Karen Finlay

Ultrasound of the knee

Abstract Ultrasound is emerging as a viable imaging modality in the diagnosis and assessment of the musculoskeletal system. Advantages of ultrasound include its easy availability and multiplanar capability, as well as economic advantages. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound demonstrates the fibrillar microanatomy of tendons, ligaments and muscles, enhancing its diagnostic capability. The ability to compress, dynamically assess structures and compare easily with the contralateral side is advantageous. The patient’s exact point of clinical tenderness can be correlated with underlying anatomical structures and associated pathology. The main strength of knee ultrasound is the assessment of para-articular disease. The specific structures best suited for ultrasound assessment include tendons, muscles and ligaments, as well as periarticular soft tissue masses. Joint effusions, synovial thickening, bursal fluid collections, intra-articular loose bodies, ganglion cysts, ligament and tendons tears, tendonitis and occult fractures can be diagnosed. With experience, ultrasound is a time-efficient, economical imaging tool for assessment of the knee.

Multimodality Imaging of Peripheral Neuropathies of the Upper Limb and Brachial Plexus

The peripheral nerves of the upper limb are affected by a number of entrapment and compression neuropathies. These discrete syndromes involve the brachial plexus as well as the musculocutaneous, axillary, suprascapular, ulnar, radial, and median nerves. Clinical examination and electrophysiologic studies are the traditional mainstay of diagnostic work-up; however, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging provide spatial information regarding the affected nerve and its surroundings, often assisting in narrowing the differential diagnosis and guiding treatment. Imaging is particularly valuable in complex cases with discrepant nerve function test results. Familiarity with the clinical features of various peripheral neuropathies of the upper extremity, the relevant anatomy, and the most common sites and causes of nerve entrapment assists in diagnosis and treatment.

Ultrasound of the elbow

The elbow is an important synovial hinge joint of the upper extremity. This joint represents a common site of musculoskeletal symptomatology, affecting all age groups. The advantages of ultrasound imaging of the elbow include easy availability, multiplanar capability and the ability to assess structures dynamically. Patient symptomatology and site of maximal tenderness can be directly correlated with imaging findings. Comparison is easily made with the contralateral side. Particular strengths include the ability to assess para-articular structures, such as regional tendons and ligaments, in addition to assessment of joint effusions, loose bodies and regional bursae. With operator experience and excellent technique, ultrasound is a valuable imaging tool for assessment of disorders of the elbow joint.

Use of a calcium sulfate-calcium phosphate synthetic bone graft composite in the surgical management of primary bone tumors.

Benign primary bone tumors are commonly treated with intralesional curettage with or without the use of surgical adjuvants. The reconstructive approach to the resulting contained bone defects is controversial, and clinical practice is varied. Synthetic bone substitutes may provide early mechanical support while minimizing the risks of disease transmission, nonunion, infection, and donor-site morbidity. Limited data exists regarding the use of calcium sulfate-calcium phosphate composite bone substitute for this purpose. The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 24 patients with benign primary bone tumors who underwent intralesional curettage followed by reconstruction with a calcium sulfate-calcium phosphate composite bone substitute. Mean follow-up was 23 months. The most common diagnosis was giant cell tumor of bone. Six patients had upper-extremity tumors and 18 had lower-extremity tumors. Mean preoperative radiographic tumor volume was 41.0 cm(3). Mean volume of PRO-DENSE (Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, Tennessee) used in each patient was 15.6 cm(3). Mean time to full weight bearing for all patients was 7.3 weeks. Two patients sustained local tumor recurrences. No postoperative fractures occurred, and no complications occurred related to the use of the calcium sulfate-calcium phosphate composite. One case of deep infection occurred secondary to wound breakdown. The use of a calcium sulfate-calcium phosphate composite was associated with rapid biological integration and an early return to activities of daily living, with no composite-related complications. This technique is a viable option in the reconstruction of cavitary bone defects following intralesional curettage of primary benign bone tumors.

Sonography of Intramuscular Myxomas The Bright Rim and Bright Cap Signs

Objective. The objective of this study was to retrospectively review sonographic images of pathologically proven soft tissue myxomas to determine whether a sonographic correlate to the bright rim and bright cap signs described in the magnetic resonance imaging literature is present. Methods. The study group consisted of 6 patients with pathologically proven soft tissue myxomas (1 man and 5 women; age range, 41–72 years; mean, 56.5 years). The available sonographic images for each subject were retrospectively reviewed by 2 authors (L.F. and K.F.), with agreement reached by consensus. Among other findings, images were also reviewed for a peripheral rim of increased echogenicity (termed the “bright rim sign”) and for the presence of a triangular hyperechoic area adjacent to at least one of the poles of the mass (termed the “bright cap sign”). Results. The bright rim and bright cap signs were seen in 5 (83%) of the 6 myxomas. The single case without the bright cap sign was not the same case as the one lacking the bright rim sign. Conclusions. The sonographic bright rim and bright cap signs were associated with 5 (83%) of the 6 intramuscular myxomas. These findings correlate with their magnetic resonance imaging equivalents, which are well documented in the literature, due to muscle atrophy and adjacent fatty infiltration. Recognition of these features may assist in a more accurate sonographic diagnosis before biopsy.

Imaging Review of Skeletal Tumors of the Pelvis—Part I: Benign Tumors of the Pelvis

The osseous pelvis is a well-recognized site of origin of numerous primary and secondary musculoskeletal tumors. The radiologic evaluation of a pelvic lesion often begins with the plain film and proceeds to computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and possibly biopsy. Each of these modalities, with inherent advantages and disadvantages, has a role in the workup of pelvic osseous masses. Clinical history and imaging characteristics can significantly narrow the broad differential diagnosis for osseous pelvic lesions. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the radiologist with the presentation and appearance of some of the common benign neoplasms of the osseous pelvis and share our experience and approach in diagnosing these lesions.

Pseudotumoral appearance of a ruptured epidermal cyst in the foot

We present a case of keratin granuloma due to a ruptured epidermal cyst, occurring in the foot, in a 52-year-old woman. The patient presented with a history of a slow-growing lump in the web space of the foot that had been present for over a year. Imaging appearances suggested a soft tissue neoplasm. Clinical presentation, radiological features and histopathological findings are described, and the relevant literature is reviewed.

Imaging Review of Skeletal Tumors of the Pelvis Malignant Tumors and Tumor Mimics

Malignant lesions of the pelvis are not uncommon and need to be differentiated from benign lesions and tumor mimics. Appearances are sometimes nonspecific leading to consideration of a broad differential diagnosis. Clinical history, anatomic location, and imaging characterization can help narrow the differential diagnosis. The focus of this paper is to demonstrate the imaging features and the role of plain films, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for detecting and characterizing malignant osseous pelvic lesions and their common mimics.

The Role of Ultrasonography in the Assessment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched by using PUBMED and OVID software. The search terms ‘‘carpal tunnel syndrome’’ (CTS), and ‘‘carpal tunnel syndrome and ultrasound’’ were used to identify 1,537 citations. Prospective clinical trials with defined control groups and clinical criteria for gold reference standard were selected for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The study group included at least 50 wrists, so to provide adequate power to the study, and the study compared results with a healthy control group. Blinding of the sonographer involved in measurements was also integrated in the study design. The study by Nakamichi and Tachibana [1] involved large patient and control group numbers (414 symptomatic wrists vs 408 control wrists). Nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed in both groups and were compared with sonography. The median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured by using the tracing method at 3 anatomical levels: the distal edge of the flexor retinaculum (level 1), the hook of