensitive in distinguishing stable and unstable syndesmotic injuries (median ratios (IQR) 1.3(1.2-1.4), 1.8(1.6-2.1), 1.4(1.3-1.5), respectively; p<0.001). Additionally, this relative volumetric ratio was also more sensitive than 2-dimensional measurements (p=0.001). Conclusion: Volumetric measurement of the distal tibiofibular interspace using WBCT appears to be the most effective way to diagnose syndesmotic instability. The measurement from the tibial plafond extending until 5cm proximally is more sensitive to detect syndesmotic instability than using either more traditional 2D WBCT syndesmosis measurements or using more distal (3cm) or proximal (10cm) 3D volumetric measurements. This does not seem surprising given the overall spectrum and 3D nature of the syndesmotic injury across the injured population. Tables [Table: see text][Table: see text]


2017 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 276-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Nance ◽  
David Byun ◽  
Yoshimi Endo ◽  
Scott Wolfe ◽  
Steve Lee

Background The etiology of dorsal wrist pain associated with loading of the wrist in extension has not been clearly identified in the literature. Purpose Many exercise disciplines incorporate upper extremity weight-bearing exercises in an extended wrist posture, for example push-ups, plank position, and various yoga and Pilates poses. This study evaluates patients with dorsal wrist pain in the extended wrist-loading position and identifies anatomic abnormalities in the wrist using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods A retrospective chart review was performed comparing MRI of patients who complained of dorsal wrist pain while performing weight bearing in a wrist extension position with a control group of patients who complained of ulnar-sided wrist pain. The primary MRI outcome was dorsal wrist pathology, including occult dorsal ganglion cyst, scapholunate ligament tear or degeneration, and dorsal capsulitis. Results Dorsal wrist pathology was significantly more prevalent in patients with dorsal wrist pain (84%) than in the patient cohort with ulnar-sided wrist pain (12%). Occult dorsal ganglion cysts were the most common sources of pathology (76%). Conclusion MRI demonstrated an identifiable dorsal abnormality in 84% of patients with dorsal wrist pain associated with weight bearing on the extended wrist. Occult dorsal ganglion cysts are the most common cause of dorsal wrist pain, followed by partial scapholunate tears. When patients complain of dorsal wrist pain during specific extended loading wrist positions such as push-ups, yoga, or Pilates poses, an MRI may be warranted to help identify anatomic abnormalities that may help guide treatment choices. Level of Evidence Diagnostic, Level III.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryuhei Katsui ◽  
Yoshinori Takakura ◽  
Akira Taniguchi ◽  
Yasuhito Tanaka

Background: Comminuted talar fractures are rare. Generally, this fracture occurs as a result of high-energy injuries. Therefore, this operation is challenging for the surgeon. We started to replace the whole talus with a total talar prosthesis in cases of aseptic talar necrosis in 2005. Based on these results, replacement with a ceramic artificial talus was performed as the initial treatment for comminuted talar fractures. Methods: From 2009 to 2016, a total of 6 feet of 6 patients with comminuted talar dome fractures or talar body defects were replaced with a ceramic artificial talus. The patients’ mean age was 40.3 years (range, 19-59). Postoperative assessments were performed in accordance with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hindfoot score system. Postoperative range of motion and sports activities were also evaluated. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 84 (mean, 46.8) months. Results: The postoperative AOFAS score was on average 78.8 (64-100). The postoperative range of motion was on average 10 degrees (5-20) for dorsiflexion and 31 degrees (15-50) for plantarflexion. Three patients had returned to sport activities. Conclusion: Prosthetic total talar replacement was a useful procedure for patients with comminuted talar fractures, which had good congruency of the custom-made implant with the adjacent joints, resulting in stability, and maintained ankle function. Furthermore, this procedure could prevent the complications of long-term external fixation and non-weight-bearing walking seen after open reduction and arthrodesis. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective comparative study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 105-115
Author(s):  
Johanna Wirth ◽  
Eva-Maria Baur

