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Background: Here, we present 2 cases of the unusual sequelae of a venomous bite to the finger in children resulting in chondrolysis and physeal loss. There have been few isolated case reports documenting this phenomenon. Currently, there is no preventative treatment, and patients should be warned of this possible complication of envenomation., Methods: Two patients with chondrolysis and physeal loss have been seen in our practice., Results: Chondrolysis and epiphysiolysis occurred in 2 patients. One patient was treated with proximal interphalangeal joint fusion and one is being managed conservatively., Conclusion: The toxic action of snake venom may cause loss of the growth plate and chondrolysis in the pediatric hand., Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Purpose: To report the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of 3 chondral damage classifications used to assess articular cartilage damage during hip arthroscopy., Methods: A prospective multicenter study was performed during April and May 2013. Inclusion criteria were all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and had evidence of chondral damage at the time of surgery. Intra-articular recordings were obtained during the operation in a standardized way. These recordings were obtained from 2 different hospitals in 2 countries by 3 different surgeons. Four fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons, with at least 2 years postfellowship experience in hip arthroscopy, independently analyzed the recordings 2 times in randomized order and 4 months apart. They classified the lesions according to the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications of chondral damage. The values obtained were used for interobserver and intraobserver analysis. Percentage of agreement and weighted Cohen κ values were calculated., Results: Absolute agreement between observers was present in 12.5% of the cases for the Outerbridge classification, in 20% of the cases for the Beck classification, and in 40% of the cases for the Haddad classification. For interobserver reliability, the average weighted Cohen κ values were 0.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to 0.39), 0.33 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.41), and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.42 to 0.51) for the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classification systems, respectively. For intraobserver reliability, the mean Cohen κ values were 0.62, 0.63, and 0.68 for the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classification systems, respectively., Conclusions: In our series, the Haddad classification had the best interobserver reliability. There was no difference in the intraobserver reliability among the 3 classifications studied., Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study of nonconsecutive patients (without consistently applied reference gold standard)., (Copyright © 2015 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In ankylosing spondylitis (AS), joint remodeling leading to joint ankylosis involves cartilage fusion. Here, we analyzed whether chondrocyte hypertrophy is involved in cartilage fusion and subsequent joint remodeling in AS., Methods: We assessed the expression of chondrocyte hypertrophy markers runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), type X collagen (COL10), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), osteocalcin and beta-catenin and the expression of positive bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and negative regulators (dickkopf-1 (DKK-1)), sclerostin, (wingless inhibitory factor 1 (wif-1)) of chondrocyte hypertrophy in the cartilage of facet joints from patients with AS or osteoarthritis (OA) and from autopsy controls (CO) by immunohistochemistry. Sex determining region Y (SRY)-box 9 (Sox9) and type II collagen (COL2) expression was assessed as indicators of chondrocyte integrity and function., Results: The percentage of hypertrophic chondrocytes expressing Runx2, COL10, MMP13, osteocalcin or beta-catenin was significantly increased in OA but not in AS joints compared to CO joints. Frequencies of sclerostin-positive and DKK-1-positive chondrocytes were similar in AS and CO. In contrast, wif-1- but also BMP-2- and BMP-7-expressing and Sox9-expressing chondrocytes were drastically reduced in AS joints compared to CO as well as OA joints whereas the percentage of COL2-expressing chondrocytes was significantly higher in AS joints compared to CO joints., Conclusions: We found no evidence for chondrocyte hypertrophy within hyaline cartilage of AS joints even in the presence of reduced expression of the wnt inhibitor wif-1 suggesting that chondrocyte hypertrophy is not a predominant pathway involved in joint fusion and remodeling in AS. In contrast, the reduced expression of Sox9, BMP-2 and BMP-7 concomitantly with induced COL2 expression rather point to disturbed cartilage homeostasis promoting cartilage degeneration in AS.

Graft hypertrophy represents a characteristic complication following autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for treatment of cartilage defects. Although some epidemiological data suggest that incidence is associated with first-generation ACI using autologous chondrocyte implantation, it has also been reported in other technical modifications of ACI using different biomaterials. Nevertheless, it has not been described in autologous, non-periosteum, implant-free associated ACI. In addition, little is known about histological and T2-relaxation appearance of graft hypertrophy. The present case report provides a rare case of extensive graft hypertrophy following ACI using an autologous spheres technique with clinical progression over time. Detailed clinical, MR tomographic and histological evaluation has been performed, which demonstrates a high quality of repair tissue within the hypertrophic as well as non-hypertrophic transplanted areas of the repair tissue. No expression of collagen type X (a sign of chondrocyte hypertrophy), only slight changes of the subchondral bone and a nearly normal cell-matrix ratio suggest that tissue within the hypertrophic area does not significantly differ from intact and high-quality repair tissue and therefore seems not to cause graft hypertrophy. This is in contrast to the assumption that histological hypertrophy might cause or contribute to an overwhelming growth of the repair tissue within the transplantation site. Data presented in this manuscript might contribute to further explain the etiology of graft hypertrophy following ACI.

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors on routine pulse sequence MRI associated with cartilage degeneration observed on T1ρ relaxation mapping., Materials and Methods: This study included 137 subjects with knee pain. T1ρ values were measured in the regions of interest on the surface layer of the cartilage on mid-coronal images of the femorotibial joint. Assessment of cartilage, subchondral bone, meniscus and ligaments was performed using routine pulse sequence MRI. Radiographic evaluation for osteoarthritis was also performed., Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed posterior root/horn tears to be independent factors increasing the T1ρ values of the cartilage in the medial compartment of the femorotibial joint. Even when adjusted for radiographically defined early-stage osteoarthritis, medial posterior meniscal radial tears significantly increased the T1ρ values., Conclusions: This study showed that posterior root/horn radial tears in the medial meniscus are particularly important MRI findings associated with cartilage degeneration observed on T1ρ relaxation mapping. Morphological factors of the medial meniscus on MRI provide findings useful for screening early-stage osteoarthritis., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Excellent morphological imaging of cartilage is now possible and allows the detection of subtle cartilage pathologies. Besides the standard 2D sequences, a multitude of 3D sequences are available for high-resolution cartilage imaging. The first part therefore deals with modern possibilities of morphological imaging. The second part deals with functional cartilage imaging with which it is possible to detect changes in cartilage composition and thus early osteoarthritis as well as to monitor biochemical changes after therapeutic interventions. Validated techniques such as delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping as well the latest techniques, such as the glycosaminoglycan chemical exchange-dependent saturation transfer (gagCEST) technique will be discussed.

