Interventional articular and para-articular knee procedures

Meniscal-wall ultrasound-guided steroid infiltration for degenerative meniscal lesions (DML) shows low rate of conversion to surgery

INTRODUCTION

Degenerative meniscal lesions (DML) are frequent in the general population. However, the management of stable DML is always a challenge due to the lack of universal consensus and evidence.

HYPOTHESIS

We assessed ultrasound-guided corticosteroids medial meniscal-wall infiltration as a conservative therapy for symptomatic DML and we searched for associated factors of very good response. Our hypothesis is that these injections will contribute to avoid the surgical treatment and improve clinical and functional scores.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational retrospective study included patients with DML of medial meniscus without mechanical symptoms of catching or locking, and without radiological signs of osteoarthritis, who underwent meniscal-wall corticoid infiltration under ultrasound between 2020 and 2021. Evaluations were carried-out at 24 months minimum after infiltration to determine any surgical intervention performed and assess clinical and functional outcome by a standard questionnaire to evaluate pain score using VAS at rest and on walking, SKV and TEGNER. Patient characteristics at the time of the infiltration were collected to determine the factors associated with very good response (SKV > 90).

RESULTS

187 patients were included. Surgery-free survival was 95% (90-97) (33,17 (SD, 6,40) months), mean VAS pain score at rest of 1.47 (SD, 2.51), mean VAS on walking of 2.47 (SD, 2.91), mean SKV score of 71.32 (SD, 22.75) and mean Tegner score of 6.75 (SD, 1.67) at a minimum of 24 months follow-up. BMI was significantly lower in the very good responders (SKV > 90) with a p = 0,017 (24.04 (SD, 3.82) in patients with SKV > 90 versus 26,23 (SD, 4.93) in patients with SVK ≤ 90).

CONCLUSION

US-guided meniscal wall infiltration is able to provide lasting symptom relief and functional recovery over time, in addition to low rate of conversion to surgery for patients suffering from DML without radiological signs of osteoarthritis.

LEVEL OF PROOF

IV; retrospective study.

Ultrasound-Guided Injection of a Corticosteroid Technique for the Treatment of Degenerative Meniscal Tear

Degenerative meniscal tear is a chronic disorder that presents with knee pain, swelling, and loss of motion. It usually develops slowly on meniscal tissue that already has macroscopic and ultra-structural changes that affect its resistance to load. Conservative management, such as corticosteroid infiltration, is currently advocated as a first-line approach. However, it has been empirically observed that intra-articular injections do not appropriately alleviate pain because they do not target the trigger area of the meniscus and are quickly cleared from joints via synovial capillaries and lymphatic drainage. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the use of ultrasound guidance for meniscal and perimeniscal injection. Cadaveric specimens have offered optimal visualization of local anatomic structures, permitting safe and precise percutaneous delivery of medication in the meniscus. The vascularization is located mainly in the peripheral third of the meniscus, particularly on the perimeniscal capillary plexus. This is why this area has healing potential, in contrast to the free zone of the meniscus. The ultrasound-guided infiltration of the meniscal wall is a technique that is more targeted and more effective on the trigger zone.

Using a Double Syringe Sterile System for MSK Aspiration/Injection Procedures Eliminates Risk of Iatrogenic Infection

Introduction

Diverse musculo-skeletal pathology can be treated conservatively by different types of injections and in most cases, results are significantly better if the existing inflammatory fluid is aspirated prior to injection of medication solutions. The present study analyses an original technique which uses infusion therapy accessories to create two types of closed sterile double syringe systems, and compares the benefits of using such a system in aspiration/injection procedures to classic aspiration injection technique that implies changing and connecting multiple syringes to the same needle, thus increasing the risk for septic complications. The aim of the present study is to minimize therapeutic risk of iatrogenic septic complications during aspiration/injection procedures.

Methods

1024 patients underwent aspiration/injection procedures in our clinic using the double syringe system between 2015 and 2020. During the early stages of the study, the second type of assembly was rendered impractical so the study continued with analyzing a single type of double syringe system using a three way infusion therapy device which is readily available, and allows the assembly of a closed sterile system with a single, two-step procedure technique. Iatrogenic local septic complications were followed by means of a six week clinical follow-up evaluation with additional investigations only if necessary.

