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A case of Little Leaguer's shoulder in a skeletally immature patient is described with a review of the English literature. This entity manifests as widening of the proximal humeral physis and is well known to our orthopedic colleagues. To our knowledge, however, there is little in the current radiologic literature describing Little Leaguer's shoulder. We describe such a case.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging in athletes with chronic groin pain and correlate with the clinical features. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: MR examinations performed in 52 athletes (51 male, 1 female; median age 26 years) with chronic groin pain and 6 asymptomatic control athletes (6 male; median age 29 years) were independently reviewed by two radiologists masked to the clinical details. Symptom duration (median 6 months) and clinical side of severity were recorded. Anatomical areas in the pelvis were scored for abnormality (as normal, mildly abnormal or abnormal) and an overall assessment for side distribution of abnormality was recorded, initially without post-gadolinium sequences and then, 3 weeks later (median 29 days), the post-gadolinium sequences only. Correlation between radiological and clinical abnormality was calculated by Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: Abnormal anterior pubis and enthesis enhancement significantly correlated with clinical side for both radiologists (both P=0.008). Abnormal anterior pubis and adductor longus enthesis oedema was significant for one radiologist ( P=0.009). All other features showed no significant correlation ( P>0.05). In the control cases there was no soft tissue abnormality but symphyseal irregularity was present ( n=2). For both radiologists assessment of imaging side severity significantly correlated with clinical side for post-gadolinium ( P=0.048 and P=0.023) but not non-gadolinium sequences ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The extent and side of anterior pubis and adductor longus enthesis abnormality on MR imaging significantly and reproducibly correlates with the athletes' current symptoms in chronic adductor-related groin pain.
Stress fractures are usually encountered in athletes; however, only eight such cases involving the metacarpal bones have been reported in the English literature. We report on the rare case of a 15-year-old female tennis player with a stress fracture of the second metacarpal bone.
OBJECTIVE: To review MR imaging of figure skaters and snowboarders presenting with painful soft-tissue swelling of the lateral supramalleolar region with a clinical provisional diagnosis of soft-tissue tumor. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: MR imaging was prospectively reviewed by two sub-specialized musculoskeletal radiologists. The findings were correlated with a second clinical review and examination of the shoe wear. The patients were four female athletes undergoing heavy training regimes, ranging in age between 16 and 25 years. Two patients were elite figure skaters, and two were professional snowboarders. Three patients had unilateral masses with pain, and one patient presented with bilateral clinical findings. RESULTS: MR imaging showed subcutaneous, focal soft-tissue masses of the supramalleolar region in five ankles at the same level above the ankle joint. MR imaging prompted a second clinical review and correlation with the shoe wear. The MR imaging findings correlated to the level of the shoe rim or shoe buckle in all patients, confirming the suspected MR imaging diagnosis of an impingement syndrome. All four sportswomen were training excessively, ignoring safety advice regarding training duration, timing of breaks, and shoe wear rotation. CONCLUSION: Ice skaters and snowboarders may present with persistent and disabling pain. On MR imaging, this corresponds to a focal soft-tissue abnormality, which may be due to subcutaneous fat impingement between the fibula and the shoe rim or shoe buckle.
OBJECTIVE: To correlate the anatomic and MR imaging characteristics of the area of intersection of the first and the second dorsal extensor tendon compartments (DETC) in the distal forearm in an attempt to improve the design of MR imaging protocols used for the evaluation of intersection syndrome. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Ten forearms of nine cadavers underwent MR imaging in the axial and sagittal-oblique planes before and after tenography with direct injection of a gadolinium-containing contrast agent into the first DETC in four forearms, the second DETC in four forearms, and both compartments in the remaining two forearms. The area of intersection between the first and second DETC was identified in each case as well as its distance from Lister's tubercle. Subsequently all forearms were sectioned in the axial (8 forearms) or sagittal-oblique planes (2 remaining forearms) to parallel the imaging planes. Detailed examination of each of the anatomic slices was performed in a search for anatomic variations and for possible anatomic connections of the tendons sheaths. One forearm was dissected to identify the area of intersection. RESULTS: The area of intersection between the first and second DETC occurred between 3.5 cm and 4.8 cm (mean 4.18 cm) proximal to Lister's tubercle. After tenography, gadolinium solution was noted in the third DETC in two of four specimens in which the second DETC was injected and in one of two specimens in which both the first and second DETC were injected. Extension of the gadolinium solution between the first and second DETC was noted during isolated injections of either compartment, although this finding may have related to iatrogenic injection effects. The axial plane was the most valuable for assessment of the area of intersection of the first and second DETC. CONCLUSION: MR imaging is a noninvasive method that can be used for the evaluation of distal forearm and wrist pain. Standard wrist protocols do not include the area of intersection between the first and second DETC and, in those cases in which intersection syndrome is suspected, the MR examination must be tailored to include the forearm.