Background: Talar chondral defects can be a source of persistent ankle pain and disability. If untreated, there is an increased risk of osteoarthritis. The purpose of our study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of 3T MRI in detecting Outerbridge grades 3 and 4 articular cartilage lesions of the talus in a clinical setting, utilizing a standardized clinical MRI protocol., Methods: Patients who had a 3T ankle MRI and subsequent ankle surgery, by a single surgeon, were included in this study. MRI exams were performed 180 days or less before surgery. Seventy-nine ankles in 78 patients (mean age of 42.3 years) were included in this study. Mean body mass index was 26.3. A standard clinical MRI exam was performed on a 3T MRI scanner. Mean days from MRI to surgery was 39 days. All MRI exams were read and findings recorded by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Arthroscopic examination was performed by a single orthopaedic surgeon. Detailed arthroscopic findings and demographic data were collected prospectively and stored in a data registry. Of the 78 patients, 31 (39.2%) reported previous ankle surgery. Pain was the primary reason for seeking medical attention as reported by 95% of patients, followed by instability in 44% and loss of function with 42%., Results: Prevalence of Outerbridge grade 3 and 4 talar articular cartilage defects identified at arthroscopy was 17.7%. The 3T MRI demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.714, specificity of 0.738, positive predictive value of 0.370, and negative predictive value of 0.923., Conclusion: Sensitivity and specificity levels were acceptable for detection of grades 3 and 4 articular cartilage defects of the talar dome using 3T MRI. The high negative predictive value may be beneficial in preoperative planning. While these values are acceptable, a high index of suspicion should be maintained in the appropriate clinical setting., (© The Author(s) 2014.)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the direct visualization of the human musculoskeletal (MSK) system, especially all diarthrodial tissues including cartilage, bone, menisci, ligaments, tendon, hip, synovium, etc. Conventional MRI techniques based on T1 - and T2 -weighted, proton density (PD) contrast are inconclusive in quantifying early biochemically degenerative changes in MSK system in general and articular cartilage in particular. In recent years, quantitative MR parameter mapping techniques have been used to quantify the biochemical changes in articular cartilage, with a special emphasis on evaluating joint injury, cartilage degeneration, and soft tissue repair. In this article we focus on cartilage biochemical composition, basic principles of T1ρ MRI, implementation of T1ρ pulse sequences, biochemical validation, and summarize the potential applications of the T1ρ MRI technique in MSK diseases including osteoarthritis (OA), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and knee joint repair. Finally, we also review the potential advantages, challenges, and future prospects of T1ρ MRI for widespread clinical translation., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Purpose: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is associated with meniscal tears and/or articular cartilage damage. The aim of this study was twofold: (a) to report and correlate the incidence of meniscal and cartilage lesions in ACL-deficient knees with time from injury and (b) to correlate lesions of menisci and cartilage with widely used knee scores., Methods: Data were analysed from 109 consecutive patients with ACL rupture. Meniscal and articular cartilage lesions were documented during the arthroscopic reconstruction of the ACL. Patients were distributed into 3 groups according to time from injury; group A: 0-3 months (35 patients), group B: 3-12 months (39 patients) and group C: more than 12 months (35 patients). Lysholm, KOOS and IKDC rating scales were recorded preoperatively. Logistic regression analyses were applied to correlate the concomitant intra-articular pathologies with the time from injury and knee-rating scales., Results: Of 109 patients, 32 (29%) had a medial meniscus tear, 20 (19%) had a lateral meniscus tear, 17 (15%) had both menisci torn and 40 (37%) had no meniscal tear. Analysis revealed that time from injury was not a significant factor for the presence of a meniscal lesion. The odds of development of a high-grade cartilage lesion in an ACL-deficient knee reconstructed more than 12 months from time from injury are 5.5 and 12.5 times higher when compared with knees that underwent ACL reconstruction less than 3 months and between 3 and 12 months after knee injury, respectively. No association was found between intra-articular pathology and the KOOS and Lysholm scores. A positive correlation between the IKDC score and patients without any intra-articular pathology was found., Conclusions: The presence of high-grade cartilage lesions is significantly increased in an ACL-deficient knee when reconstruction is performed more than 12 months after injury. However, the incidence of meniscal tears is not increased significantly. Correlation of intra-articular pathology in ACL-deficient knees with knee-rating scales is weak., Level of Evidence: Diagnostic study, Level II.

Purpose: The topic of the presented paper concerns the diagnosis of the wear and diseases of human joint cartilage performed by the acoustic waves emission. The aim of this paper is the determining of the necessary parameters for the diagnosis about the wear and diseases of human joint cartilage., Material and Method: To the research methods used in this paper belong the evaluation of measurement results of the cartilage surface samples obtained by means of laser and mechanical sensor and acoustic emission wave might or voltage gained from the AE apparatus during the treatments performed for normal and pathological used and not used human knee and hip joints., Results: The results concern with the corollaries which are implied from reading values gained by virtue of the acoustic emission Apparatus, and from observations from cartilage surface pictures obtained from laser and mechanical sensors. The diagnose of concrete cartilage illness depends on the proper relative values of obtained strongest of generated AE wave as well as the shapes and amplitudes of acoustic waves and wave frequencies., Conclusions: The main conclusions obtained in this paper are as follows: connections between synovial fluid dynamic viscosity or friction forces and intensity of acoustic emission values, the determination of the type of lesions and deformations of the human joint cartilage surface by means of the shapes architecture of the acoustic emission waves. Moreover are indicated the necessary conditions for the diagnosis of the such dieses as: pathological cartilage with arthritic or osteoporosis or rheumatology changes.

Introduction: Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is an uncommon cause of myelopathy that should be considered after more common causes have been ruled out., Objective: This article presents a case report of a 50-year-old man with acute myelopathy attributed to FCE and summarizes the clinical features of the disease by analyzing all of the published evidence., Data Sources and Extraction: Two computerized literature searches (MEDLINE-Pubmed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library) were performed. The search term used was "Fibrocartilaginous embolism." No language restrictions were applied. All articles were evaluated and key data were extracted according to predefined criteria: patient's age, year of publication, localization of the embolism and type of vascular syndrome, clinical outcome, and time to death in the fatal cases., Results: Fifty-two cases (39 biopsy proven and 13 clinically diagnosed) were found in the literature. Median age at presentation was 37 years (interquartile range, 19-53) and 56% were women. Median progression of symptoms was 6 hours (interquartile range, 5-60 h), predominantly affecting the cervical spine (48%) by an arterial embolic source (56%)., Conclusions: FCE is an unusual cause of spinal cord and cerebral ischemia with unknown incidence. Implementation of diagnostic imaging techniques and initial management of acute spinal disorders care in intensive care units might increase the incidence of disease antemortem. FCE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ischemic spinal cord injury when no other causes can be identified and especially when the onset is progressive over several hours.

