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To determine whether skip metastases (SM) in high-grade appendicular osteosarcoma (HG-OS) are an indicator of more aggressive disease. Retrospective review of patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis HG-OS of the long bones from 2007 to 2020, who had whole-bone MRI to identify SM. Data collected included patient age/gender, bone involved, the presence of SM, the presence of lung metastases from chest CT, the presence of distant bone metastases from whole-body bone scintigraphy or whole-body MRI, and chemotherapy response from resection specimen histology. The presence of lung or bone metastases and chemotherapy response were compared between patients without and with SM. The study included 241 patients (146 males; 95 females: mean age 18.2 years; range 4–73 years). Based on whole-bone MRI, 202 (83.8%) patients had no SM and 39 (16.2%) patients had a SM. Of patients without a SM, lung metastases were identified in 44 (22%) and distant bone metastases in 6 (3%) cases, while 80 (43%) had a good chemotherapy response and 105 (57%) had a poor chemotherapy response. Of patients with a SM, lung metastases were identified in 22 (58%) and distant bone metastases in 8 (21%) cases, while 11 (32%) had a good chemotherapy response and 23 (68%) had a poor chemotherapy response. The presence of SM was significantly associated with both lung metastases (p

Synovial sampling can be used in the diagnosis of peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The purpose of this study was to establish the role of simultaneous image-guided synovial aspiration and biopsy (SAB) during an initial 2-year experience at our institution. Retrospective review of consecutive SABs performed during 2014–2016 at a tertiary referral musculoskeletal centre. Radiological SAB microbiology culture results were compared with intra-operative surgical samples or multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting outcome at 1-year follow-up if surgery was not undertaken. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of synovial aspiration (SA), synovial biopsy (SB) and simultaneous SAB were calculated. 103 patients (46 male, 57 female) totalling 111 procedures were analysed with mean age 65 years (range 31–83). Image-guided synovial procedures were performed on 52 (46.9%) hip and 59 (53.1%) knee joint prostheses. The mean combined sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the entire cohort was 72.6%, 96.9% and 90%, respectively. When only SB was obtained, diagnostic accuracy (92.5%) was similar to SA alone (94.1%). In total, there were 21 (18.9%) true-positive, 80 (72.1%) true-negative, 2 (1.8%) false-positive and 8 (7.2%) false-negative cases (PPV 91.3% and NPV 90.9%). No post-procedural complications were recorded at 1-year follow-up. Percutaneous image-guided SAB is a valuable technique in assessing suspected PJI, with most samples indicative of infective status and causative organisms when validated against intra-operative results and specialist MDT evaluation. Image-guided SB is a safe and useful additional procedure following failed SA with equivalent levels of diagnostic accuracy.

Intra-medullary tumour length is accurately assessed on T1-weighted turbo spin echo (T1W TSE) MRI which can be relatively time consuming, whilst the gradient echo Dixon (T1W GrE Dixon) technique is a rapid sequence (imaging time ~ 30 s). The aim of this study was to determine if the out-of-phase Dixon (OP T1W GrE Dixon) sequence can produce equivalent measurements of intra-medullary tumour length compared to the T1W TSE sequence. Tumour length was assessed in 90 patients undergoing MRI for staging of primary bone tumours with both T1W TSE and OP T1W GrE Dixon MRI sequences at 3 T (n = 42) and 1.5 T (n = 48). Tumour length was measured independently by different observers allowing assessment of inter-observer correlation, and the correlation between measurements on T1W TSE and OP T1W GrE Dixon sequences was also determined. There were 53 males and 37 females (mean age 36.4 years; range 2–77 years). Inter-observer correlation for tumour length on both the T1W TSE and T1W OP GrE Dixon sequences was very good (ICC = 0.94–0.98), and measurement of tumour length comparing T1W TSE and T1W GrE Dixon was also very good (ICC = 0.91–0.99). In 4 cases, tumour length was significantly overestimated on T1W TSE images due to extensive reactive marrow oedema, but more accurately determined on the OP sequence when compared to resection specimens. The OP T1W GrE Dixon sequence is comparable to T1W TSE for assessment of the intra-medullary length of appendicular bone tumours, and more accurate in the presence of extensive reactive marrow oedema.

