Limited magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine has high sensitivity for detection of acute fractures, infection, and malignancy.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine how a limited protocol MR examination compares to a full conventional MR examination for the detection of non-degenerative pathology such as acute fracture, infection, and malignancy.

Materials And Methods: A sample of 349 non-contrast MR exams was selected retrospectively containing a 3:1:1:1 distribution of negative/degenerative change only, acute fracture, infection, and malignancy. This resulted in an even distribution of pathology and non-pathology.

Treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts by percutaneous CT-guided injection of calcitonin and steroid.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of percutaneous calcitonin and steroid injection in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs).

Materials And Methods: Our study was IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant. We reviewed pre- and post-procedural imaging studies and medical records of all CT-guided percutaneous injections of ABCs with calcitonin and steroid performed at our institution between 2003 and 2015.

Imaging Findings of Metabolic Bone Disease.

Metabolic bone diseases are a diverse group of diseases that result in abnormalities of (a) bone mass, (b) structure mineral homeostasis, (c) bone turnover, or (d) growth. Osteoporosis, the most common metabolic bone disease, results in generalized loss of bone mass and deterioration in the bone microarchitecture. Impaired chondrocyte development and failure to mineralize growth plate cartilage in rickets lead to widened growth plates and frayed metaphyses at sites of greatest growth.

Retrospective analysis of intravertebral collateral enhancement in patients with central venous obstruction.

Objective: To compare prevalence and patterns of intravertebral collateral enhancement in patients with and without central venous obstruction (CVO).

Materials And Methods: Chest CTs performed between 1/1/2000 and 12/15/2012 with reports containing terms indicating CVO were identified. All contrast enhanced CTs were examined for the presence of CVO and collateral venous pathways.

Eosinophilic fasciitis-like disorder developing in the setting of multiple sclerosis therapy.

Importance: Dimethyl fumarate received FDA approval in March 2013 for treatment of multiple sclerosis and has had a rapid uptake in the field due in large part to a favorable safety profile. Side effects of dimethyl fumarate include flushing, gastrointestinal discomfort, and peripheral eosinophilia. We report a case of eosinophilic fasciitis-like disorder occurring in the setting of oral dimethyl fumarate therapy.

MRI findings of rotator cuff myotendinous junction injury.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe the MRI features of rotator cuff myotendinous junction injuries.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively identified MRI cases with myotendinous junction injury of the rotator cuff muscles and reviewed clinical, imaging, and surgical records. MR images were reviewed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists to grade myotendinous junction injuries (strain, partial tear, or complete tear) and to assess for concurrent tendon tears (partial or full thickness) and bone changes (fracture or contusion).

Association between distal ulnar morphology and extensor carpi ulnaris tendon pathology.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between distal ulnar morphology and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon pathology.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 71 adult wrist MRI studies with ECU tendon pathology (tenosynovitis, tendinopathy, or tear), and/or ECU subluxation. Subjects did not have a history of trauma, surgery, infection, or inflammatory arthritis.

Optimization and standardization of technique for fluoroscopically guided suprascapular nerve blocks.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to standardize the fluoroscopically guided suprascapular nerve block technique by optimizing patient positioning and imaging features that predict suprascapular notch visibility.

Materials And Methods: One hundred fifty-five consecutive patients underwent suprascapular nerve block from January 2010 through August 2012. The effect of arm position on suprascapular notch visibility and procedure parameters such as fluoroscopy time were evaluated using a chi-square test and a nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test, respectively.

Extrinsic wrist ligaments: prevalence of injury by magnetic resonance imaging and association with intrinsic ligament tears.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of extrinsic wrist ligament injury by magnetic resonance imaging and its association with intrinsic ligament tears.

Methods: We reviewed conventional magnetic resonance images performed over a 5-year period from adult patients in the setting of wrist trauma. Two musculoskeletal radiologists examined the integrity of wrist ligaments and presence of bone abnormalities.

Musculoskeletal neoplasms: biopsy and intervention.

Percutaneous core needle biopsy and fine-needle aspiration are safe and cost-effective methods and can be important steps in the workup of a bone or soft tissue lesion. These procedures should be performed in collaboration with the orthopedic oncologist who performs the definitive surgery. In the extremities, attention to compartmental anatomy is paramount.

Tumors and diseases of the joint.

A variety of different diseases affect the synovium, including infection, noninfectious immunologic inflammatory conditions, degenerative arthroses, crystal deposits, trauma, and tumors. Tumors of the synovium are relatively uncommon. Any mesenchymal tumor may arise in the synovium, but most recapitulate its normal counterpart including synoviocytes, blood vessels, fat, and fibrous tissue.

Well-differentiated osteosarcoma of the jaw bones: a clinicopathologic study of 15 cases.

Well-differentiated osteosarcoma of the jaw bones is rare, and is often confused with a variety of benign fibroosseous lesions. To better understand its clinicopathologic features, we reviewed our experience with 15 cases. The patients included 7 males and 8 females (age range 14 to 66 y; mean 42.

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee.

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee presents with acute onset of severe, pain in elderly patients, usually female and usually without a history of trauma. Originally described as idiopathic osteonecrosis, the exact etiology is still debated. Evidence suggests that an acute fracture occurs as a result of chronic stress or minor trauma to a weakened subchondral bone plate.

Imaging of pseudoneoplastic masses associated with allografts.

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the imaging features of non-neoplastic masses suspected of being tumor recurrences adjacent to allografts. The allografts were utilized for the treatment of various musculoskeletal tumors.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of 56 patients who were suspected of having recurrent tumors following surgical resection and allograft replacement treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal neoplasms.

Idiopathic and diabetic skeletal muscle necrosis: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: Idiopathic and diabetic-associated muscle necrosis are similar, uncommon clinical entities requiring conservative management and minimal intervention to avoid complications and prolonged hospitalization. An early noninvasive diagnosis is therefore essential. We evaluated the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of muscle necrosis in 14 patients, in eight of whom the diagnoses were confirmed histologically.

MR appearance of SONK-like subchondral abnormalities in the adult knee: SONK redefined.

Objective: To investigate the MR characteristics of SONK-like (spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee) subchondral abnormalities in the adult atraumatic knee and to recategorize these patients into two subgroups: a subacute to chronic process associated with osteoarthritis and an acute process associated with insufficiency fractures.

Design: We retrospectively examined the knee MRIs of 39 patients with non-specific interpretations of osteochondral abnormalities.

Patients: There were a total of 52 subchondral lesions without any known traumatic event and no prior surgery.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound: an alternative imaging modality for sports-related injuries.

Advanced technology and increasing clinical experience have established sonography as a reliable imaging modality for sports-related injuries. Tears of muscles and tendons, tendinosis, and tenosynovitis are promptly diagnosed using ultrasound. Dynamic assessment of joints can be performed, allowing diagnoses of conditions that may remain undetected when evaluated with conventional magnetic resonance imaging.