Background: Meniscal root avulsion has been predominantly reported in an adult population but little is known about this meniscal lesion in children and adolescents., Purpose: The of this article is to describe the clinical symptoms and a new MRI sign of a medial meniscus posterior root avulsion in skeletally immature patients, and to report the arthroscopic procedure for its reinsertion in the presence of open physes., Case Description: We report two skeletally immature patients who had a medial meniscus posterior root avulsion [MMPRA]. Diagnosis of a MMPRA was suspected on MRI by intense T2 hypersignal located at the postero-medial part of the tibial plateau reflecting trabecular bone oedema ("Bone bruise") at the level of the medial meniscal posterior root attachment. Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of the posterior root of the medial meniscus with transosseous sutures was performed. The patients returned to sport at the end of 6 months without residual symptoms. At one year, the radiographs showed no modification of the physis. Healing of the medial meniscal posterior root was noted on MRI., Clinical Relevance: In a skeletally immature patient it is important that this rare meniscal lesion is diagnosed early and adequately treated. We emphasize the importance of the indirect MRI signs that can lead a clinician to suspect the diagnosis of MMPRA. The aim of the surgery was to restore the anatomical footprint of the meniscal root and to re-establish its function thus preventing future chondral damage without damage to the tibial physeal growth plate., Level of Evidence: Level IV., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Keutel syndrome (KS) [OMIM 245150] is an autosomal recessive hereditary syndrome characterized by multiple peripheral pulmonary stenoses (PPS), brachytelephalangia, inner ear deafness, and abnormal cartilage ossification or calcification. Mutations in the matrix Gla protein (MGP) gene have been reported in different unrelated families with KS previously. MGP is an extracellular matrix protein and calcification inhibitor; mutations in its encoding gene result in cartilage ossification or calcification, the main presenting feature of KS. This report describes the findings of four sisters with KS born to consanguineous parents were followed for 26 years in an irregular fashion. During follow-up of the patients over the years the complications appear to be mostly involving the respiratory system. Permanent skin rashes, papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid, asthma, massive bullous pulmonary emphysema, severe systemic arterial hypertension, and short term memory loss were observed during long term follow-up. The fertility status of the patients were also observed and infertility was observed in one of three married patients., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Discussion of articular cartilage disease detection by MRI usually focuses on the presence of bright signal on T2-weighted sequences, such as in Grade 1 chondromalacia and cartilage fissures containing fluid. Less emphasis has been placed on how cartilage disease may be manifested by dark signal on T2-weighted sequences. The appearance of the recently described "cartilage black line sign" of the femoral trochlea highlights these lesions and further raises the question of their etiology. We illustrate various hypointense signal lesions that are not restricted to the femoral trochlea of the knee joint and discuss the possible etiologies for these lesions., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the distal tibial plafond are uncommon compared with talar lesions. The objective of this study was to assess functional and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes following microfracture for tibial osteochondral lesions., Methods: Thirty-one tibial osteochondral lesions in thirty-one ankles underwent arthroscopic microfracture. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) general health questionnaire were used to obtain patient-reported functional outcome scores preoperatively and postoperatively. MRI scans were assessed postoperatively with use of the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score for twenty-three ankles., Results: The average age was thirty-seven years (range, fifteen to sixty-eight years), and the average lesion area was 38 mm(2) (range, 7.1 to 113 mm(2)). Twelve ankles had a kissing lesion on the opposing surface of the talus, and two ankles had a concomitant osteochondral lesion elsewhere on the talus. FAOS and SF-12 scores were significantly improved (p < 0.01) at the time of follow-up, at an average of forty-four months. The average postoperative MOCART score was 69.4 (range, 10 to 95), with a lower score in the ankles with kissing lesions (62.8) than in the ankles with an isolated lesion (73.6). Increasing age negatively impacted improvement in SF-12 (p < 0.01) and MOCART (p = 0.04) scores. Increasing lesion area was negatively correlated with MOCART scores (p = 0.04) but was not associated with FAOS or SF-12 scores. Lesion location and the presence of kissing lesions showed no association with functional or MRI outcomes., Conclusions: Arthroscopic microfracture provided functional improvements, but the optimal treatment strategy for tibial osteochondral lesions remains unclear. The repair tissue assessed on MRI was inferior to normal hyaline cartilage. The MRI outcomes appeared to deteriorate with increasing lesion area, and both functional and MRI outcomes appeared to deteriorate with increasing age., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence., (Copyright © 2014 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.)

This article discusses a case in which a patient who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury returned with anterior knee pain in the same knee approximately 20 years later. He underwent reconstruction at the time of the injury and had a revision reconstruction performed 10 years later. The case highlights the long-term consequences of ACL injury and subsequent reconstruction for the knee joint, as this patient has developed anterior knee pain during his mid-40s. Additionally, non-operative management of knee osteoarthritis is discussed., (2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the progression of osteoarthritis (end-stage disease with a requirement for arthroplasty) in patients with focal cartilage defects of the medial knee compartment., Material and Methods: Patients (n = 115) with focal cartilage lesions of the medial knee compartment underwent arthroscopy. The follow-up was performed 10 years after the operation to determine the rate of arthroplasty conversion and to evaluate associated factors., Results: In a total of 35 cases an arthroplasty was needed (30.4 %). The mean survival to arthroplasty was 93.2 (95 % CI 85.4-109.0) months. Cartilage defects within the femur and cartilage lesions within the patella and the lateral did not influence the OA progression. Among the significant risk factors for OA progression were higher patient age, female gender, overweight or obesity and severity of meniscal damage. The most important risk factor was the occurrence and the extent of tibial cartilage defects., Conclusions: In the natural course, about 30 % of patients with focal cartilage defects of the medial knee compartment undergo rapid OA progression (arthroplasty as end-stage of the disease). There are general risk factors (age, female gender and obesity) but also local risk factors. Furthermore, tibial defects and the extent of meniscus loss influence the outcome significantly. These general and local factors should be more carefully estimated or addressed in future clinical and scientific work., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Unlabelled: Cystic talar shoulder defects are particularly challenging osteochondral lesions. A retrospective chart review was performed on 13 adults that previously failed microfracture, presented with medial cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus, and were treated with malleolar osteotomy and subchondral allograft reconstruction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a medial malleolar osteotomy and allograft subchondral bone plug on pain and function. We hypothesized that following surgery, pain and function would significantly improve. Compared with preoperative measures, pain (first step in the morning, during walking, at the end of the day) and function (descending the stairs, ascending the stairs, and ambulating up to 4 blocks) improved postoperatively at 6 and 12 months (P ≤ .001). During each activity, pain improved postoperatively from 6 to 12 months (P ≤ .006). Postoperatively, from 6 to 12 months, the level of disability improved while descending the stairs (P = .004), and the level of disability experienced while ascending the stairs and ambulating up to 4 blocks was maintained (P ≥ .02). Multiple regression analyses identified body mass index as a predictor of preoperative function (R(2) = .34, P = .04). No variables were identified as significant predictors of postoperative pain or function. With all osteotomies healing, no graft rejection, and a single deep venous thrombosis, allograft subchondral plugs appear to successfully treat osteochondral lesions of the talus with improvements in pain and function as well as an acceptable complication rate., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Retrospective Case Series., (© 2014 The Author(s).)