This pilot study aims to determine if tumour heterogeneity assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics-based texture analysis (TA) can differentiate between lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT)/well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDL). Thirty consecutive ALT/WDLs and 30 lipomas were included in the study, cases diagnosed both histologically and with murine double minute 2 (MDM2) gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) in excision specimens. Multiple patient, MRI and MRTA factors were assessed. Heterogeneity was evaluated using a filtration-histogram technique-based textural analysis on single axial proton density (PD) and coronal T1-W images of the most homogenously fatty component of the lesion. Thirty-three percent of the diagnoses of ALT/WDL vs lipoma were confirmed using FISH MDM2 analysis. ALT/WDLs were statistically different from lipomas in location (site in the body and depth from skin surface) and fat content, with p values of 0.021, 0.001, and 0.021 respectively. Nine of 36 (25%) texture parameters had significant differences between ALT/WDLs and lipomas on axial PD MRTA, with the most significant results at medium and coarse texture scales particularly mean intensity (p = 0.003) at SSF = 6, and kurtosis (p = 0.012) at SSF = 5. A cut-off value of

Extra-articular posteromedial talocalcaneal coalition (EA-PM TCC) accounts for approximately one-third of TCC, but its radiographic features are not well-described. The current study aims to compare the radiographic features of EA-PM TCC with normal ankles and with the commoner forms of TCC. A retrospective review of cases of TCC over 12 years for whom radiographs, CT, and/or MRI study were available. Radiographs were assessed by 2 radiologists for the presence of the C-sign, talar beak, dysmorphic sustentaculum, absent middle facet, and prominence of the posterior subtalar joint. TCC was classified by a third radiologist based on CT/MRI findings into 3 groups: no TCC, EA-PM TCC, and other TCCs. The radiographic findings for the 3 groups were compared. The study included 50 patients, 28 males and 22 females with a mean age of 21.1 years (range 8–70 years). In 15 patients, both ankles had been imaged, resulting in a total of 65 cases. In 17 ankles, no TCC was identified, while 15 ankles were classified as EA-PM TCC and 33 as having other types of TCC. There were no statistically significant differentiating radiological features between the groups with no TCC and EA-PM TCC apart from prominence of the posterior subtalar joint, while only the C-sign allowed identification of patients with other types of TCC. The study suggests that EA-PM TCC cannot be diagnosed based on the classical indirect radiological signs of TCC, but can be identified by prominence of the posterior subtalar joint.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) and telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) share several clinical and imaging features, including young presentation, long bone involvement, lytic appearance on radiography and fluid-fluid levels on MRI. Therefore, they may be difficult to differentiate. The aim of this study is to identify clinical, radiological and MRI features which aid differentiation of the two lesions. Retrospective review of all histologically confirmed ABC and TOS over an 11-year period. Data recorded include age at presentation, sex, skeletal location and various radiographic and MRI features. This retrospective study included 183 patients, 92 males and 91 females. Mean age at presentation of 18.4 years (range 1–70 years); 152 cases of ABC and 31 TOS. No significant difference between age and sex. TOS was significantly less likely to involve the axial skeleton; no difference related to location within the bone. Radiographic findings significantly favouring ABC included a less aggressive pattern of bone destruction, a purely lytic appearance, an expanded but intact cortex, no periosteal response and no soft tissue mass. MRI features significantly favouring ABC included smaller tumour size (maximum mean dimension 46 mm compared to 95 mm for TOS), absence of soft tissue mass, > 2/3 of the lesion filled with fluid levels and thin septal enhancement following contrast. Several radiographic and MRI features aid in the differentiation between ABC and TOS. Lesions with a geographic Type 1A or IB pattern of bone destruction which are completely filled with FFLs on MRI can confidently be diagnosed as ABC.

