SKELETAL RADIOLOGY

Radiological follow-up in metacarpal fractures: necessity, costs, and environmental impact
van Barreveld M, de Haes FI, Twigt B, van Veen RN, Dijkgraaf MGW and Salentijn DA
Metacarpal fractures are common injuries that are frequently managed with repeated radiological follow-up, although the clinical value of routine imaging is uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and clinical impact of follow-up imaging in patients with metacarpal fractures treated operatively or non-operatively, and to quantify the associated financial and environmental impact.
Study on radiographic grading of ankle joint in adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease in Shaanxi and Gansu Province, China
Ji-Feng J, Xin-Ke Z, Zheng-Ming S, Hao Y, Fei-Xiang M, Zhan-Kui J, Xue-Yuan W, Shi-Zhang L, Ming C and Ming L
This paper aims to establish an X-ray imaging grading for assessing ankle joints in adult Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and investigate its correlation with clinical grading of finger and ankle pain.
Ultrasound-guided treatments of the knee: a narrative review
Stewart ZE, French C, Maley O, Ross AB and Lee KS
Minimally invasive ultrasound-guided techniques enable physicians to treat common musculoskeletal injuries of the knee. In addition to standard injectable anti-inflammatory treatments, other image-guided procedures are emerging, including injectable orthobiologics (i.e., platelet-rich plasma), needle tenotomy, and cyst fenestrations. Here, the rationale and technique for ultrasound-guided treatments for common knee ailments are reviewed.
Dual-energy CT for detection of knee fractures as alternative to MRI
Foti G, Tripodi G, Ocello G, Spezia A, Monterubbiano L, Booz C, Manenti G and Spoto F
Dual-energy CT (DECT) has emerged as a valuable imaging modality in musculoskeletal radiology, offering unique capabilities through virtual non-calcium reconstructions and spectral analysis. This narrative review examines the current evidence and clinical applications of DECT as an alternative to MRI in acute knee trauma evaluation. We discussed the technical principles of DECT, including virtual non-calcium imaging for bone marrow edema detection, metal artifact reduction techniques, and soft tissue assessment capabilities. The review covers six key clinical applications: complex fractures with articular involvement, subtle impacted fractures, stress fractures and healing assessment, imaging around metallic implants, osteochondritis dissecans evaluation, fracture assessment in specific knee locations. Current evidence indicates that DECT can detect bone marrow edema with sensitivity and specificity comparable to MRI, while providing distinct advantages in availability, acquisition speed, and compatibility with metallic implants. The advent of photon-counting CT technology is expected to further enhance both spatial resolution and spectral differentiation. Although MRI remains the gold standard for comprehensive assessment of knee trauma, DECT offers a practical alternative in selected clinical scenarios-particularly in emergency settings and in patients with contraindications to MRI. Future studies should aim to standardize acquisition protocols and establish evidence-based guidelines to support its optimal clinical application.
Acute and chronic injury of the knee articular cartilage: prevalence, injury mechanisms, MRI assessment and association with osteoarthritis
Marth AA and Link TM
Knee articular cartilage lesions resulting from acute or chronic injury are frequently encountered in routine clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Acute lesions typically occur following recreational or athletic activity and are often associated with concomitant internal knee derangements, whereaschronic lesions are thought to result from repetitive loading that exceeds physiological thresholds in both magnitude and frequency. Accurate characterization of cartilage lesion size, depth, and subchondral bone involvement is clinically relevant, as it directly influences therapeutic decision-making. In clinical practice, MRI evaluation of the knee cartilage is primarily performed using intermediate-weighted, two-dimensional fast spin-echo sequences, preferably with high spatial resolution and at 3 Tesla. Looking ahead, machine learning approaches hold promise for improving the prediction of osteoarthritis by integrating pathologic imaging findings with complementary sources of information such as clinical parameters, quantitative biomarkers, and patient-reported outcomes.
Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of ultrasound imaging in primary adhesive capsulitis diagnosis
Morandeira C, Diez F, Ruiz B, Cardenal J, Saenz M and Del Cura JL
Compare the ultrasound findings in primary adhesive capsulitis and a control group to determine the sonographic diagnostic performance.
Development and evaluation of multimodal ultrasound radiomics models for predicting active inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
Tian H, Liu J, Li S and Yang T
To develop a multimodal ultrasound radiomics model integrating power Doppler (PD) and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) data, combined with clinical baseline characteristics, and to evaluate its predictive performance for active inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
TEST YOURSELF: a 27-year-old man with back pain
Tsuji AHS, Tsuji LK, Fujino E, do Amaral E Castro A, Onishi FJ, Cardili L, da Rocha Correa Fernandes A, Guimarães JB and Aihara AY
Cost-effectiveness of opportunistic CT versus clinical methods for sarcopenia screening
Padwal J, Hanly A, Johnston A, Lenchik L, Gyftopoulos S and Boutin RD
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of opportunistic CT for sarcopenia screening compared with standard-of-care clinical screening methods, using a decision-analytic model based on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and healthcare costs.
