Prominent synovial plicae in radiocapitellar joints as a potential cause of lateral elbow pain: clinico-radiologic correlation

The radiohumeral synovial plica: anatomy, histology, and implications in chronic lateral epicondylitis

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to elucidate synovial plica (SP) of the elbow histological characteristics and the anatomical relationship with adjacent structures. Subsequently, we sought to assess the relationship between SP and clinical symptoms as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis.

METHODS

MRI was performed on eight cadaveric elbows specimens. The MRI findings were compared with those in anatomic sections and histologic preparations. In addition, ninety-nine patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis who underwent preoperative elbow MRI and arthroscopic surgery were included. The patients were divided into SP and without SP groups. The differences in clinical symptoms and MRI features between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

SP is located proximal to the annular ligament that extends into the joint cavity, then moves to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex, and finally attaches to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow along with the common extensor tendon (CET). The SP, ligament, and tendon blend imperceptibly without distinct boundaries. Furthermore, in a study of patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis, we found that compared to the without SP group, patients in the SP group had higher preoperative and 3-week postoperative VAS scores and more severe abnormalities in LCL complex and CET.

CONCLUSION

The SP is distinct from the annular ligament and closely correlates with the LCL complex and CET enthesis at the lateral epicondyle. Chronic lateral epicondylitis patients with SP have more severe abnormalities of the LCL complex and CET, more severe pain, and longer postoperative recovery times.

KEY POINTS

Question Synovial plica (SP) cause lateral elbow pain, but few studies regarding histological and imaging features of SP and its relationship to chronic lateral epicondylitis exist. Findings The presence of SP leads to more severe common extensor tendon abnormalities and higher visual analog scale scores in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Clinical relevance The combination of magnetic resonance imaging and clinical symptoms to further understand the effect of SP on the clinical symptoms and postoperative recovery in chronic lateral epicondylitis can help refine treatment strategies and improve the prognosis of patients.

Hypertrophic synovial plica in the lateral side of the knee - A case report: Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Plicae or synovial folds can be detected in different joints, especially around the knee. Synovial plicae pathologies are rare conditions with difficulty in diagnosis because of various symptoms overlapping with other diseases.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We reported a rare case of symptomatic hypertrophic synovial plica in the lateral side of the knee in a 12-year-old boy following a traumatic event almost two years before the surgery. The diagnosis and treatment were conducted by knee arthroscopy, and follow-up of the patients showed significant improvements with no pain or range of motion restrictions.

DISCUSSION

The reported case had a significantly lower age of presentations compared to most previously reported cases, and he was diagnosed with lateral knee hypertrophic plicae, while medial knee hypertrophic plicae are more commonly reported, which is considered rare findings. Contrary to previous studies of lateral plica, our case had a history of significant direct trauma, and he was not a professional athlete. Furthermore, based on evidence, hypertrophic synovial plicae are mostly asymptomatic, but in our case, there was a pain in his knee that worsened in flexion.

CONCLUSION

Physicians should consider the possibility of synovial hypertrophic plicae, especially in younger patients with histories of direct traumatic events.

SSR white paper: guidelines for utilization and performance of direct MR arthrography

OBJECTIVE

Direct magnetic resonance arthrography (dMRA) is often considered the most accurate imaging modality for the evaluation of intra-articular structures, but utilization and performance vary widely without consensus. The purpose of this white paper is to develop consensus recommendations on behalf of the Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) based on published literature and expert opinion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Standards and Guidelines Committee of the SSR identified guidelines for utilization and performance of dMRA as an important topic for study and invited all SSR members with expertise and interest to volunteer for the white paper panel. This panel was tasked with determining an outline, reviewing the relevant literature, preparing a written document summarizing the issues and controversies, and providing recommendations.

RESULTS

Twelve SSR members with expertise in dMRA formed the ad hoc white paper authorship committee. The published literature on dMRA was reviewed and summarized, focusing on clinical indications, technical considerations, safety, imaging protocols, complications, controversies, and gaps in knowledge. Recommendations for the utilization and performance of dMRA in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot regions were developed in group consensus.

CONCLUSION

Although direct MR arthrography has been previously used for a wide variety of clinical indications, the authorship panel recommends more selective application of this minimally invasive procedure. At present, direct MR arthrography remains an important procedure in the armamentarium of the musculoskeletal radiologist and is especially valuable when conventional MRI is indeterminant or results are discrepant with clinical evaluation.

Wide Range in Complication Rates Following Elbow Arthroscopy in Adult and Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review of complications associated with elbow arthroscopy in adults and children.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Studies reporting complications or reoperations after elbow arthroscopy with at least 5 patients were included. Based on the Nelson classification, the severity of complications was categorized as minor or major. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized clinical trials, and nonrandomized trials were assessed using the Methodological Items for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) tool.