To identify in appendicular Ewing sarcoma (ES), if skip metastases (SM) are associated with distant metastases at presentation, response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and overall outcome.Patients with appendicular ES from 2007 to 2021 who had whole-bone MRI to identify SM were included in the study. Patient demographics included age/gender, bone involved, the presence of SM, longitudinal tumour length, presence of extra-osseous disease and its axial depth if present from whole-bone MRI and lung metastases and distant bone metastases from staging studies. Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy from resection specimens and overall survival were noted. Comparison of these factors between patients with and without SM was undertaken.Ninety-five patients (66 males; 29 females: mean age 15.8 years; range 5-48 years) were included. On whole-bone MRI, 80 (84.2%) patients had no SM and 15 (15.8%) patients had one or more SM. Of patients without a SM, lung metastases were present in 16 (21%), distant bone metastases in 7 (11%), while 51 (75%) had a good response to chemotherapy compared with 7 (50%), 3 (27%), and 10 (77%), respectively, in patients with a SM. SM were significantly associated with lung metastases (p = 0.02), but not with distant skeletal metastases (p = 0.13), chemotherapy response (p = 0.88), tumour length (p = 0.47), presence of (p = 0.15) or axial depth of extra-osseous disease (p = 0.4). SM were associated with a significantly poorer survival (p = 0.007) and three times greater risk of death during follow-up.In appendicular ES, the identification of a SM is associated with the presence of lung metastases at presentation and poorer survival.

Skip metastases have been described with osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and rarely chondrosarcoma. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of skip metastases on whole bone MRI in all primary high-grade sarcomas of the major long bones. Retrospective review of patients from April 2007 to April 2019 with high-grade primary bone sarcomas of the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia or fibula who had whole bone MRI at initial staging. Data collected included age, sex, tumour type, presence and location of skip metastases based on whole bone MRI and presence of distant metastases (the skeleton and lung). The study included 216 males and 171 females with mean age 30.6 years (range 4–92 years). Tumour types were as follows: High-grade osteosarcoma n = 202, Ewing sarcoma n = 68, high-grade chondrosarcoma n = 44, dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma n = 37, high-grade spindle cell sarcoma n = 29 and angiosarcoma n = 7. Skip lesions were identified in 63 (16.3%). However, after taking into account the presence of distant skeletal (n = 11) and pulmonary (n = 33) metastases, the overall incidence of skip metastases was 6.5%, occurring in 15 (7.5%) high-grade osteosarcomas, 3 (4.5%) Ewing sarcoma, 1 (2.8%) high-grade chondrosarcoma, 4 (10.8%) dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas, and 2 (6.9%) high-grade spindle cell sarcomas. A false positive MRI diagnosis of skip metastasis was made in 4 cases, 3 enchondromata and one focal nodular marrow hyperplasia. The current study has documented the incidence of skip metastases in common types of high-grade primary bone sarcoma. The possibility of false positive skip metastases has also been highlighted.

Objective: To determine its ability of in-phase (IP) and out-of-phase (OOP) chemical shift imaging (CSI) to distinguish non-neoplastic marrow lesions, benign bone tumours and malignant bone tumours. Methods: CSI was introduced into our musculoskeletal tumour protocol in May 2018 to aid in characterisation of suspected bone tumours. The % signal intensity (SI) drop between IP and OOP sequences was calculated and compared to the final lesion diagnosis, which was classified as non-neoplastic (NN), benign neoplastic (BN) or malignant neoplastic (MN). Results: The study included 174 patients (84 males; 90 females: mean age 44.2 years, range 2–87 years). Based on either imaging features (n = 105) or histology (n = 69), 44 lesions (25.3%) were classified as NN, 66 (37.9%) as BN and 64 (36.8%) as MN. Mean % SI drop on OOP for NN lesions was 36.6%, for BN 3.19% and for MN 3.24% (p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of CSI for differentiating NN from neoplastic lesions were 65.9%, 94.6%, 80.6%, 89.1%% and 87.4% respectively, and for differentiating BN from MN were 9.1%, 98.4%, 85.7%, 51.2 and 53.1% respectively. Conclusion: CSI is accurate for differentiating non-neoplastic and neoplastic marrow lesions, but is of no value in differentiating malignant bone tumours from non-fat containing benign bone tumours. Advances in knowledge: CSI is of value for differentiating non-neoplastic marrow lesions from neoplastic lesions, but not for differentiating benign bone tumours from malignant bone tumours as has been previously reported.