Part I of this comprehensive review on magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow discusses normal elbow anatomy and the technical factors involved in obtaining high-quality magnetic resonance images of the elbow. Part I also discusses the role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating patients with osseous abnormalities of the elbow. With proper patient positioning and imaging technique, magnetic resonance imaging can yield high-quality multiplanar images which are useful in evaluating the osseous structures of the elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect early osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum and can be used to evaluate the size, location, stability, and viability of the osteochondritis dissecans fragment. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect early stress injury to the proximal ulna in athletes. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect radiographically occult fractures of the elbow in both children and adults. Magnetic resonance imaging is also useful in children to further evaluate elbow fractures which are detected on plain-film radiographs.
The MRI appearance of 'Little Leaguer's shoulder' has not been previously reported in the radiology literature. Purported etiologies include proximal humeral epiphyseolysis, osteochondrosis of the proximal humeral epiphysis, stress fracture of the proximal humeral epiphyseal plate, and rotational stress fracture of the proximal humeral epiphyseal plate. We describe magnetic resonance imaging findings in four patients and review the literature.
Little leaguer's shoulder, a stress injury of the proximal humeral physis, should be considered in the differential diagnosis for an adolescent baseball player with shoulder pain, especially if the player is pitching regularly in a competitive environment. While roentgenographs may or may not be helpful, depending on the duration and severity of the injury, we report the MRI appearance of a case of little leaguer's shoulder. We found MRI helpful in diagnosing injury to the growth plate that was radiographically occult; furthermore, we were able to document the patient's progress with a follow-up MRI examination, which showed improvement with treatment.
Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI) is a pathologic entity which can lead to chronic symptoms of pain, reduced range of motion in flexion and internal rotation, and has been shown to correlate with degenerative arthritis of the hip. History, physical examination, and supportive radiographic findings such as evidence of articular cartilage damage, acetabular labral tearing, and early-onset degenerative changes can help physicians diagnose this entity. Several pathologic changes of the femur and acetabulum are known to predispose patients to develop FAI and recognition of these findings can ultimately lead to therapeutic interventions. The two basic mechanisms of impingement-cam impingement and pincer impingement-are based on the type of anatomic anomaly contributing to the impingement process. These changes can be found on conventional radiography, MR imaging, and CT examinations. However, the radiographic findings of this entity are not widely discussed and recognized by physicians. In this paper, we will introduce these risk factors, the proposed supportive imaging criteria, and the ultimate interventions that can help alleviate patients' symptoms.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a subset of young patients (< 35 years) with acute, post-traumatic insults to the rotator cuff which mimic the early stages of impingement. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: One hundred and ninety-seven consecutive shoulder MR images were retrospectively reviewed, and the results of 83 clinically correlated. Two observers independently evaluated the location of intra-tendon signal and adjacent bone marrow abnormalities on T1- and T2-weighted images. These findings were correlated with age, history of trauma, and surgical or clinical follow-ups. RESULTS: Patients younger than 35 years had signal intensity that was more localized in atypical locations (posterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon), more commonly associated with marrow abnormalities (presumed bone bruise), and more often associated with trauma. Younger patients also were less likely to require surgery, especially if they showed bone bruises. This differentiated them from older patients (> 45 years), who demonstrated more widespread signal within the tendon, rare bone bruises, and more frequent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Localized tendon signal in atypical locations of the supraspinatus tendon, particularly when associated with bone bruise and young age, suggests the possibility of a post-traumatic strain.
The aim of this article is to report our experience in the diagnosis of two cases of iliac artery endofibrosis or arteriopathy, a rare entity occurring in high-performance athletes, presenting with intermittent claudication (right-sided in both) after maximal exercise. External iliac artery endofibrosis or arteriopathy is a likely diagnosis in competitive athletes free of cardiovascular risk factors who present with leg claudication. Arteriography and a papaverine-assisted mean pressure gradient across the iliac arteries of more than 10 mmHg is a useful diagnostic approach. Moreover, balloon angioplasty of the iliac artery in that patient, in whom a pressure gradient was detected, resulted in symptomatic relief for 2 months followed by mild symptom recurrence. Thus, although balloon angioplasty is feasible and safe, it might not be adequate to treat this entity and, thus, its value remains undefined.
