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Hallgren HB, Nicolescu D, Törnqvist L, Casselgren M, Adolfsson L. Ultrasonographic examination of acute soft tissue lesions in the elbow has good inter-rater reliability and acceptable agreement with magnetic resonance imaging. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2024; 33:1615-1623. [PMID: 38514009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2024.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasonography (US) has been suggested as a valuable complement to clinical and radiologic examinations in elbow trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the method of choice, despite fair to moderate inter-rater reliability (IRR). US has potential advantages but is assessor dependent and the IRR scarcely examined. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate IRR for US and secondarily interobserver agreement (IOA) between US and MRI in the acute phase after elbow trauma. Acute phase was defined as 2 weeks and, if applicable, the following weekend. The hypothesis was that US reliability would be at least substantial for complete muscle or ligament lesions. METHODS A total of 116 patients (50 men, median age 47 [range 19-87] years) who had an elbow trauma with dislocation and/or fracture were included. Exclusion criteria were prior injury to the same elbow, and US and/or MRI not possible within 16 days. During US, the condition of muscle origins at the epicondyles and collateral and annular ligament complexes was recorded in a predesigned protocol, with the alternatives intact, partially or completely torn. Seventy-two patients had a second US examination the same day by an independent upper extremity surgeon, and 58 of the 116 patients underwent an MRI before or after the US, evaluated by 2 radiologists using the same protocol. IOA and IRR between assessors and modalities were analyzed with kappa statistics and interpreted according to Landis and Koch. Perfect agreement (PA) was reported in percentages. RESULTS US examination within 2 weeks was feasible with tolerable discomfort. Defining muscle origins and ligaments as intact or completely torn, the US IRR ranged from substantial to near perfect (kappa 0.63-1, PA 93%-100%). Intact tissues vs. tear (partial and complete tear combined) or intact vs. partial vs. complete tear resulted in kappa values from moderate to substantial and PA 74%-96% with lowest reliability for the muscle origins. The IOA between MRI and US ranged from fair to near perfect for no tear vs. complete tear (kappa 0.25-1, PA 65%-100%). Agreement between no tear and tear (partial and complete together) ranged from fair to substantial (0.25-0.66, PA 63%-89%) and no tear vs. partial or complete tear ranged from fair to moderate (0.25-0.53, PA 50%-79%). CONCLUSION US in the acute setting is suitable and reliable for diagnosis of ligament injuries in the elbow and is in addition fast, cheap, and easily accessible. The agreement with MRI seems to vary with the structure assessed and severity of the lesions, ranging from fair to near perfect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Björnsson Hallgren
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Dan Nicolescu
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lena Törnqvist
- Division of Radiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Adolfsson
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Langlais T, Louis E, Badina A, Vialle R, Pannier S, Le Hanneur M, Fitoussi F. "Unhappy triad" of the trauma elbow in children: Diagnosis, classification, and mid-term outcomes. J Child Orthop 2023; 17:581-589. [PMID: 38050602 PMCID: PMC10693846 DOI: 10.1177/18632521231211643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, physiopathology, and outcomes of elbow "unhappy triad" trauma in children, combining a posterior dislocation, a proximal radius fracture, and a third lesion (i.e. bony or capsuloligamentous injury). Methods A retrospective bicentric study was conducted between 1999 and 2020. All skeletally immature children who presented to the emergency department and underwent surgery for a proximal radius injury were selected. Among this selection, only patients with two associated ipsilateral elbow injuries (i.e. posterior elbow dislocation and a bony and/or capsuloligamentous injury) were included. Active elbow ranges of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Quick-Disabilities Of The Arm, Shoulder And Hand scores and standard radiographs were recorded at last follow-up. Results Twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age at surgery = 11.4 years) among 737 selected. The "unhappy triad" diagnosis was made preoperatively in nine cases (bone lesion only), intraoperatively in nine cases, and postoperatively in one case. The third lesions were surgically treated when the lesion was a bony fracture or if the elbow remains unstable between 60° and 90° of flexion (i.e. capsuloligamentous injury). Twenty patients were reviewed (mean follow-up = 5.8 years). The complications and re-operations rates were of 10%. Conclusion The "unhappy" triad of the child's elbow is a rare injury, where the preoperative diagnosis is frequently missed and lead to 10% of complications and re-operations. Level of evidence level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Langlais
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Purpan Children Hospital, Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Necker Hospital, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Louis
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Alina Badina
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Necker Hospital, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Raphael Vialle
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Pannier
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Necker Hospital, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Malo Le Hanneur
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Hand to Shoulder Mediterranean Center, ELSAN, Clinique Bouchard, Marseille, France
| | - Franck Fitoussi
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
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Carlier Y, Soubeyrand M. Chronic elbow instability in adults: The why, when and how of ligament reconstruction. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res 2023; 109:103449. [PMID: 36273505 DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2022.103449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chronic elbow instability in adults mainly consists of valgus instability and posterolateral instability. They most often occur because of ligament damage following elbow dislocation but can also occur due to repeated microtrauma. The aim of ligament stabilization surgery is always the same: recreate the anatomy and function of the original ligament. Extensive knowledge of the elbow's anatomical structures and biomechanics is crucial to understanding why the elbow is unstable and how to treat it. In this review, we will explain how elbow instability develops, what types of grafts are available and which reconstruction techniques can be used for posterolateral or valgus instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacine Carlier
- Centre de l'arthrose de Mérignac, 6, rue Georges-Négrevergne, 33700 Mérignac, France.