RESULT

A total of 114 articles were included with 18,892 arthroscopies (16,815 patients). A low risk of bias was seen for the randomized studies and a fair quality for the nonrandomized studies. Complication rates ranged from 0% to 71% (median 3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8%-3.3%), and reoperation rates from 0% to 59% (median 2%; 95% CI, 1.8%-2.2%). A total of 906 complications were observed, with transient nerve palsies (31%) as the most frequent complication. According to Nelson classification, 735 (81%) complications were minor and 171 (19%) major. Forty-nine studies reported complications in adults and 10 studies in children, showing a complication rate ranging from 0% to 27% (median 0%; 95% CI, 0%-0.4%) and 0% to 57% (median 1%; 95% CI, 0.4%-3.5%), respectively. A total of 125 complications were observed in adults, with transient nerve palsies (23%) as the most frequent complication, and 33 in children, with loose bodies after surgery (45%) as the most frequent complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Predominantly low-level evidence studies demonstrate varying complication rates (median 3%, range 0%-71%) and reoperation rates (median 2%, range 0%-59%) after elbow arthroscopy. Higher complication rates are observed after more complex surgery. The incidence and type of complications can aid surgeons in patient counseling and refining surgical techniques to further reduce the complication rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV; systematic review of Level I-IV studies.

A Clinical Overview of the Natural Course and Management of Lateral Epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis (LE), also often called tennis elbow, is a frequent cause of elbow pain. The most characteristic symptom of LE is pain and burning around the lateral epicondyle of the humerus that may radiate to the forearm or to the upper arm. Ultrasonography is a quick and noninvasive tool used to confirm (or exclude) the diagnosis of LE. Management of LE symptoms should be directed to the management of pain, protection of movement, and improvement of arm performance. Treatment of LE includes nonoperative techniques and surgery. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(4):e210-e218.].

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Chronic Elbow Pain

Chronic elbow pain can be osseous, soft tissue, cartilaginous, and nerve related in etiology. Imaging plays an important role in differentiating between these causes of chronic elbow pain. This document provides recommendations for imaging of chronic elbow pain in adult patients. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer-reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer-reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Overuse Elbow Injuries in Youth Gymnasts

BACKGROUND

Gymnastics is a unique sport that places significant loads across the growing elbow, resulting in unique overuse injuries, some of which are poorly described in the current literature.

PURPOSE

To provide a comprehensive review of the unique overuse elbow injuries seen in youth gymnasts and to provide an up-to-date synthesis of the available literature and clinical expertise guiding treatment decisions in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

METHODS

A review of the PubMed database was performed to include all studies describing elbow biomechanics during gymnastics, clinical entities of the elbow in gymnasts, and outcomes of operative and/or nonoperative treatment of elbow pathology in gymnasts.

RESULTS

Participation in gymnastics among youth athletes is high, being the sixth most common sport in children. Early specialization is the norm in this sport, and gymnastics also has the highest number of participation hours of all youth sports. As a result, unique overuse elbow injuries are common, primarily on the lateral side of the elbow. Beyond common diagnoses of radiocapitellar plica and osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, we describe a pathology unique to gymnasts involving stress fracture of the radial head. Additionally, we synthesized our clinical experience and expertise in gymnastics to provide a sport-specific rehabilitation program that can be used by providers treating surgical and nonsurgical conditions of the elbow and wishing to provide detailed activity instructions to their athletes.

CONCLUSION

Overuse injuries of the elbow are common in gymnastics and include osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, radiocapitellar plica syndrome, and newly described radial head stress fractures. A thorough understanding of the psychological, cultural, and biomechanical aspects of gymnastics are necessary to care for these athletes.

MRI of the Elbow: How to Do It

The diagnostic cascade for elbow complaints starts with the physical examination and radiographs that already can clarify or rule out many causes. Depending on the suspected pathology, additional imaging is necessary. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the advantage of accurately demonstrating a broad spectrum of diseases. The main indication for noncontrast MRI of the elbow is chronic epicondylitis. For magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography, it is suspected chondral and osteochondral abnormalities. Indirect MR arthrography is an option when direct arthrography is not practicable. MR arthrography of the elbow with traction is feasible, with promising results for the assessment of the radiocapitellar cartilage.

The elbow plica: a systematic review of terminology and characteristics

BACKGROUND

There has been a lack of evidence regarding the structure of the elbow plica, or synovial fold. Inconsistency remains regarding the correct terminology, prevalence, and investigation used to understand this anatomic structure.

METHODS

For this systematic review, we searched the PubMed, Ovid-MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Embase databases using keywords as well as medical subject headings for English-language studies. We conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

We included 27 articles in this review. "Plica" was the most commonly used terminology (33%). The prevalence of plicae in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients was 77% and 97%, respectively. Provocative factors were sporting activities (57%), including those performed by professional athletes, and heavy labor (43%). Lateral elbow pain represented the most common symptom (49%). Magnetic resonance imaging was the most commonly used diagnostic modality (64%). On the magnetic resonance imaging scans of symptomatic patients, the most common location of the plica was the posterolateral region (54%) and its thickness was a minimum of 3 mm. In 2 studies that included symptomatic patients, the plica was found to cover more than one-third of the radial head.