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. In addition to known risk factors e.g. genetics, age and hormonal status it has been suggested that chronic-repetitive micro- and substantial (macro-) injury may play an important pathogenetic role. In a longitudinal case-study we examined Judo-players for clinical and radiological changes of the finger joints over the course of 16 years. All examined 8 players demonstrated soft tissue changes including Heberden nodes and radiological changes typical for osteoarthritis of the finger joints. Changes were symmetrical and were not restricted to joints with tendon ruptures or fractures in the anamnesis. Degenerative changes were progressive and more pronounced in active players. Subjectively, symptoms were usually mild. Extensive Judo seems to be a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis of the finger joints due to chronic-repetitive micro- and substantial (macro-) injury.
Iliotibial band friction syndrome is an overuse injury caused by repetitive friction of the iliotibial band across the lateral femoral epicondyle. It has been reported to afflict long-distance runners, cyclists and military personnel. Initial treatments include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, modalities (ice or heat), stretching, physical therapy, and possibly a corticosteroid injection. If the conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgery has been advocated. This report describes a new surgical technique to release the pressure on the lateral femoral epicondyle in a patient who failed the nonoperative efforts. The surgery was performed with the knee held in 30 degrees of flexion and consisted of multiple 2 mm long incisions across the fiber of the iliotibial band covering the lateral femoral epicondyle. There were six incisions, each of which was 4 mm apart. The incisions were spontaneously enlarged and changed to several punctured wounds (mesh appearance) by the tension of iliotibial band, resulted in relaxing the tight iliotibial band over the lateral femoral epicondyle. At the final follow-up 2 years after surgery the patient was pain free and could resume his previous occupational activities. The surgical result of the present technique is encouraging.
We present a case of a patient with complaints in both elbows, due to a prominent bicipital tuberosity with an enlarged bursa, in which operative resection was successful.
OBJECTIVES: To measure sensory perception and mechanical muscle function of the arm among experienced female computer users with (+sPC) and without (-sPC) symptoms compared with a control group (ctrl). METHODS: Group +sPC had severe symptoms in the hand/wrist and/or the forearm/elbow region. They worked with the computer 75% and used a computer mouse 50% of the working day. Group -sPC had no or minimal symptoms. They used the computer 80% and a computer mouse 58% of the working day. The control group had no symptoms and worked with the computer for 2 h or fewer per day. Sensory perception threshold was measured using vibrotactilometry at five sites on the right hand representing nn. medianus, ulnaris and radialis. Mechanical muscle function was assessed by measuring muscle strength, wrist extension endurance, hand-eye co-ordination, and range of motion. Furthermore, performance was measured during standardized computer work. RESULTS: The perception thresholds for +sPC were greater in the areas innervated by n. medianus and n. ulnaris than for non-symptomatic groups, indicating that nerve compression is involved. For n. radialis, no differences were found between groups. No difference in isometric muscle strength was found for hand-grip, wrist extension, vertical pinch-grip and knee extension. However, for horizontal pinch-grip (pronated forearm) lower values were obtained for the +sPC group than for non-symptomatic groups. At the end of the endurance task, the perceived exertion was highest for +sPC. Furthermore, slower recovery was found for +sPC. No differences in range of motion, hand-eye co-ordination, and error rate during computer work were found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Increased perception threshold values indicating entrapment of n. medianus and n. ulnaris were found for +sPC. Only few differences in mechanical muscle performance were found among the groups. The +sPC group had lower pinch-grip strength when measured in the pronated hand position, and the results indicated shorter muscle endurance for +sPC than for -sPC and ctrl.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective laboratory study was to follow newly employed workers in the fish or poultry industry for 6 months and investigate possible changes in sensory manifestations and motor performance during low load, repetitive work simulation. It was investigated whether the changes were an effect of employment duration and of development of neck-shoulder complaints. METHODS: Twelve newly employed female filleting employees without any sign of neck-shoulder tenderness/pain at the time of employment of 0 months took part in two laboratory recording sessions planned within 1 month of employment and after 6 months of employment at the plant. After 6 months, six workers out of 12 had developed pain and/or tenderness in the neck-shoulder region. The recording sessions evaluated sensory-motor aspects by measuring pressure pain threshold, work-task timing, cutting forces, surface electromyographic activity of four shoulder muscles, displacement of the centre of pressure, and 3D movements of the arm and trunk during simulation of low load, repetitive filleting. RESULTS: Effects due to the duration of employment were observed in both groups, i.e. decreased sensibility to pressure, decrease in the duration of the work cycle, increased arm starting position with respect to the upright position, and decreased range of motion of the arm and trunk (P<0.05) after 6 months. Among the workers with neck-shoulder complaints, increased sensibility to pressure, lower force level, higher electromyographic activity, decreased amplitude of arm movement, and increased trunk posture and movement amplitude (P<0.05) were observed, compared with workers without complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in terms of sensory manifestations and motor control strategy were seen after 6 months of employment with or without neck-shoulder complaints. In general, changes in sensory manifestations and motor control strategy after 6 months work were most likely of importance, as they underlined a learning process as employment duration increased. Moreover, the present sensory-motor changes observed among workers with neck-shoulder complaints highlighted the potential physical risk factors associated with low load, repetitive work.