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage degradation, subchondral bone sclerosis and osteophyte formation. Nowadays, OA is thought to develop via different etiologies that all lead to a similar form of end stage joint degradation. One of these subtypes is related to an abnormal shaped hip joint, like acetabular dysplasia and a cam deformity. These bony abnormalities are highly predictive for development of hip OA, but they are likely to already be present from childhood. This suggests that these deformations induce OA changes in the hip, well before extensive hip degradation becomes present three to four decades later. Accurate detection and successful characterization of these early OA events might lead to better treatment options for hip OA besides nowadays available invasive joint replacement surgery. However, current diagnostic imaging techniques like radiographs or plain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are not sensitive enough to detect these subtle early OA changes. Nor are they able to disentangle intertwined and overlapping cascades from different OA subtypes, and neither can they predict OA progression. New and more sensitive imaging techniques might enable us to detect first OA changes on a cellular level, providing us with new opportunities for early intervention. In this respect, shape analysis using radiography, MRI, computed tomography (CT), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT, and positron emission tomography (PET) might prove promising techniques and be more suited to detect early pathological changes in the hip joint. A broad application of these techniques might give us more understanding what can be considered physiological adaptation of the hip, or when early OA really starts. With a more clear definition of early OA, more homogenous patient populations can be selected and help with the development of new disease modifying OA interventions., (Copyright © 2014 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To describe a new complication and retrospectively identify the incidence and risk factors for hip chondrolysis and femoral head osteonecrosis associated with percutaneous cryoablation of periacetabular malignancies., Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 45 patients with a total of 113 musculoskeletal lesions were treated by percutaneous image-guided cryoablation between May 2008 and June 2013. Included in the treated population were 10 patients with a total of 12 periacetabular lesions. Clinical and imaging follow-up of at least 2 months was reviewed for evidence of femoral head osteonecrosis or hip chondrolysis. Parametric and nonparametric statistical methods were used to assess patient demographics and treatment technique and parameters on the development of hip chondrolysis/femoral head osteonecrosis., Results: Hip chondrolysis/femoral head osteonecrosis developed in 40% of patients (four of 10) and in 33% of treated periacetabular lesions (four of 12). All patients in whom chondrolysis/osteonecrosis developed were women. Needle proximity to the acetabulum (< 5 mm) was a significant predictor of chondrolysis/osteonecrosis development (P = .01). Three of the four patients in whom chondrolysis/osteonecrosis developed have undergone total joint replacement., Conclusions: Periacetabular cryoablation can result in transarticular extension of the ablation zone, which may result in the development of hip chondrolysis and femoral head osteonecrosis. The proximity of the cryoablation probe to the acetabulum is a significant risk factor in the development of this complication., (Copyright © 2014 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease, of which the pathogenesis is inadequately understood. Hypertrophy-like changes have been observed as part of the progression of OA. The aim of the study was to develop and characterize a novel biomarker of chondrocytes hypertrophy and investigate how this marker was associated with cartilage degradation and inflammation in patients with various degrees of OA., Methods: A competitive ELISA, C-Col10, applying a well-characterized monoclonal antibody was developed as a biomarker of chondrocyte hypertrophy through measurement of type X collagen (ColX). The levels of C-Col10, C2M (matrix metalloproteinase-derived fragments of type II collagen) and hsCRP (high sensitive C-reactive protein) were quantified by ELISAs in serum of 271 OA patients stratified by Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score 0-4. Associations between serum levels of the three biomarkers (log transformed) were analyzed by Pearson's correlation and differences in C-Col10 levels between patients with high and low levels of inflammation measured by hsCRP were analyzed by ANOVA., Results: We developed a C-Col10 assay measuring the C-terminus of ColX. We found significantly higher levels of ColX in patients with KL score 2 compared to patients with no radiographic evidence of OA (KL0) (p = 0.04). Levels of ColX were significantly elevated in OA patients with above normal hsCRP levels (p < 0.0001), as well as significantly correlated with levels of C2M (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001), which suggested that chondrocyte hypertrophy was associated with inflammation and cartilage degradation. There was no correlation between C2M and hsCRP. Age and BMI adjustment didn't change the results. Immuno-staining revealed that ColX was predominately located around the hypertrophic chondrocytes and the clustered chondrocytes indicating that C-Col10 measures may be linked to cartilage hypertrophic changes., Conclusions: We developed a novel assay, C-Col10, for measurement of chondrocyte hypertrophy and found its levels significantly elevated in OA patients with KL score of 2, and also in OA patients with above normal hsCRP levels. Concentration of C-Col10 strongly correlated with levels of C2M, a marker of cartilage destruction. The data suggest that chondrocyte hypertrophy and subsequent collagen X fragmentation seem to be increased in a subset of patients with inflammatory OA.

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is an inflammatory process that affects the skin and cartilage of the ear. At present, there are many treatment options, although they are not always effective. Based on previous studies where nitroglycerin 2% gel was used, we propose the use of nitroglycerin patches. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nitroglycerin patches in treating CNH. We performed a prospective study in 11 patients diagnosed with CNH treated with nitroglycerin patches 5 mg, 12 hours a day for 2 months. The therapeutic effectivity was determined by the improvement in the appearance and symptoms of the lesion. Seven of 11 patients (63.6%) had a complete response. One of 11 patients (9%) did not respond completely and surgical treatment was performed. Two of 11 patients (18.1%) stopped the treatment because of headache. One of 11 patients (9%) did not complete the treatment because the said patient forgot to apply the patch every night. Transdermal nitroglycerin has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of the symptoms and lesional appearance of CNH noninvasive manner. The success rate is comparable with other published methods and the rate of adverse effects is acceptable., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The pre-operative differentiation between enchondroma, low-grade chondrosarcoma and high-grade chondrosarcoma remains a diagnostic challenge. We reviewed the accuracy and safety of the radiological grading of cartilaginous tumours through the assessment of, first, pre-operative radiological and post-operative histological agreement, and second the rate of recurrence in lesions confirmed as high-grade on histology. We performed a retrospective review of major long bone cartilaginous tumours managed by curettage as low grade between 2001 and 2012. A total of 53 patients with a mean age of 47.6 years (8 to 71) were included. There were 23 men and 30 women. The tumours involved the femur (n = 20), humerus (n = 18), tibia (n = 9), fibula (n = 3), radius (n = 2) and ulna (n = 1). Pre-operative diagnoses resulted from multidisciplinary consensus following radiological review alone for 35 tumours, or with the addition of pre-operative image guided needle biopsy for 18. The histologically confirmed diagnosis was enchondroma for two (3.7%), low-grade chondrosarcoma for 49 (92.6%) and high-grade chondrosarcoma for two (3.7%). Three patients with a low-grade tumour developed a local recurrence at a mean of 15 months (12 to 17) post-operatively. A single high-grade recurrence (grade II) was treated with tibial diaphyseal replacement. The overall recurrence rate was 7.5% at a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (1.2 to 12.3). Cartilaginous tumours identified as low-grade on pre-operative imaging with or without additional image-guided needle biopsy can safely be managed as low-grade without pre-operative histological diagnosis. A few tumours may demonstrate high-grade features histologically, but the rates of recurrence are not affected., (©2014 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.)