CONCLUSION

Plicae are prevalent in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Consideration of the pathologies associated with an elbow plica helped identify the following: (1) its thickness is >3 mm and (2) its location is in the posterolateral aspect and/or it covers more than one-third of the radial head quadrant.

Evaluation and management of elbow injuries in the adolescent overhead athlete

With an increased interest in youth sports, the burden of overhead throwing elbow injuries accompanying early single-sport focus has steadily risen. During the overhead throwing motion, valgus torque can reach and surpass Newton meters (N m) during the late cocking and early acceleration phases, which exceeds the tensile strength (22.7–33 N m) of the ulnar collateral ligament. While the ulnar collateral ligament serves as the primary valgus stabilizer between and degrees of elbow flexion, other structures about the elbow must contribute to stability during throwing. Depending on an athlete’s stage of skeletal maturity, certain patterns of injury are observed with mechanical failures resulting from increased medial laxity, lateral-sided compression, and posterior extension shearing forces. Together, these injury patterns represent a wide range of conditions that arise from valgus extension overload. The purpose of this article is to review common pathologies observed in the adolescent overhead throwing athlete in the context of functional anatomy, osseous development, and throwing mechanics. Operative and non-operative management and their associated outcomes will be discussed for these injuries.

Feasibility and technique of ultrasound traumatic elbow lesion assessment

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to describe the technique of ultrasound traumatic elbow lesion assessment performed by an orthopedic surgeon.

METHODS

Nine patients were included in a single-center study. Clinical examination assessed pain, ranges of elbow motion, neurovascular status and elbow ligament testing. Ultrasound was associated to radiography between days 7 and 15, screening for lesions of the bone, medial ligament (in 30-90° flexion), lateral ligament (elbow at 90° in cobra position) and epitrochlear and epicondylar muscle insertions. Ultrasound scanning time and echogenicity were assessed.

RESULTS

Four radial head osteochondral fractures were detected on ultrasound in addition to the 4 fractures seen on radiography, without significant difference (p=0.071). Clinical examination found 2 cases of valgus laxity and 5 of varus laxity. Ultrasound, performed blind to radiography, found 1 medial collateral ligament anterior bundle lesion (in 1 of the 2 patients with valgus laxity) and 4 lateral collateral ligament ulnar bundle lesions (in 4 of the 5 patients with varus laxity). There were no epicondylar or epitrochlear tendon lesions. Scanning time decreased significantly over the study period, from a mean 30minutes in the first 5 cases to a mean 24.8minutes in the last 5 (p=0.046). Three patients could not be put in the cobra position, and 3 showed poor echogenicity.

DISCUSSION

Ultrasound assessment of traumatic elbow lesions could be performed by an orthopedic surgeon on a well-defined protocol. Lesions on ultrasound matched clinical symptomatology. Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility remain to be assessed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Systematic Review of the Surgical Outcomes of Elbow Plicae

Background:

Surgical resection is usually required for symptomatic elbow plicae that have failed nonoperative therapy. However, evidence of surgical outcomes has not been presented.

Purpose:

To review the surgical outcomes for the treatment of synovial plicae in the radiocapitellar joint.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, Ovid/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Embase databases using keywords as well as Medical Subject Headings terms and Emtree ([(elbow OR humeroradial joint OR radiohumeral joint) AND (meniscus OR plica)] OR snapping elbow OR snapping triceps OR synovial fold syndrome OR synovial fringe) for English-language studies. We conducted a systematic review using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

Results:

A total of 14 articles comprising four level 5 and ten level 4 studies were identified, including 279 patients (284 elbows). The triggering factors reported for 58 patients were heavy labor (29 patients; 50.0%), sporting activities (17 patients; 29.3%), and nonspecific trauma (12 patients; 20.7%). Overall, 92 patients (33.0%) were administered a steroid injection before surgery. Arthroscopic plica resection was performed in 266 patients (95.3%). Intraoperatively, plicae were mostly found in the posterior (44.0%) and posterolateral (28.6%) sites, and chondromalacia of the radial head was observed in 25 patients (9.2%). Of the reported surgical outcomes, 67.7% showed a resolution of symptoms. However, 9.3% of patients had residual symptoms, which were likely associated with pre-existing radial head chondromalacia. The complication rate was reported as 1.8%.

Conclusion:

Symptomatic elbow plicae were mostly treated arthroscopically, with most of the results being favorable. Pre-existing chondromalacia and the underestimation of concomitant intra-articular abnormalities may yield an inferior outcome.