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Konarski W, Poboży T, Kotela A, Hordowicz M, Poboży K. Ultrasound in the Differential Diagnosis of Medial Epicondylalgia and Medial Elbow Pain-Imaging Findings and Narrative Literature Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081529. [PMID: 36011187 PMCID: PMC9407887 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medial epicondylalgia (ME), commonly known as “the golfer’s elbow”, typically develops in individuals who perform repetitive forearm movements and weight-bearing activities. It accounts for up to 20% of all epicondylitis cases and is most prevalent in particular sports and occupations. Though the diagnosis can be made based on sole clinical examination, additional imaging might be essential for confirmation of medial epicondylitis and excluding other pathologies of the medial epicondyle region. US imaging, with a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 92%, respectively, remains a practical and accessible alternative to MRI. However, its diagnostic efficacy highly depends on the operator’s experience and requires proper technique. This article describes the ultrasound examination and technique for adequate visualization of elbow joint structures. It also discusses the differential diagnosis of other common and less-known pathologies of the medial compartment of the elbow, including snapping triceps, medial collateral ligament injury, and cubital tunnel neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Konarski
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ciechanów Hospital, 06-400 Ciechanów, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Tomasz Poboży
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ciechanów Hospital, 06-400 Ciechanów, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kotela
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-815 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Martyna Hordowicz
- 3rd Department of General Psychiatry, Independent Public Regional Mental Health Care Facility Complex of Dr. Barbara Borzym, 26-600 Radom, Poland
| | - Kamil Poboży
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
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Bilger R, Laumonerie P, Barret H, Lapègue F, Mansat P, Sans N, Faruch-Bilfeld M. Ultrasonography: an interesting imaging method for ligament assessment during the acute phase of closed elbow injuries. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2022; 49:739-746. [PMID: 35943621 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-022-01246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether ultrasonography can be used to explore the medial and lateral ligament structures during the acute phase of a closed elbow injury. METHODS A single-center, prospective study performed between December 2019 and June 2020, including patients who suffered a radial head fracture or elbow dislocation. Two radiologists did a blinded analysis using ultrasonography of visibility, injury grade, and presence of bone avulsion for the radial collateral ligament (RCL), lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL), annular ligament (AL), and anterior (MCLant) and posterior bundles (MCLpost) of the medial collateral ligament. The inter-rater agreement was calculated. The ultrasonography findings were compared with the intraoperative findings in the patients who subsequently underwent surgery. RESULTS Forty patients were included (28 radial head fractures and 12 elbow dislocations). The inter-rater agreement was strong for all the study parameters (kappa between 0.65 and 1), except for the visibility of the LUCL (kappa 0.52) and the visibility and appearance of the MCLpost (kappa 0.54 and 0.47, respectively). The injured ligaments were thicker than their contralateral counterparts (p < 0.05). In the 10 patients who underwent surgery, the radiological-surgical correlation was 100% for the RCL and medial ligaments and 70% for the LUCL. CONCLUSION Ultrasonography is a reproducible examination that can be used to assess the damage to elbow ligaments during the acute phase following an injury. This examination could be incorporated into the exploration protocol for elbow injuries during the preoperative assessment and to adapt the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Bilger
- Service d'Imagerie Ostéoarticulaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Allée Jean Dausset, 31300, Toulouse, France.