Objective: To determine the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CT-guided needle biopsy (CT-NB) for distinguishing benign and malignant lesions in children with suspected primary bone tumours, and to assess the correlation between imaging diagnosis and final diagnosis. Methods: Retrospective review of children who underwent CT-NB of a suspected primary bone tumour between October 2016 and October 2019. Data collected included anatomical location, imaging diagnosis, type of needle, type of biopsy sample, CT-NB diagnosis, final diagnosis and post-procedural complications. The final diagnosis was established based on surgical histology or clinical/imaging follow-up. Results: 125 patients met the inclusion criteria (68M, 57F: mean age 11 years; range 10 months–18 years). Biopsy was performed using a 10 cm Jamshidi needle (10G n = 96; 13 G n = 8); 14G Tru-Cut needle (n = 18); 14G Temno needle (n = 3). The commonest anatomical locations were the femur (n = 40), tibia (n = 25) and humerus (n = 16), while the commonest diagnoses were osteosarcoma (n = 35), CRMO (n = 15) and LCH (n = 14). A benign tumour was correctly identified on imaging in 100% of cases, and a malignant tumour in 95.8%. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of CT-NB for distinguishing malignant from benign lesions were 98%, 100 and 99%. Of 24 indeterminate biopsy results, all that had a non-aggressive radiological appearance were benign. No immediate complications were recorded. Conclusion: CT-NB represents a safe and very effective tool for differentiating benign and malignant lesions in children presenting with a suspected primary bone tumour. Suspected radiological diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the management of indeterminate biopsy results. Advances in knowledge: Paediatric bone tumours pose a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The interpretation of the imaging findings is essential for the successful management of indeterminate histological results.

To identify if morphology of the entering and exiting nerve involved by a nerve sheath tumour in the brachial plexus can help differentiate between benign (B) and malignant (M) peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNSTs). Retrospective review of 85 patients with histologically confirmed primary PNSTs of the brachial plexus over a 12.5-year period. Clinical data and all available MRI studies were independently evaluated by 2 consultant musculoskeletal radiologists blinded to the final histopathological diagnosis assessing for maximal lesion dimension, visibility and morphology of the entering and exiting nerve, and other well-documented features of PNSTs. The study included 47 males and 38 females with mean age 46.7 years (range, 8–81 years). There were 73 BPNSTs and 12 MPNSTs. The entering nerve was not identified in 5 (7%), was normal in 17 (23%), was tapered in 38 (52%) and showed lobular enlargement in 13 (18%) BPNSTs compared with 0 (0%), 0 (0%), 2 (17%) and 10 (83%) MPNSTs respectively. The exiting nerve was not identified in 5 (7%), was normal in 20 (27%), was tapered in 42 (58%) and showed lobular enlargement in 6 (8%) BPNSTs compared with 4 (33%), 0 (0%), 2 (17%) and 6 (50%) MPNSTs respectively. Increasing tumour size, entering and exiting nerve morphology and suspected MRI diagnosis were statistically significant differentiators between BPNST and MPNST (p

The objective of this study is to compare T1-weighted gradient echo (T1W GrE: control technique) chemical shift imaging (CSI) with T2-weighted fast spin echo (T2W FSE: experimental technique) CSI for differentiating non-neoplastic and neoplastic marrow lesions. Patients undergoing MRI for various marrow lesions were investigated with T1W GrE and T2W FSE Dixon CSI. Signal intensity (SI) change between in-phase (IP) and opposed-phase (OP) sequences was calculated, and SI drop > 20% considered to represent non-neoplastic lesions while SI drop