Abstract Background Comorbidity in the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) of the thumb, i.e., hyperextension or ulnar collateral instability, could affect the outcome of arthroplasty in the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCj). Objective In a retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of arthrodesis of the MCPj for thumbs with unstable MCPj and simultaneous ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI) arthroplasty for the CMCj in terms of strength, function, and patient satisfaction. Patients and Methods A total of 69 thumbs treated with a LRTI arthroplasty of the CMCj were included. In 14 of those cases, an arthrodesis of the MCPj was performed as well. In 12 thumbs, both procedures were done simultaneously; in one case MCPj arthrodesis followed LRTI arthroplasty, whereas one patient already had MCPj arthrodesis at time of LRTI arthroplasty. Those 14 thumbs were compared with the control group of 55 thumbs who had only undergone LRTI. At a mean follow-up of 4 to 5 years (mean 54 [10–124] months) postoperative assessments included range of motion (ROM) of the CMC, MCP, and interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb, as well as any instability of the MCPj. Pinch and grip strength were examined, also the visual analogue scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, QuickDASH, PRWE-Thumb, and the Kapandji's Opposition Score. Radiologically, proximalization of the first metacarpal bone was measured. Student's t-test was used to determine significance, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Additional arthrodesis of the MCPj provided no significant difference of function in thumbs that only had a hyperextension-instability. However, in thumbs with marked ulnar instability, stronger pinch-grip was obtained with arthrodesis, compared with only LRTI. Conclusion In patients with advanced painful thumb CMCj osteoarthritis, we recommend (simultaneous) arthrodesis of the MCPj, to allow a stable thumb grip if there is additional marked ulnar collateral ligament instability. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, retrospective comparative study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenyong Xie ◽  
Hao Lu ◽  
Hailin Xu ◽  
Yuan Quan ◽  
Yijun Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Intraarticular impacted fragment (IAIF) of posterior malleolar fractures has been reported by a few studies. However its location, morphology, and the correlation of posterior malleolar fractures have not been described in detail. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of IAIF in posterior malleolar fractures, to analyze the related factors between IAIF and posterior malleolar fragments, and explore the treatment of IAIF. Materials and methods Between January 2013 and December 2018, 108 consecutive patients with unilateral posterior malleolar fractures were managed in our hospital. Basic demographic and computed tomography (CT) data were collected and classified by Lauge–Hansen, OTA/AO, Haraguchi, and Mason classification. Additional radiographic data, including the length and area of posterior malleolar fragment, IAIF, and stable tibial plafond were measured. The location of IAIF was described, and involvement of the fibular notch and medial malleolus was also observed. Statistics were analyzed based on univariate analysis (Chi-square test, t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Fisher’s test) and Spearman’s correlation test. Results Among the 108 cases of posterior malleolar fractures, 75 (69.4%) were with IAIF and 33 (30.6%) cases were without. There were 74 (68.5%) females and 34 (31.5%) males, and the average age of the patients was 49 years (18–89 years). The average LIFN/(LIFN + LSFN) [length of involving fibular notch/(length of involving fibular + length of stable notch fibular notch)] was 32.9% (11.6–64.9%). The APMF/(APMF + ASTP + AIAIF) [area of posterior malleolar fragment/(area of posterior malleolar fragment + area of IAIF + area of stable tibial plafond)] and AIAIF/APMF (area of IAIF/area of posterior malleolar fragment) were 13.1% (0.8–39.7%) and 52.6% (1.2–235.4%), respectively. Involvement of medial malleolus (fracture line extended to medial malleolus, P = 0.022), involvement of fibular notch (P = 0.021), LIFN/(LIFN + LSFN) (P = 0.037), LMPMF (P = 0.004), and APMF were significantly related to the occurrence of IAIF. Conclusion Our research indicates a high incidence of IAIF in posterior malleolar fractures. All IAIFs were found in posterior malleolar, and the most common location was within the lateral area A. Posterior malleolar fracture lines that extend to medial malleolus or fibular notch herald the incidence of IAIF. LIFN/(LIFN + LSFN), LMPMF and APMF are also associated with the incidence of IAIF. CT scans are useful for posterior malleolar fractures to determine the occurrence of IAIF and make operational plans. Operation approach selection should be based on the morphology of posterior malleolar fragments and the location of IAIF. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective case analysis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyao Peng ◽  
Fan Su ◽  
Xiangyu Tang ◽  
Yuening Yang ◽  
Junyao Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The function of the distal tibiofibular ligament on the ankle in the occurrence of high ankle sprain (HAS) has been widely studied. Then, in different genders, the effect of the anatomical morphology of fibular notch (FN) on HAS is unclear. Therefore, on the basis of excluding the anatomical differences caused by gender, we explore the impact of different types of FN on the severity of HAS.Methods: We selected 120 patients and further classified these 120 patients into four HAS groups according to FN depth with deep concave type FN ≥ four mm and shallow flat type FN < four mm. A further 120 normal individuals were served as a control group. FN morphological indicators, tibiofibular distance (TFD), and ankle mortise indexes were measured and compared between patients and control groups.Results: In males with shallow flat type, the Anterior tibiofibular distance (aTFD), Middle tibiofibular distance (mTFD), Posterior tibiofibular distance (pTFD), Front tibial width (FTiW), Middle tibial width (MTiW), Posterior tibial width (PTiW) and Depth of ankle mortise (DOAM) of HAS group were higher than those in normal group (P < 0.05). In males with deep concave type, the aTFD, mTFD and DOAM of patients were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Among females with shallow flat type, the aTFD, mTFD, pTFD, FTiW and MTiW in HAS group were greater than those in normal group (P < 0.05). Among the females with deep concave type, the mTFD and pTFD of patients were higher (P < 0.05).Conclusions: After analyzing the morphological indicators of FN, it is found that in both males and females, HAS patients have significant differences in TFD and certain ankle mortise indexes compared with normal people. But more importantly, the above abnormalities are often more common in HAS patients with shallow flat FN, indicating that shallow flat FN may be related to more serious distal tibiofibular ligament injury and ankle mortise widening, resulting in a worse prognosis.Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-264
Author(s):  
Samuel Braza ◽  
Nacime Salomão Barbachan Mansur ◽  
Vineel Mallavarapu ◽  
Kepler Alencar Mendes de Carvalho ◽  
Kevin Dibbern ◽  
...  