Medial meniscal stabilizers, variants, and injuries of the knee
Moreno M, Gomez AV, Smitaman E and Chang EY
The stability and function of the medial meniscus is linked to the complex anatomy and biomechanics of the medial, posteromedial, and posterior knee capsuloligamentous structures, including the superficial medial collateral ligament, deep medial collateral ligament, posterior oblique ligament, semimembranosus tendon and its expansions including the oblique popliteal ligament, and the meniscocapsular and meniscotibial ligaments. These components provide static and dynamic stability against valgus stress, tibial rotation, and anterior tibial translation. Injuries to these structures can contribute to meniscal pathology including extrusion, ramp lesions, early cartilage degeneration, and failure of cruciate ligament reconstructions. MRI plays a crucial role in the evaluation of these structures, aiding in diagnosis and allowing for an understanding of injury patterns. However, anatomic variations and differences in classification schemes may create challenges, particularly with regard to ramp lesions which occur at the posteromedial meniscocapsular junction. These lesions are frequently associated with anterior cruciate ligament tears and are often underdiagnosed without careful imaging evaluation or special attention during arthroscopy. In this article, we will discuss the anatomy (including historical and contemporary perspectives) and injury patterns of the medial supporting structures, posteromedial corner, and posterior capsular junction of the medial meniscus of the knee with a focus on MRI. Recognition of nuanced anatomy and pathology of these stabilizing structures is essential for appropriate treatment planning and optimization of patient outcomes. Key Points 1) Medial meniscal stability relies on complex interactions between the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL), deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL), posterior oblique ligament (POL), semimembranosus tendon, and posteromedial meniscocapsular structures resisting valgus, rotational, and translational forces. 2) sMCL injuries often co-occur with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posteromedial corner tears and precise localization is key. Proximal tears are most common, while distal tears may require surgery due to potential soft tissue interposition. 3) The semimembranosus tendon and expansions contribute to posteromedial knee stability and mobilization of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus during knee flexion, preventing meniscal impingement and tears. 4) Ramp lesions at the posteromedial meniscocapsular junction frequently accompany ACL tears and are difficult to detect without careful analysis on MRI and arthroscopy.
Persistent notochordal canal
Savarese LG, de Andrade Hernandes M, Simão MN, Agnollitto PM, Correa FBP, Papalexis N and Nogueira-Barbosa MH
Diagnostic value of a second-generation super-resolution deep learning-based reconstruction combined with a metal artifact reduction algorithm for pelvic CT
Takaishi T, Yasaka K, Miyamoto K, Gotoda K, Sato C and Abe O
To evaluate the impact of combining a second-generation super-resolution deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR2) with a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm in CT images of patients with metal hip implants by assessing both quantitative metrics and qualitative reader ratings.
Relevance of vertebral fractural deformity for hip fracture prediction: a community-based study of older Chinese women and men
Wáng YXJ, Leung JCS and Kwok TCY
To estimate hip fracture (Fx) risk if one or more vertebral fractures are detected in an otherwise healthy older woman or man.
Late-onset osteolysis and pathologic tibial plateau fracture following synthetic Gore-Tex ACL and PCL grafts: a complication after 38 years
Oles AR, Criss C, Chapin R, DeVita R, Kahn J, Hansen EJ, Hughes JF and Rutigliano S
Gore-Tex or expandable polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) was commonly used for synthetic ACL and PCL graft reconstruction in the late 1980s, but was discontinued owing to high failure rates and osteolytic complications. While this is an uncommon complication within the initial 20 years of post-graft implantation, the effects of these ligaments at much longer follow-up have little documentation due to increasing rarity. We present a case of a 64-year-old male with massive osteolysis first suspected to be extensive subchondral cystic changes secondary to advanced osteoarthritis. Two years after the initial presentation of knee pain, the patient represented with a tibial plateau fracture through the massive osteolytic lesion. CT imaging and pathology favored particle wear osteolysis secondary to the implanted grafts. The patient was treated with partial graft removal and TKA with a revision-style tibial stem. This case highlights the rare, long-term complications of synthetic ligament grafts, including progressive osteolysis and pathologic fracture decades after implantation. Synthetic graft-related osteolysis should be considered in patients with a remote history of graft reconstruction presenting with late-onset joint instability or fractures. CT imaging is crucial in evaluating the degree of osteolysis as a staged surgical approach with bone grafting may be necessary for severe cases.
Answer: a 27-year-old man with back pain
Tsuji AHS, Tsuji LK, Fujino E, do Amaral E Castro A, Onishi FJ, Cardili L, da Rocha Correa Fernandes A, Guimarães JB and Aihara AY
Diagnostic performance of X-ray-based deep learning models for detecting ankle and foot fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Pahlevan-Fallahy MT, Hosseinzadeh N, Shaker F, Asgari AM, Teymouri Athar MM and Rouzrokh P
Lower extremity fractures are prevalent in vulnerable populations leading to significant burdens, which highlight the need for timely and precise diagnosis. Integrating deep learning with imaging findings has shown promising results for enhancing fracture detection accuracy. This study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of AI models using X-ray images to detect ankle and foot fractures and investigates the probable factors influencing their performance.
Liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor: radiographic reporting frequency, pathologic correlation, and malignant transformation
Zandee van Rilland ED, Riley GM, Garner HW, Edgar MA, Charville GW, Steffner RJ and Boutin RD
To analyze the experience at our institutions with liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor (LSMFT) regarding radiographic reporting, pathologic correlation, and follow-up for malignant transformation.
Editorial: Peroneal tendon shapes-the case-control design conundrum
Stewart ZE and Pineda LB
Accuracy and reliability of 2D and 3D femoral version measurements on CT scans of 3D-printed haptic femur models: which method is most robust to changes in hip position?
Maroyan A, Faria PH, Iwasaka-Neder J, Tsai A, Livingston K, Millis MB and Bixby SD
To compare the accuracy and reliability of 2D and 3D methods for measuring femoral version against an anatomic reference standard using 3D-printed femoral phantoms.
Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for meniscal tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Hassan R, Poku D, Chan O and Maffulli N
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for meniscal injuries using arthroscopy as the reference standard.
53-year-old woman with low back pain
Savarese LG, de Andrade Hernandes M, Simão MN, Agnollitto PM, Correa FBP, Papalexis N and Nogueira-Barbosa MH