Synovial plica of the elbow and its clinical relevance

A synovial plica (fold) is normal anatomic finding, and occurs in 86–100% of cases; however, symptomatic plica is much less common (7.2–8.7% of all elbow arthroscopies).

Synovial plica syndrome is a painful elbow condition related to symptomatic synovial plica.

Synovial plica syndrome is diagnosed by clinical examination (lateral elbow pain) commonly accompanied by local tenderness, pain at terminal extension and/or painful snapping.

Synovial plica syndrome may be mimicked by other elbow conditions, commonly tennis elbow, loose bodies, and degenerative arthritis.

Magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound scan may support diagnosis in correlation with clinical findings, but symptomatic plica may also be diagnosed as unexpected during elbow arthroscopy.

The arthroscopic resection is effective and safe if conservative treatment fails.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:549-557. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200027

Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow

Elbow pain can cause disability, especially in athletes, and is a common clinical complaint for both the general practitioner and the orthopaedic surgeon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent tool for the evaluation of joint pathology due to its high sensitivity as a result of high contrast resolution for soft tissues. This article aims to describe the normal imaging anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow, the most commonly used MRI protocols and techniques, and common MRI findings related to tendinopathy, ligamentous and osteochondral injuries, and instability of the elbow.

Arthroscopic Modified Bosworth Procedure for Refractory Lateral Elbow Pain With Radiocapitellar Joint Snapping

Background:

Radiocapitellar joint snapping due to the presence of synovial plica has been described as a contributory intra-articular pathology of lateral epicondylitis (LE).

Hypothesis:

The arthroscopic modified Bosworth technique can provide a safe and favorable outcome for refractory LE with radiocapitellar snapping.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients treated with the arthroscopic modified Bosworth procedure for refractory LE with radiocapitellar joint snapping were included in this study. The sequential surgical procedures included excision of the upper portion of the anterolateral annular ligament, removal of the synovial plicae, and release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis for all patients. Clinical outcomes were measured at a minimum 1-year follow-up.

Results:

A total of 22 patients with a mean ± SD age of 51.2 ± 10.4 years were included in this study. The mean follow-up was 29.4 ± 7.7 months (range, 21-42 months). The overall visual analog scale score (from preoperative to final follow-up) was 7.5 ± 1.2 vs 2.5 ± 1.8 (P < .001); flexion-extension motion arc was 133.8° ± 11.2° vs 146.4° ± 7.1° (P = .001); pronation-supination motion arc was 101.8° ± 9.2° vs 141.7° ± 10.2° (P = .001); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 54.5 ± 13.2 vs 3.6 ± 4.1 (P < .001); and Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 51.9 ± 12.2 vs 84.3 ± 10.3 (P < .001).

Conclusion:

Radiocapitellar joint snapping may coexist with LE as a disease spectrum. The arthroscopic modified Bosworth technique provides safe and favorable outcomes for patients with refractory LE associated with radiocapitellar joint snapping.

A Comprehensive Review of Radiohumeral Synovial Plicae for a Correct Clinical Interpretation in Intractable Lateral Epicondylitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Radiohumeral synovial plicae (RHSP) have been studied by different authors in different ways; in spite of this, the evidence is poor and the results are controversial and inconclusive even when it comes to referring to this elbow structure. The aim of this article is to review the embryologic development, anatomy and histology, pathophysiologic features, clinical manifestations, physical examination, imaging findings, and treatment of radiohumeral synovial plicae, for their correct clinical interpretation in patients with intractable lateral epicondylitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Radiohumeral synovial plicae syndrome (RHSPS) can cause intractable lateral epicondylitis and can be easily confused with other clinical conditions affecting the elbow. Many clinicians are not familiar with radiohumeral synovial plica syndrome since there are not many studies about it and previous reports do not seem to reach a consensus. Although its role in elbow injuries and epicondylitis is accepted and its surgical treatment is effective, there is no clear consensus about clinically relevant aspects. RHSP are remnants of normal embryo development of the articular synovial membrane with different anatomical locations, size and shape. Traumatism or overuse can turn RHSP into symptomatic structures at any age and can be compressed between the radial and humeral heads during movement. This compression can cause pain and other symptoms such as snapping, catching, mobility restriction, pitching, clicking, locking, blockage, popping and swelling. Radiohumeral synovial plica syndrome (RHSPS) may be an isolated condition or it can be associated with other elbow abnormalities. The findings on physical examination and imaging diagnosis are multiple and variable. Nowadays, RHSPS are quite unknown and previous reports do not seem to agree, leading to misdiagnoses as epicondylitis and making this structure the main cause of some cases of "intractable lateral epicondylitis". The outcomes of surgical treatments are quite promising although more, higher quality research is needed. Taking this into account, this review is meant to be a starting point for new anatomical and clinical studies.