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of glenohumeral articular cartilage lesions in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy and to assess the accuracy of noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting these defects compared with the "gold standard" of arthroscopy., Methods: Noncontrast MRI studies obtained in 84 consecutive patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff tendinopathy (mean age, 54.8 years; range, 17-82 years) were prospectively evaluated for glenohumeral cartilage lesions. Two fellowship-trained, experienced musculoskeletal radiologists were blinded from the arthroscopic findings and independently evaluated the glenoid and humeral head cartilage on 2 separate occasions., Results: At arthroscopy, cartilage lesions of the humeral head were detected in 23 patients (frequency, 27.4%), and glenoid cartilage lesions were found in 20 patients (frequency, 23.8%). For detection of a humeral lesion on MRI, the radiologists' combined accuracy was 78%, sensitivity was 43%, and specificity was 91%. The combined accuracy for detection of glenoid lesions on MRI was 84%, sensitivity was 53%, and specificity was 93%. Combining the readers, low-grade lesions (International Cartilage Repair Society grades 1 and 2) of the glenoid and humerus were read as negative on MRI in 63% and 86% of cases, respectively., Conclusion: Overall accuracy of noncontrast MRI for detection of glenohumeral articular cartilage lesions is good; however, interpretation is reader dependent, and accuracy is significantly reduced for detection of low-grade lesions. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy undergoing arthroscopy be informed that the presence and severity of cartilage lesions may be underestimated on MRI., (Copyright © 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Treatment of patellofemoral chondral defects is fraught with difficulty because of the generally inferior outcomes and significant biomechanical complexity of the joint. Noyes and Barber-Westin38 performed a systematic review of large (>4 cm2) patellofemoral ACI (11 studies), PFA (5 studies), and osteochondral allografting (2 studies) in patients younger than 50 years. Respectively, failures or poor outcomes were noted in 8% to 60% after ACI, 22% after PFA, and 53% after osteochondral allograft treatment. As noted in the outcome reviews earlier, unacceptable complication and reoperation rates were reported from all 3 procedures, and it was concluded that each operation had unpredictable results for this patient demographic. This study highlights the importance of strict indications and working to address all concomitant diseases to decrease revision rate. Outcomes are most predictable in young patients with low BMI and unipolar defects lower than 4 cm2., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The relationship of patellofemoral congruency with chondromalacia patellae (CP) was retrospectively evaluated. Lateral patellar tilt angle (LPTA), sulcus angle (SA), trochlear depth (TD), and patella angle (PA) were measured at 301 knee magnetic resonance images and compared between groups with and without CP. In the CP group, LPTA and TD were significantly low (P<.01), SA was high (P<.01), while PA showed no difference (P>.05). The parameters were also compared between groups with mild and severe CP, and no significant difference was found (P>.05). Our results demonstrate that patellar tilt and trochlear dysplasia are related to the presence but not the degree of CP., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Given the frequency and burden of ankle sprains, the pathologic features identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are widely known in the symptomatic population. Ankle MRI pathologic features in the asymptomatic population, however, are poorly understood. Such examinations are rarely undertaken unless an ankle has been injured or is painful. We report the systematic MRI findings from the reports of 108 consecutive asymptomatic lateral ankles (104 patients). Our purpose was to (1) report the prevalence of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and pathologic features of the medial and lateral ligaments, peroneal tendons, and superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR); (2) correlate the presence of OLTs with the pathologic features of the medial and lateral ligaments, peroneal tendons, and SPR; and (3) correlate ligamentous discontinuity with the peroneal pathologic features, OLTs, and SPR pathologic features. A total of 16 OLTs (14.81%) were present (13 medial and 3 lateral). Of the 16 patients with OLTs, 8 (50.00%) had concomitant peroneal pathologic findings. Healthy medial and lateral ligaments were noted in 41 patients (37.96%), and ligamentous discontinuity was grade I in 25 (23.15%), II in 32 (29.63%), III in 5 (4.63%), and grade IV in 5 patients (4.63%). A weak positive correlation was found between attenuation or tears of the superficial deltoid and medial OLTs (phi coefficient = 0.23, p = .0191) and a moderate positive correlation between tears of the posterior talofibular ligament and lateral OLTs (phi coefficient = 0.30, p = .0017). Additionally, a moderate positive correlation between ligamentous discontinuity and tendinopathy of the peroneus brevis was noted [Spearman's coefficient(106) = 0.29, p = .0024]. These findings add to the evidence of concomitant pathologic features in the asymptomatic population. To definitively assess causation and evaluate the clinical evolution of radiologic findings, future, prospective, longitudinal cohort studies are necessary., (Copyright © 2014 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy, biomechanics, and multimodality imaging findings of common and uncommon distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), triangular fibrocartilage complex, and distal ulna abnormalities., Conclusion: The DRUJ is a common site for acute and chronic injuries and is frequently imaged to evaluate chronic wrist pain, forearm dysfunction, and traumatic forearm injury. Given the complex anatomy of the wrist, the radiologist plays a vital role in the diagnosis of wrist pain and dysfunction.

Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to compare routine MRI scans of the knee at 1.5 and 3 T obtained in the same individuals in terms of their performance in the diagnosis of cartilage lesions., Methods: One hundred patients underwent MRI of the knee at 1.5 and 3 T and subsequent knee arthroscopy. All MR examinations consisted of multiplanar 2D turbo spin-echo sequences. Three radiologists independently graded all articular surfaces of the knee joint seen at MRI. With arthroscopy as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 1.5- and 3-T MRI for detecting cartilage lesions and the proportion of correctly graded cartilage lesions within the knee joint were determined and compared using resampling statistics., Results: For all readers and surfaces combined, the respective sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting all grades of cartilage lesions in the knee joint using MRI were 60, 96, and 87% at 1.5 T and 69, 96, and 90% at 3 T. There was a statistically significant improvement in sensitivity (p < 0.05), but not specificity or accuracy (n.s.) for the detection of cartilage lesions at 3 T. There was also a statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the proportion of correctly graded cartilage lesions at 3 T as compared to 1.5 T., Conclusion: A 3-T MR protocol significantly improves diagnostic performance for the purpose of detecting cartilage lesions within the knee joint, when compared with a similar protocol performed at 1.5 T., Level of Evidence: III.