| | - Pierre Laumonerie
- Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Allée Jean Dausset, 31300, Toulouse, France.,Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique, Hôpital Pellegrin, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hugo Barret
- Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Allée Jean Dausset, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Lapègue
- Service d'Imagerie Ostéoarticulaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Allée Jean Dausset, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Mansat
- Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Allée Jean Dausset, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Sans
- Service d'Imagerie Ostéoarticulaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Allée Jean Dausset, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie Faruch-Bilfeld
- Service d'Imagerie Ostéoarticulaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Allée Jean Dausset, 31300, Toulouse, France
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Takayama K, Shiode H, Ito H. Ultrasound-guided interscalene block anesthesia performed by an orthopedic surgeon: a study of 1322 cases of shoulder surgery. JSES Int 2021; 6:149-154. [PMID: 35141690 PMCID: PMC8811386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interscalene blocks are becoming increasingly common for shoulder surgeries. This study primarily aimed to demonstrate the efficacy and complications and the secondarily to investigate the anesthesia-related time and patient satisfaction of an ultrasound-guided interscalene block performed by an orthopedic surgeon. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1322 consecutive patients (arthroscopic, 1225 cases; open, 97 cases) with a mean age of 64.2 years, who underwent shoulder surgery (arthroscopic or opensurgery) under an ultrasound-guided interscalene block performed by an orthopedic surgeon at a single institution between December 2012 and December 2019. We investigated patient satisfaction, block success rates, and complications and also compared the anesthesia-related time of an interscalene block with that of general anesthesia (428 cases, arthroscopic, 257 cases; open, 171 cases) for shoulder surgery with patients in the beach chair position during the same period. Difference between total anesthesia time and surgical time was defined as anesthesia-related time. Results Approximately 98.3% of patients were satisfied with an interscalene block, and the block success rate on the first attempt was 99.9%. Total complication incidence was 2.3%, with no recorded life-threatening complications. Anesthesia-related times were significantly shorter in the interscalene block group than those in the general anesthesia group (45 ± 14 min vs. 100 ± 26 min, P < .001). Conclusion An ultrasound-guided interscalene block performed by an orthopedic surgeon for shoulder surgery is effective and safe, requires less time, and has a high patient acceptance rate, making it a feasible and alternative to the block performed by anesthesiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Takayama
- Corresponding author: Kazumasa Takayama, MD, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 7108602 Japan.
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Arrigoni P, Cucchi D, Luceri F, Zagarella A, Catapano M, Menon A, Bruno V, Gallazzi M, Randelli PS. Ultrasound evaluation shows increase in laxity after partial common extensor origin detachment but not after additional lesion of the radial band of the lateral collateral ligament. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2021; 29:4067-4074. [PMID: 34455451 PMCID: PMC8595151 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-021-06711-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The lateral elbow musculature conveys a dynamic valgus moment to the elbow, increasing joint stability. Muscular or tendinous lesions to the anterior half of the common extensor origin (CEO) may provoke a deficiency in the elbow dynamic stabilizers, regardless of their traumatic, degenerative, or iatrogenic aetiology. Furthermore, a role for the radial band of the lateral collateral ligament (R-LCL) has been postulated in the aetiology of lateral elbow pain. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sequential lateral releases with dynamic ultrasound, evaluating its capability to detect lesions of the CEO and of the R-LCL. METHODS Ultrasound investigation of the lateral compartment of the elbow was performed on nine cadaveric specimens with a 10 MHz linear probe in basal conditions, after the release of the anterior half of the CEO and after complete R-LCL release. The lateral joint line widening (λ) was the primary outcome parameter, measured as the linear distance between the humeral and radial articular surfaces. RESULTS The release of the anterior half of the CEO significantly increased λ by 200% compared to the starting position (p = 0.0008) and the previously loaded position (p = 0.0015). Conversely, further release of the R-LCL caused only a marginal, non-significant increase in λ. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound evaluation can detect changes related to tendon tears or muscular avulsions of the CEO and can depict lateral elbow compartmental patholaxity by assessing articular space widening while scanning under dynamic stress. However, it cannot reliably define if the R-LCL is injured. Iatrogenic damage to the CEO should be carefully avoided, since it causes a massive increase in compartmental laxity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Arrigoni
- U.O.C. 1° Clinica Ortopedica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy ,Laboratory of Applied Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Cucchi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Francesco Luceri
- U.O.C. 1° Clinica Ortopedica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Zagarella
- U.O.C. Radiodiagnostica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Catapano
- U.O.C. Radiodiagnostica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Menon
- U.O.C. 1° Clinica Ortopedica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy ,Laboratory of Applied Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bruno
- Istituto Clinico San Siro, Via Monreale, 18, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Gallazzi
- U.O.C. Radiodiagnostica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Simone Randelli
- U.O.C. 1° Clinica Ortopedica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy ,Laboratory of Applied Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy ,Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases (RECAP-RD), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
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