OBJECTIVES: The aim was to explore whether symptoms, sensory perception and muscle strength among computer users with and without symptoms in forearm or hand had changed after 18 months. METHODS: Twenty-six out of 30 females, experienced computer users, from a baseline study participated in the follow-up. In addition, five control subjects participated. The subjects completed a questionnaire regarding exposure to computer work, prevalence and severity of symptoms, health status and physical activity. Perceived thresholds for vibration were measured twice with 3 h in between on the right hand on four different sites innervated by the radial, median or ulnar nerve. Furthermore, sensory perception was measured on the left hand on two sites innervated by the median and ulnar nerve, respectively. Skin temperature was measured at each site prior to sensory perception measurements. Maximal handgrip strength and maximal pinch-grip strength were measured for both hands. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent of the subjects who had symptoms at baseline still had symptoms and 21% of the subjects who did not have symptoms at baseline experienced symptoms at follow-up. The first and the second sensory perception measurement were highly correlated. Vibrotactile sensory threshold representing the radial nerve was increased since baseline among the subjects who originally had symptoms. At follow-up, the vibrotactile sense for the computer users who reported symptoms in forearm or hand at baseline was deteriorated for the sites representing the median, ulnar and radial nerves compared to the control group. Among the original symptom free subjects with intensive computer work increases in vibrotactile perception thresholds were found for the sites representing the median and ulnar nerves. Handgrip muscle strength remained unchanged for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that sensory dysfunctions as well as symptoms in forearm and hand among computer users to a high degree are persistent. Muscle strength seems to be well maintained.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a workplace ergonomic program to reduce musculoskeletal burden among newspaper employees and to understand relationships among participation, risk factor changes and health status within an employee cohort. METHODS: We conducted repeat cross-sectional surveys, with 1,003 employees from all major departments in 1996 and 813 in 2001, generating a cohort of 433 participants in both surveys. Elements of the ergonomic program included employee RSI (repetitive strain injury) training, pro-active assessment of workstations and workstation modifications, and encouragement of early treatment through on-site physiotherapy. Potential risk factors included biomechanical and work organizational aspects of office work. Health status measures included pain intensity and the Work-Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH). Repeat cross-sectional analyses incorporated modifications for shared variance. For the cohort, a theory of change informed path analyses using MPLUS. RESULTS: Among respondents in 2001, 69% reported participation in RSI training and 56% had workstation assessments. Among those with pain, 57% had consulted a health practitioner, including the on-site physiotherapist. In repeat cross-sectional analyses, the proportion reporting moderate pain or worse, at least once per month or for longer than 1 week, declined from 20 to 16% (p=0.01). Among the cohort, pain intensity and work disability in 1996 were the strongest predictors of 2001 health status (both p<0.001). Stable or increased supervisor awareness and concern about RSI was associated with decreased pain in 2001(p<0.01). Participation in RSI training was associated with increases in decision latitude (p<0.05), which themselves were associated with decreased work disability in 2001 (p<0.05). Increased time mousing was associated with increases in work disability (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a worksite ergonomics program was associated with a reduction in frequent and severe pain in the workforce. Changes in work disability were affected by multiple factors.