Rapid chondrolysis following a lateral meniscectomy is a rare complication. We present the first reported case of rapid chondrolysis of the lateral compartment, which developed 6 months after a meniscus tear that was not surgically treated in a young 18-year-old professional rugby player. The possible hypotheses to explain this complication are presented, and certain previously published causes were excluded (iatrogenic during surgery, undiagnosed increased rotatory instability, chondrotoxicity of bupivacaine). Overloading of the cartilage surface of the lateral compartment from meniscal extrusion can cause cartilage necrosis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This prospective study assessed the 10-year clinical outcomes of periosteum autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) due to cartilage lesions of the femoral condyles., Methods: Thirty-three of 45 patients (3 failures, 7 non-responders, 2 others) were available for clinical and radiographic evaluation at 2, 5, and 10 years. Patients were categorized into groups with focal cartilage lesions, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and cartilage lesions with simultaneous ACL reconstruction (ACL). Seven patients in the overall series required an arthroscopic re-intervention (3 ACI related, 4 ACI unrelated)., Results: Subjective knee scores and activity scores were significantly improved at 2 years toward their pre-operative levels and then remained stable up to 10 years; however, patients did not reach their pre-injury activity levels. Upon 10-year examination, using the IKDC knee examination form, there were 15 normal, 11 nearly normal, 5 abnormal, and 2 severely abnormal knees. Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis was found in 45% of patients (5 focal lesions, 2 OCD, and 8 ACL)., Conclusions: ACI provided safe and stable performance of operated knees over 10 years with a significant improvement toward pre-operative levels. Patients restrained from high-impact knee joint activities, post-surgery, and their knee radiographs demonstrated a high incidence of knee OA in trauma-related lesions. Optimal long-term performance is expected in localized, low-impact cartilage lesions of young patients., Level of Evidence: Case series, Level IV.

Purpose: Subchondral bone edema is a common finding after cartilage treatment, but its interpretation is still debated. The aim of this study is to analyse the presence of edema after matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) for knee cartilage lesions at different follow-up times and its correlation with the clinical outcome., Methods: Two hundred and forty-eight magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) of patients treated with a hyaluronic acid-based MACT for lesions of the knee articular surface were considered. The MRIs belonged to 116 patients (mean age at surgery 28.6 ± 10.3 years, average defect size 2.4 ± 1.0 cm(2)), 57 affected by degenerative cartilage lesions, 27 traumatic and 32 were osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). MRI follow-up was performed from 6 to 108 months after treatment. Other than its presence or absence, the subchondral bone edema was evaluated using a 3-level grading considering extension and hyperintensity, and with the WORMS score edema classification. The IKDC subjective score was collected at the time of every MRI., Results: An analysis of the entire MRI group showed that edema is not constantly present through the follow-up, but presents a particular and well-defined trend. Edema was present within the first 2 years and was then markedly reduced or disappeared at 2 and 3 years (p = 0.044). Afterwards the level of edema increased again (p < 0.0005) and remained steadily present at medium/long-term follow-up. Patellar lesions presented significantly lower edema (p = 0.012), whereas OCD lesions presented more edema at all follow-up (p = 0.002) and a different trend, with an increasing level of edema over time. No correlation was found between edema and clinical outcome., Conclusions: Edema after MACT is present during the first phases of cartilage maturation up to 2 years of follow-up, and then tends to disappear. However, after a few years, it tends to reappear. Less edema was found in the patella, whereas more edema was found in the OCD, where subchondral bone is primarily involved. Interestingly, the presence of edema was not correlated with a poorer clinical outcome. Whether this might be a prognostic factor at longer follow-up remains to be determined, but our results give some indication on what to expect on both MRI edema and clinical outcome after MACT., Level of Evidence: Case series, Level IV.

Purpose: Early diagnosis of cartilage degeneration and longitudinal tracking of cartilage health including repair following surgical intervention would benefit from the ability to detect and monitor changes of the articular cartilage non-invasively and before gross morphological alterations appear., Methods: Quantitative MR imaging has shown promising results with various imaging biomarkers such as T2 mapping, T1 rho and dGEMRIC demonstrating sensitivity in the detection of biochemical alterations within tissues of interest. However, acquiring accurate and clinically valuable quantitative data has proven challenging, and the reproducibility of the quantitative mapping technique and its values are essential. Although T2 mapping has been the focus in this discussion, all quantitative mapping techniques are subject to the same issues including variability in the imaging protocol, unloading and exercise, analysis, scanner and coil, calculation methods, and segmentation and registration concerns., Results: The causes for variability between time points longitudinally in a patient, among patients, and among centres need to be understood further and the issues addressed., Conclusions: The potential clinical applications of quantitative mapping are vast, but, before the clinical community can take full advantage of this tool, it must be automated, standardized, validated, and have proven reproducibility prior to its implementation into the standard clinical care routine.

Background: Subarachnoid cysts are rare conditions in veterinary medicine, associated with spinal cord dysfunction. Most of the 100 cases of subarachnoid cysts described since the first report in 1968 were apparently not true cysts. Reported cysts are usually situated in the cervical area and occur in predisposed breeds such as the Rottweiler. The purpose of this retrospective study, from May 2003 to April 2012, was to describe the distinctive features of thoracolumbar spinal subarachnoid cysts, together with their surgical treatment and outcome in 6 chondrodystrophic dogs., Results: Five Pugs and 1 French Bulldog were examined. Images suggestive of a subarachnoid cyst were obtained by myelography (2/6) and computed tomography myelography (4/6), and associated disc herniation was observed in 3/6 dogs. A hemilaminectomy was performed. The protruding disc eventually found in 5/6 dogs was treated by lateral corpectomy. The ventral leptomeningeal adhesions observed in all dogs after durotomy were dissected. No or only mild post-operative neurological degradation was observed. Follow-up studies (7 months to 4 years) indicated good outcome and no recurrence., Conclusions: All the thoracolumbar subarachnoid cysts described in these 6 chondrodystrophic dogs were associated with leptomeningeal adhesions. Good results seemed to be obtained by dissecting and removing these adhesions. A protruding disc, found here in 5/6 dogs, needs to be ruled out and can be treated by lateral corpectomy.