Objectives: Guidelines suggest that lesions over 5 cm in dimension should be referred to a specialist sarcoma centre due to the possibility of malignancy. Few epidermal cysts (ECs) reach or exceed this size and are termed giant ECs (GECs). The purpose of this study is to report on a large series of GECs. Methods: Retrospective review of histologically proven GECs over an 8-year period. Patient demographics with MRI and ultrasound (US) appearances were evaluated. Results: A total of 14 cases were included with eight males and six females. Mean age was 51 years. 11 lesions were oval and three bi-lobed in shape, while 12 demonstrated dermal apposition. All were hyperintense on water-sensitive sequences and isointense to slightly hypointense on T1W imaging. Internal clefts were seen in 13 cases and 11 demonstrated chemical shift artefact (CSA) on MRI. On US, 12 showed well-defined linear hypoechoic clefts, with 66.6% having dis-organised compared with 33.3% peripherally located clefts. One ‘pseudo testis’ pattern and one showing irregular striped echogenicity termed novel ‘pseudo muscle’ appearance. No cases demonstrated internal vascularity on Doppler US. Conclusions: MRI signal findings of GECs are often characteristic with hyperintensity on water-sensitive sequences, dermal apposition, CSA and internal clefts while US features of disorganised or clumped hypoechoic clefts and absence of neovascularity were commonly seen. Recognition of combinations of both US and MRI features of GECs should reduce the requirement for pre-excisional needle biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Advances in knowledge: 1. Identification of common imaging features of GECs should avoid unnecessary pre-excisional biopsy despite their large size in the appropriate MDT setting. 2. A novel ‘pseudo-muscle’ appearance is described on MRI and US.

Suspected soft-tissue sarcomas are typically investigated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a view to planning image-guided core needle biopsy for confirmation of the histological diagnosis. Indeterminate superficial lesions may be small and therefore potentially difficult to biopsy safely, such lesions possibly being more amenable to primary excision biopsy. The aim of this study is to determine the suitability of this practice in the setting of a specialist sarcoma service. All patients referred over a 12-month period to the sarcoma service with a small (

In-phase (IP) and out-of-phase (OOP) chemical shift imaging (CSI) is an established technique for clarifying the nature of indeterminate bone marrow lesions, a signal intensity (SI) drop of > 20% at 1.5 tesla (T) or > 25% on 3 T on the OOP sequence being consistent with a non-neoplastic process. Occasionally, SI increase is seen on OOP sequences. The aim of this study is to determine if this is related to marrow sclerosis or matrix mineralisation. In 184 cases, the SI change on OOP was calculated. For patients in whom the SI on OOP increased compared with the IP sequence, available CT studies and radiographs were reviewed to look for marrow sclerosis and/or matrix mineralisation. Forty out of 184 patients (34.25%) showed an anomalous increase in SI on the OOP sequence. CT studies were available in 27 cases (67.5%), of which medullary sclerosis was seen in 20 (74.1%) while matrix mineralisation was seen in a further 2 cases. Review of radiographs demonstrated matrix mineralisation in 6 cases, while punctate signal void consistent with chondral calcification was seen on MRI in 2 more cases. Based on either typical imaging features (n = 22) or histology (n = 18), 7 lesions (17.5%) were classed as non-neoplastic, 18 (45%) as benign neoplasms and 15 (37.5%) as malignant neoplasms. When assessing focal marrow lesions with CSI, anomalous SI increase may be seen on the OOP sequence in approximately one-third of cases. In over 75% of such cases, CT or radiographs demonstrate either diffuse marrow sclerosis or matrix mineralisation.

Dixon sequences are established as a reliable MRI technique that can be used for problem-solving in the assessment of bone marrow lesions. Unlike other fat suppression methods, Dixon techniques rely on the difference in resonance frequency between fat and water and in a single acquisition, fat only, water only, in-phase and out-of-phase images are acquired. This gives Dixon techniques the unique ability to quantify the amount of fat within a bone lesion, allowing discrimination between marrow-infiltrating and non-marrow-infiltrating lesions such as focal nodular marrow hyperplasia. Dixon can be used with gradient echo and spin echo techniques, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging. Another advantage is its rapid acquisition time, especially when using traditional two-point Dixon gradient echo sequences. Overall, Dixon is a robust fat suppression method that can also be used with intravenous contrast agents. After reviewing the available literature, we would like to advocate the implementation of additional Dixon sequences as a problem-solving tool during the assessment of bone marrow pathology.