Objective: To assess whether traditional hallux valgus (HV) measurements obtained with conventional radiography (CR) correspond to those obtained with weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT). Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 26 HV feet and 20 control feet were analyzed with CR and WBCT. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), interphalangeal angle (IPA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), sesamoid station (SS), and first metatarsal head shape were measured. Chi-square tests were used to compare hallux valgus and control patients. T-tests were used to compare CR and WBCT. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: WBCT was capable of discriminating patients with HV from controls, showing higher mean values for HV patients than controls in HVA (35.29 and 9.02, p < 0.001), IMA (16.01 and 10.01, p < 0.001), and DMAA (18.90 and 4.10, p < 0.001). When comparing the two methods, differences were not significant between CR and WBCT measurements in HVA (-0.84, p = 0.79), IMA (-0.93, p = 0.39), IPA (1.53, p = 0.09), or SS (p = 0.40), but were significant for DMAA (13.43, p < .0001). CR analysis yielded varied metatarsal head shapes, while all WBCT shape classifications were round.  Conclusion: Unidimensional HV measurements were similar between WBCT and CR, while more three-dimensional findings were not. CR may be used to assess the axial aspects of HV, but multidimensional aspects of the deformity may not be accurately assessed with plain radiographs. Level of Evidence III; Therapeutic Studies; Retrospective Case-Control Study.


Author(s):  
Thomas Rohwedder ◽  
Peter Böttcher

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of static axial radioulnar incongruence (sRUI) measured under general anaesthesia with the real in vivo dynamic RUI (dRUI) during walking. Study design This was a prospective clinical study that included 6 sound elbows (5 dogs) and 7 medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) affected elbows (6 dogs). Materials and Methods Static axial radioulnar incongruence was measured using the sphere fitting technique on computed tomography-based three-dimensional (3D) models of radius and ulna. The in vivo pose of radius and ulna was derived from radiostereometric analysis during the walk and transferred onto previously calculated 3D models. Dynamic RUI was measured on those adjusted models using the sphere fitting technique, providing a measurement of RUI over time during walk. Results Mean sRUI was 0.2 mm (standard deviation [SD]: 0.30) in control and 1.4 mm (SD: 0.73) in elbow joints with MCPD; being significantly different (p = 0.0035; confidence interval [CI]: 0.4772–1.8824). Mean dRUI in controls (−0.4 mm; SD: 0.47) was significantly different (p = 0.0004; CI: 0.9918–2.5225) from dRUI in the affected elbows (1.4 mm; SD: 0.73). Comparison of sRUI and dRUI within each group showed difference in the control group (0.2 vs. −0.4 mm; p = 0.0138; CI: 0.1820–1.0014). In affected elbows, no difference between sRUI and dRUI was found (1.4 vs. 1.4 mm; p = 0.8963). Conclusion In normal elbow joints, sRUI does not represent the in vivo condition during weight bearing. Dynamic and slightly negative RUI occurs during loading (0.2 mm positive to −0.4 mm negative RUI). In MCPD affected elbows with sRUI, no dynamic change of RUI occurs during the walk.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung-Mok Oh ◽  
Seong-Il Bin ◽  
Jae-Young Kim ◽  
Bum-Sik Lee ◽  
Jong-Min Kim

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the discrepancy of alignment categorization in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the anatomical femorotibial angle (aFTA) measured on short knee radiographs and the mechanical hip–knee–ankle axis angle (mHKA) measured on full-length radiographs in knees with and without bowing. Methods From January 2014 to June 2017, 107 of 526 osteoarthritic knees at our hospital were found to have femoral or tibial bowing. Bowing was defined as a femoral bowing angle (FBA) > 3° or < − 3° or a tibial bowing angle (TBA) > 2° or < − 2° in full-length preoperative radiographs. Among 419 knees without bowing, we selected 107 knees as a control group using propensity-score matching. Postoperative alignments were categorized by aFTA in short knee radiographs and mHKA in full-length radiographs into neutral (2° ≤ aFTA≤7°, − 3° ≤ mHKA≤3°), varus (aFTA< 2°, mHKA<− 3°), and valgus (aFTA> 7°, mHKA> 3°) alignments. We compared the categorization of alignments between knees with and without bowing using the McNemar test and used logistic regression to find factors for the alignment discordance. Results Coronal alignment was discordant in 26.2% of the knees with bowing and 13.1% of the knees without bowing (p < 0.001). FBAs were a significant factor affecting the discordance of alignment categorization (OR = 1.152, 95%CI 1.038–1.279, p = 0.008). Conclusion Short knee radiographs are insufficient for estimating coronal alignment after TKA, particularly in knees with femoral bowing. Level of evidence: III Retrospective comparative study.


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