Diagnostic performance of a 3D double-echo steady-state sequence at 3 T using radial reformats for detecting and grading rotator cuff tears: a pilot diagnostic accuracy study with magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic correlation.

Background: In diagnosing rotator cuff tears (RCTs), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice, and its accuracy is improving constantly.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a high-resolution 3D double-echo steady-state (DESS) sequence with radial and paracoronal 3-T MRI regarding the grading of RCTs in correlation with conventional 2D MRI and arthroscopic findings.

Material And Methods: We retrospectively compared arthroscopic findings of RCTs with preoperative MRI, including conventional 2D sequences and radial and paracoronal DESS images in 20 patients.

Treatment of unstable hips with the Tübingen splint in early postnatal period: radiological mid-term results of 75 hips with mean follow-up of 5.5 years.

Purpose: For treatment of unstable hips, the Tübingen splint is a treatment option. After the initial treatment, regular radiological follow-up examinations are recommended but there is a lack of long-term outcome studies. Therefore, the further development of unstable hips treated with the Tübingen splint were evaluated.

The acromiohumeral distance in the MRI should not be used as a decision criterion to assess subacromial space width in shoulders with an intact rotator cuff.

Purpose: The acromiohumeral distance is in practice often evaluated on MRI by radiologists and a reduction diagnosed as subacromial impingement. However, the acromiohumeral distance as indicator for a decentered glenohumeral joint is defined on a true AP radiograph with the patient standing or sitting. The present study therefore evaluated the influence of the patient position by comparing the acromiohumeral distance in both modalities in shoulders with an intact rotator cuff.

Histologic examination of the shoulder capsule shows new layer of elastic fibres between synovial and fibrous membrane.

Purpose: In the present study, a systematic histological analysis of the glenohumeral joint capsule was conducted.

Materials And Methods: 12 cadaveric shoulders were examined. Inclusion criteria were: 1) intact joint capsule and 2) fixation in neutral position.

Lumbar lordosis as tool to assess the level of pain in patients with low back pain after lumbar disc herniation.

Background: It is presently unknown if lumbar lordosis (LL) might be applied to monitor low back pain (LBP) in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). There is presently only conflicting data that does not show a correlation of LL with LBP: Previous studies do either include chronic LBP or do not consider that each patient has an individual value of LL that cannot be compared to other patients.

Methods: Power analysis: At least 32 patients had to be enrolled in the study.