Hindfoot valgus malalignment has been assessed on coronal MRI by the measurement of the tibio-calcaneal (TC) angle and apparent moment arm (AMA). This study aimed to determine if the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) angle could be used as a further marker of hindfoot valgus malalignment on routine non-weight-bearing ankle MRI. One hundred ninety-five consecutive 3-T ankle MRI studies were identified from the hospital PACS system. The TC and CFL angles could be measured in 155 cases (78%), and the AMA on 153 cases. The study group comprised 56 males and 72 females with a mean age of 46 years (range 4–89 years). In 27 patients, both ankles had been imaged. The Pearson correlation between the TC and CFL angles was −0.43, with a corresponding p value of 0.001 indicating a strong negative correlation between the TC and CFL angles. The CFL angle was significantly lower in those with hindfoot valgus (113 ± 14) compared with those without (123° ± 15°) (p = 0.001). The optimal cut-off point of the CFL angle for hindfoot valgus was ≤119°, with a sensitivity and specificity of 66% and 63% respectively. The Pearson correlation between the CFL angle and AMA was −0.10, with a corresponding p value of 0.21 indicating a weak negative correlation that did not reach statistical significance. Hindfoot valgus as estimated by the increased TC angle on coronal non-weight-bearing ankle MRI is associated with a reduced CFL angle on sagittal MR images, but is not associated with AMA. Therefore, a horizontal orientation of the CFL on sagittal MR images may be a further useful sign of hindfoot valgus.

Objectives: To compare the grading of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), Modic end-plate changes (MEPC) and identification of high intensity zones (HIZ) on a combination of sagittal T1weighted turbo spin echo (T1W TSE), T2weighted fast spin echo (T2W FSE) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences (routine protocol) with a single sagittal T2W FSE Dixon MRI sequence which provides in-phase, opposed-phase, water only and fat only images in a single acquisition (Dixon protocol). Methods: 50 patients underwent lumbar spine MRI using the routine protocol with the addition of a T2W FSE Dixon sequence. DDD grade, MEPC and HIZ for each disc level were assessed on the routine and Dixon protocols. Each protocol was reviewed independently by three readers (consultant musculoskeletal radiologists with 26-, 8- and 4 years’ experience), allowing assessment of inter-reader agreement and inter protocol agreement for each assessed variable. Results: The study included 17 males and 33 females (mean age 51 years; range 8–82 years). Inter-reader agreement for DDD grade on the routine protocol was 0.57 and for the Dixon protocol was 0.63 (p = 0.08). Inter-reader agreement for MEPC on the routine protocol was 0.45 and for the Dixon protocol was 0.53 (p = 0.02), and inter-reader agreement for identification of the HIZ on the routine protocol was 0.52 and for the Dixon protocol was 0.46 (p = 0.27). Intersequence agreement for DDD grade ranged from 0.61 to 0.97, for MEPC 0.46–0.62 and for HIZ 0.39–0.5. Conclusion: A single sagittal T2W FSE Dixon MRI sequence could potentially replace the routine three sagittal sequence protocol for assessment of lumbar DDD, MEPC and HIZ resulting in ~60% time saving. Advances in knowledge: Grading of lumbar DDD, presence of Modic changes and high intensity zones were compared on sagittal T1W TSE, T2W FSE and STIR sequences with a T2W FSE Dixon sequence, with fair-to-good correlation suggesting that three conventional sequences could be replaced by a single Dixon sequence.

The incidence of complications following total hip arthroplasty is low, but due to the frequency of the procedure, they are quite commonly encountered and require appropriate investigation. Complications include aseptic loosening, infection, foreign body granulomatosis (osteolysis), adverse reactions to metal debris, periprosthetic fracture, heterotopic ossification, hardware failure, and a range of soft tissue complications, all of which may result in pain. Relevant imaging findings are illustrated and the role of various imaging modalities is reviewed. A suggested approach for the radiological investigation of each potential complication is outlined, based on our experience at a specialist referral unit.

Objective: Chemical shift artefact (CSA) is often encountered during MRI evaluation of superficial soft tissue masses. The study aim was to determine the incidence and diagnostic relevance of CSA in a consecutive series of superficial soft tissue masses referred to a specialist musculoskeletal sarcoma service. Methods: All patients referred over a 6 month period with a non-lipomatous superficial soft tissue mass were prospectively analysed. Patients characteristics (age, gender), lesion features (anatomical location, size, relationship to the skin and deep fascia), presence of CSA and final histopathological diagnosis were collected. The presence of CSA was statistically analysed against these clinical, imaging and histopathological variables. Results: 128 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria [63 males, 65 females; mean age = 50.6 years (7–96 years)]. CSA was present in 50 cases (39.1%) overall, but in 39 (41.5%) of 94 cases with histological diagnosis. There was no statistically significant relationship to any assessed variable apart from relationship to the deep fascia, CSA being more frequent in lesions contacting the fascia compared to lesions contacting both skin and fascia (p-value 0.02). In particular, the presence of CSA did not allow differentiation between non-malignant and malignant lesions. Conclusion: The presence of CSA is a not infrequent finding in the MRI assessment of superficial soft tissue masses but does not appear to be of any significance in differentiating between non-malignant and malignant lesions. Advances in knowledge: CSA is a relatively common finding in association with superficial soft tissue masses, but does not indicate a particular histological diagnosis or help in the differentiation of non-malignant from malignant lesions.

