Grading the severity of the rotator cuff tendinosis on MRI: Assessment of inter-observer agreement and evaluation of a novel objective assessment tool.

Introduction: MRI is generally considered the modality of choice for the assessment of rotator cuff pathology including tendinosis. Assessment of severity is currently subjective primarily based on tendon morphology and signal intensity. Limited data are available evaluating the inter-observer agreement regarding the assessment of tendinosis severity.

Evidence of healing of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears following arthroscopic augmentation with a collagen implant: a 2-year MRI follow-up.

Background: partial-thickness rotator cuff tears frequently enlarge due to increased local strain and often progress to full-thickness tears. Studies suggest the addition of new tendinous tissue to injured cuff tendons would significantly decrease peak strain, possibly protecting against tear progression. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of a highly-porous collagen implant to induce new tissue formation and limit tear progression when placed on the bursal surface of partial-thickness cuff tears.

Preliminary investigation of a biological augmentation of rotator cuff repairs using a collagen implant: a 2-year MRI follow-up.

Background: the inability to restore the normal tendon footprint and limit strains on the repair site are thought to contribute to re-tearing following rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to use a collagen implant to augment rotator cuff repairs through the restoration of the native tendon footprint and the induction of new tissue to decrease overall tendon strain.

Methods: repairs of full-thickness rotator cuff lesions in 9 adult patients were augmented with a novel collagen implant placed over the bursal surface of the repair.

Imaging of tumors in the ankle and foot.

Common bone and soft tissue tumors in the foot and ankle are described in this article, and x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics are given. Ultrasound can be used for limited indications only, noting that ultrasound features are nonspecific. Of the bone and soft tissue tumors, approximately 7% occur in the foot and ankle.

Skiing and snowboarding injuries: a review with a focus on mechanism of injury.

Skiing and snowboarding are ever increasing in popularity, with participation across a wide patient demographic. This article focuses on common skiing and snowboarding injuries, with an emphasis on unique mechanisms of injury and discusses the contribution of equipment design to evolving patterns of injury. Knowledge of mechanisms of injury and injury patterns allows a targeted approach to the interpretation of imaging modalities in this patient population.