Objective: Impaired balance control has been reported in the elderly with hip osteoarthritis, yet this relationship has not been explored in young adults with hip chondropathy. This study aimed to determine whether people with hip chondropathy demonstrated impaired balance ability during a dynamic single-leg squat with eyes open (SquatEO) and a single-leg standing task with eyes closed (StandEC) and whether hip range of motion (ROM) and hip muscle strength were correlated with balance measures in adults with hip chondropathy., Methods: Sixty-three adults with hip chondropathy and 60 controls performed 2 tasks: SquatEO and StandEC while standing on a Nintendo Wii Balance Board. Center of pressure (COP) movement in mediolateral and anteroposterior directions was extracted. Hip ROM and muscle strength were measured with an inclinometer and dynamometer. Data were analyzed using an analysis of covariance and stepwise multiple regression model., Results: During SquatEO, greater COP mediolateral range (P = 0.023) and anteroposterior SD (P = 0.043) were observed in those with hip chondropathy compared to controls. No significant between-group differences were observed for StandEC. Hip external rotation ROM was significantly associated with mediolateral range during SquatEO., Conclusion: Dynamic single-leg balance squat performance is reduced in people with hip chondropathy compared to healthy adults, but static single-leg standing balance is not. This may be reflective of reduced control of dynamic movements. Those with greater hip joint external rotation ROM appear to have worse single-leg squat balance performance. Further investigation into balance deficits associated with hip disease is necessary to establish early identification strategies and a tailored approach to rehabilitation., (Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Rheumatology.)

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and positive predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the identification of full-thickness articular cartilage defects in the porcine knee. Seventy-two full-thickness chondral defects (small or large; circular, oval, or triangular) were created in 12 porcine knees. The authors used 3.0-T MRI with 3-dimensional gradient echo water-selective/fluid (WATSf) sequences acquired in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. Sensitivity and positive predictive value parameters were calculated for 2 readers. Magnetic resonance imaging was highly sensitive for detection of full-thickness defects in the knee (85%). The highest sensitivity was observed at the medial femoral condyle (93%), while the lowest was observed at the medial patella (71%). The sensitivities for detecting different shapes were unique to each shape, with oval lesions identified with greatest sensitivity (93%). Small lesions (86%) were detected at a similar sensitivity as large lesions (83%). The positive predictive values for accurate true-positive reads were low for all lesion shapes (18%-57%) and moderate for small (69%) and large (59%) sizes, with significant differences observed between the 2 readers. Magnetic resonance imaging has a high sensitivity in the detection of full-thickness articular cartilage defects in the porcine knee. Variability in defect shape and intra-articular location affects MRI sensitivity, while size does not. Magnetic resonance imaging was not effective in describing lesion shape or size. Further, there was subjectivity in reading defect shape and size between 2 radiologists., (Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.)

The re-emerging invalidating chikungunya disease has recently extended to temperate areas. Other alphaviruses can also present with febrile arthalgias. Dengue virus transmitted by the same species of mosquitoes may cocirculate, leading to dual infections and concurrent epidemics. Although these diseases share similar clinical features, their prognoses considerably differ. Prominent and prolonged articular disorders are more consistent with chikungunya virus, whereas haemorrhages make the gravity of dengue infection. Specific symptoms are required, especially when diagnostic tests are not available or performable at a large scale. Indeed, early clinical suspicion of a vector-borne disease is crucial to isolate the first cases in the course of an outbreak, and discrimination between arboviruses help to optimal management of patients. No specific chikungunya clinical sign has been yet reported. We highlight here the high prevalence (about 25%) of acute ear redness in infected people during the 2008 chikungunya outbreak in Jahor Bahru in Malaysia. Nine consenting patients are more precisely described. Ear chondritis could be sensitive diagnostic criterion of the acute stage of chikungunya, every physician - even in occidental non endemic areas - should be aware of., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip is a rare disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, limp and radiological loss of joint space of the affected hip. The clinical outcome varies from complete recovery to fibrous ankylosis. Management remains controversial. We aim to outline the natural history and pathology of the disease and treatment strategies.

An 8-year-old boy presented to our otolaryngology clinic three times in a 3-month period for treatment of acute auricular perichondritis. At each visit he was treated with an antibiotic, and he responded quickly in each case, with a complete resolution of his infection. The results of standard autoimmune laboratory tests were negative. Three months after his initial presentation, the patient developed the classic signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus, including polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. He was diagnosed with and treated for type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, and his recurrent infections ceased. There has been no recurrence over a 4-year follow-up period. This case report serves to illustrate the fact that recurrent infections may be the first sign of diabetes. Since diabetes and perichondritis are known to be associated, we recommend that for patients who present with recurrent episodes of perichondritis, a basic metabolic panel and measurement of the glycosylated hemoglobin level be added to standard autoimmune laboratory testing to possibly identify undiagnosed diabetes.

Freiberg's infraction is a condition of cartilage degeneration of the lesser metatarsal heads. Adolescent females are the "textbook" patients but both males and females may present with this condition later in life. The second and third metatarsals are the most commonly affected, while involvement of the fourth and fifth is rare. The incidence is higher in females than in males. The pathophysiology is unknown, but studies suggest a combination of vascular compromise, genetic predisposition, and altered biomechanics. Diagnosis is made clinically and imaging is used to confirm. Early in the process, radiographs are normal however bone scans may demonstrate a photopenic center with a hyperactive collar and magnetic resonance imaging can reveal hypointensity of the metatarsal head. As Freiberg's infraction progresses, radiographs show a flattened and fragmented metatarsal head. Nonoperative treatment is based on decreasing foot pressure and unloading the affected metatarsal. Spontaneous healing with remodeling may occur in early stages of the disease. Operative options are dorsal closing wedge osteotomies, osteochondral transplant, and resection arthroplasty. Currently, we do not understand this disease sufficiently to prevent its occurrence. Outcomes of nonoperative and operative management are good to excellent and most patients are able to return to previous activity.

Background: Keutel syndrome is a rare autosomal-recessive condition characterized by abnormal cartilage calcification. Neuroimaging findings associated with this condition have been randomly described in the literature., Objective: To systematically evaluate the neuroimaging findings in a series of children with Keutel syndrome to broaden our base of knowledge., Materials and Methods: Four children with confirmed Keutel syndrome were reviewed for the brain, head and neck imaging findings., Results: Three of the four children, all siblings, showed evidence of moyamoya syndrome. All four siblings had pinna cartilage calcification., Conclusion: We propose that Keutel syndrome be considered and included among the secondary causes of moyamoya syndrome. In children with petrified auricle and neurological symptoms, Keutel syndrome should be considered and brain MRI with MRA is required.