Despite recent advances in lumbar spine stabilization surgery (LSSS), a high number of patients continue to complain of persistent/recurrent lumbar pain after LSSS. Conventional imaging (plain radiography, CT and MRI) is commonly performed to assess potential lumbar pain generators, but findings are equivocal in approximately 20% of patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of 99mTc-HDP bone SPECT/CT in identifying potential pain generators in patients with persistent/recurrent lumbar pain after LSSS but in whom conventional diagnostic imaging is inconclusive. A total of 187 patients (median age 56 years, 70 men) with persistent/recurrent lumbar pain following LSSS with inconclusive conventional imaging (plain radiography, CT and/or MRI) underwent 99mTc-HDP bone SPECT/CT and were included in the study. Tracer uptake on SPECT/CT, as an indicator of ongoing or altered osteoblastic activity, was assessed in the lumbar spine stabilization segment(s) and in adjacent segments. Uptake intensity was graded as (1) high (the same as or more than iliac crest uptake), (2) mild (the same as or more than nondiseased vertebral uptake but less than iliac crest uptake), or (3) negative (normal scan). Mild and high uptake were regarded as positive. In 160 of the 187 patients (85.6%), SPECT/CT showed positive mild or high tracer uptake in the LSSS region. More than half of the patients had abnormal tracer uptake in the stabilized segments (56.7%) and/or in the adjacent segments (55.6%). Although positive stabilized segment findings were commonly seen at 6 years after surgery in 38.2% of patients. In 51.4% of patients, abnormal activity was seen in the adjacent segments 6 years after LSSS (p

Melanotic or melanocytic schwannoma is a rare tumour usually involving spinal nerve roots but can also present at other anatomical locations. Although there are less than 200 cases reported, melanotic schwannomas can have distinctive imaging features but there is limited recent literature on its often characteristic radiological appearances. Recent publication of the largest case series thus far has suggested melanotic schwannoma to be a separate entity to other schwannomata and that its reclassification to a malignant lesion be under consideration. We present a case series over an 11-year period to highlight salient imaging features with reference to the current concerns regarding its malignant potential.

To assess the diagnostic yield and diagnostic accuracy of image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of clavicle lesions and to analyse the diagnostic spectrum of clavicular lesions referred to a tertiary musculoskeletal oncology centre. To further describe safe biopsy routes for biopsy of the unique clavicle bone. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent an image-guided clavicle biopsy during the period from August 2006 to December 2013. A total of 52 patients with 55 consecutive biopsies were identified and included in the study. Image-guided percutaneous biopsy was performed using CT (n = 38) or ultrasound (n = 17). There were 23 males and 29 females, with a mean age of 40 years (range 2 to 87 years). Forty-six of the 55 biopsies (83.6 %) yielded a diagnostic sample and 9 (16.4 %) were non-diagnostic. Thirty of 46 (65.2 %) lesions were malignant and 16 (34.8 %) were benign/non-neoplastic. The most common malignant lesions were metastases, 22 of 30 (73.3 %), followed by primary tumours in 8 of 30 (26.7 %). The most common benign/non-neoplastic lesion was chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (4 of 16, 25 %) followed by Langerhans cell histiocytosis, epithelioid haemangioma and osteomyelitis (each with 2 of 16, 12.5 %). There was complete agreement between the needle and surgical histology specimen in 12 of 13 subjects (92.3 %). No post-biopsy complications were reported. Image-guided percutaneous biopsy has high diagnostic yield and accuracy and the described approaches are a safe means of biopsy for clavicle lesions.