Objective: To assess the correlation of T2 mapping abnormalities to knee pain location, in young adults with normal standard knee MRI at 3.0 Tesla., Subjects and Methods: Twenty-three consecutive patients were included prospectively from September 2011 to April 2012. Inclusion criteria were age under 50 years old, knee pain without surgical history, and normal knee MRI at 3.0 Tesla (sagittal T1-weighted images, and sagittal, axial and coronal proton-density-weighted images with saturation of fat signal). Ten asymptomatic volunteers were also included as a control group. Patients and controls had a cartilage T2 mapping MRI sequence in addition to the standard MRI protocol. Two musculoskeletal radiologists, blinded to the patient/control condition and pain location, independently reviewed the T2 mapping images. T2 values below 40 ms were considered normal. They rated the number of hyaline cartilage lesions and their grade according to an ICRS-like score (inspired by the International Cartilage Research Society score) in each anatomical compartment (medial and lateral femoro-tibial and anterior patello-femoral joints). In addition, the T2 value of the largest lesion was measured. Patient's pain location was classified in the following categories: anterior, lateral, medial and global. T2 mapping findings were compared to pain location, and retrospectively to the initial standard sequences. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for MRI with T2 mapping according to pain location for each reader. Kappa coefficient was calculated for inter-reader agreement. We used variance analysis in a linear regression to compare T2 values and ICRS-like classification in each compartment., Results: Sensitivity of MRI with T2 mapping, according to the symptomatic compartment, was respectively: 78% and 87% for Reader 1 and Reader 2 and specificity was 70% for both readers. Kappa coefficient for T2 mapping abnormalities location and pain location was good, with a calculated value of 0.64. There was no significant correlation between ICRS-like classification and T2 values of lesions (p = 0.18)., Conclusion: Our results suggest that T2 mapping is an interesting MRI sequence for the exploration of young patients knee pain in case of normal MRI with a standard protocol, with a good correlation between pain location and focal prolongations of the cartilage T2 relaxation time.

Objective: The aim of our study was to implement and test an imaging protocol for the detection and evaluation of standardised cartilage defects using high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine its limitations., Material and Method: A total of 84 cartilage defects were created in the femoral condyles of euthanized dogs with a minimum body mass of 25 kg. The cartilage defects had a depth of 0.3 to 1.0 mm and a diameter of 1 to 5 mm. T1-FLASH-3D-WE-sequences with an isotropic voxel size of 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 mm and an anisotropic voxel size of 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.8 mm were used. In addition to quantitative evaluation of the cartilage defects, the sig- nal intensities, signal-to-noise ratios and contrast-to-noise ratios of the cartilage were determined. Of special interest were the limita- tions in identifying and delineating the standardised cartilage defects., Results: With the anisotropic voxel size, more cartilage defects were detectable. Our results demonstrated that cartilage defects as small as 3.0 mm in diameter and 0.4 mm in depth were reliably detected using anisotropic settings. Cartilage defects below this size were not reliably detected., Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: We found that for optimal delineation of the joint cartilage and associated defects, a higher in-plane resolution with a larger slice thickness should be used, corresponding to the anisotropic settings employed in this study. For the delineation of larger cartilage defects, both the anisotropic and isotropic imaging methods can be used.

A 10-yr-old female spayed mixed breed tiger presented for a 9-day history of acute and nonprogressive paralysis of the pelvic limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion suggestive of fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy with regional spinal cord edema, decreased disk signal intensity at L2-L3, and mild intervertebral disk protrusion at L1-L2 and L2-L3. Cerebral spinal fluid analysis showed no overt evidence of infection or neoplasia. Medical therapy was instituted, including corticosteroids and gastroprotectants as well as nursing care and physical therapy. The tiger began showing clinical improvement 2 wk after initiating treatment, progressing to the point where the animal was standing and intermittently walking. Three months after diagnosis, the tiger had regained muscle strength of its hind limbs and walked regularly with improving coordination. This case is the first report of antemortem diagnosis and successful medical management of suspected fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in a large exotic felid.

Background: Painful nodule of the ear was described at the start of the 20th century as a form of chronic chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH). It comprises a painful erythematous papule or nodule appearing on the ear and adhering to cartilage, and which may or may not have a central scab. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of CNH as well as the population currently affected by such lesions, and to identify predisposing factors. The secondary aim was to describe treatments commonly used in private dermatological practice and to examine their efficacy., Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were sent out to private dermatologists belonging to the Association d'information post-universitaire en dermato-vénérologie de Strasbourg [Association for post-university information in dermatology-venerology] in Strasbourg. Patients were included in the study if they consulted for CNH, clinically diagnosed as such by the dermatologist. The questionnaire was used to analyze the age, gender and phototype of patients, as well as pain assessed on a numeric scale, duration, site, supposed trigger factors, treatment and outcome after treatment., Results: A total of 99 patients was included by 27 dermatologists between March 2010 and October 2011, mainly men (sex-ratio: 1.6). The mean age was 65 years. Patients had no significant previous history. Pain was moderate in 23 patients, severe in 59 and unbearable in 14; in most patients it was brought on by provocation (78 patients). The right ear was affected in 48 patients and the left ear in 39. CNH had been present for a mean 14 months. The most common site was the upper/horizontal section and the angle of the helix of the ear (62 patients). Exposure to sunlight or to cold were the predisposing factors most frequently mentioned (56 patients). Medical treatment was given for 52 patients, and resulted in cure of almost half of this population. Surgery was performed in 34 patients, with only one case of relapse., Discussion: Our study shows that the current population of subjects with CNH is comparable with that described in the literature. New professional and technological apparatus appearing in recent decades (hearing aids, headphones and in-ear headphones, crash helmets) result in continual trauma to the ear and could favour the onset of CNH. The treatment most commonly given by dermatologists is non surgical, which may be effective in certain patients. Analgesic treatment and removal of factors responsible for trauma are also important in management., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has a better treatment effect than microfracture (MF), and increasing superiority over the years, when performed under similar patient-specific and defect-specific conditions., Methods: We scanned four electronic databases for controlled clinical trials or controlled prospective observational studies. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses of equivalent data using standardized mean differences as the outcome measure of choice at 1, 2, and 5-year follow-up. We assessed heterogeneity with the I (2) index and publication bias with funnel plots and Kendall's tests., Results: Our literature search revealed six study populations (nine papers) which satisfied our eligibility criteria. Overall, 399 patients aged between 16 and 60 years with 1-10 cm(2) chondral defects were available. The MF and the ACI study groups were well matched regarding patient baseline characteristics. For all papers, microfracture was performed according to Steadman, whereas three generations of ACI were applied. When all were combined, non-significant superiority of ACI over MF was revealed; surprisingly, this superiority decreased over the years. However, our meta-analyses combining solely second and third-generation ACI revealed significant standardized differences, becoming smaller over the years, but always representing a large effect. Nevertheless, our approximate estimate of the difference between the treatment effects provoked by second and third-generation ACI and by MF is not indicative of clinically relevant superiority of ACI over MF at 5-year follow-up., Conclusions: Both series of meta-analyses (combining either all ACI modifications or solely the second and third generations of ACI) suggest that the treatment effects resulting from ACI and MF converge over the years.