Results

In 1024 procedures we report 0% incidence of iatrogenic septic complications, or other types of complications and recommend this technique in a vast array of rheumatic, orthopedic or traumatic conditions that require aspiration/injection procedures.

Discussion

The double syringe system is practical, easy to use, it completely eliminates the risk of iatrogenic infection due to manipulation errors, and significantly simplifies the technique for sonography guided aspiration/injection procedures for musculo-skeletal pathology.

Clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system: a Delphi-based consensus paper from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)-part V, knee

OBJECTIVES

Interventional procedures around the knee are widely adopted for treating different musculoskeletal conditions. A panel of experts from the Ultrasound and Interventional Subcommittees of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) reviewed the existing literature to assess the evidence on image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures around the knee, with the goal of highlighting some controversies associated with these procedures, specifically the role of imaging guidance, as well as the efficacy of the medications routinely injected.

METHODS

We report the results of a Delphi-based consensus of 53 experts in musculoskeletal radiology, who reviewed the published literature for evidence on image-guided interventional procedures around the knee to derive a list of pertinent clinical indications.

RESULTS

A list of 10 statements about clinical indications of image-guided procedures around the knee was created by a Delphi-based consensus. Only two of them had the highest level of evidence; all of them received 100% consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography guidance is strongly recommended for intra-articular and patellar tendinopathy procedures to ensure the precision and efficacy of these treatments. Prospective randomized studies remain warranted to better understand the role of imaging guidance and assess some of the medications used for interventional procedures around the knee.

KEY POINTS

• A list of 10 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the knee was produced by an expert panel of the ESSR. • Strong consensus with 100% agreement was obtained for all statements. • Two statements reached the highest level of evidence, allowing us to strongly recommend the use of ultrasonography to guide intra-articular and patellar tendon procedures to ensure higher accuracy and efficacy of these treatments.

Ultrasound-Guided Perimeniscal Injections: Anatomical Description and Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVES

To anatomically describe the ultrasound (US)-guided perimeniscal injection technique, and evaluate its feasibility in the treatment of meniscal pain.

METHODS

This work was initially undertaken in four cadaveric specimens with US-guided medial and lateral perimeniscal injection of China ink, followed by cadaveric dissection to assess injectate distribution, and potential injury to intra-articular and peri-articular structures. Then, 35 consecutive patients who underwent US-guided perimeniscal corticosteroid injection under local anesthesia for the treatment of symptomatic medial (30/35) or lateral (5/35) degenerative meniscal tear were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical outcome was assessed using a 0-10 numerical verbal rating scale (VRS) to evaluate severity of pain before, during, and after procedure at 6 weeks follow-up.

RESULTS

Seven of eight (87.5%) ex vivo injections were accurate. A single inaccurate medial perimeniscal injection infiltrated the tibial collateral ligament instead of the perimeniscal area. No anatomical specimen exhibited intrameniscal injection or injury to regional structures. All procedures (35/35) performed clinically were technically successful. Median VRS scores were: 7 (range, 3-9) before procedure, 5 (range, 0-10) during procedure, and 1.5 (range, 0-9) after procedure at 6 weeks follow-up (P <.0001). No complication was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided perimeniscal injections can accurately and safely deliver injectates in the perimeniscal area. In addition, our data suggest that perimeniscal corticosteroid injection provides significant symptom relief at 6 weeks in patients with meniscal pain. Further studies with long-term follow-up will be required to evaluate the role of perimeniscal injections in the nonoperative management of meniscal pathology.

Ultrasound of iliotibial band syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome or friction syndrome is an overuse disorder of the lateral knee. It is commonly reported in athletes, such as runners and cyclists, and refers to pain related to physical activity. The diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical assessment. Imaging, including ultrasound, is mainly performed in recurrent or refractory cases. The purpose of this paper is to review the etiology, diagnosis, and therapy of iliotibial band syndrome with a focus on ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-guided treatment. Ultrasound findings include soft-tissue edematous swelling or discrete fluid collection, suggestive of bursitis, between the iliotibial band and the lateral femoral epicondyle. The thickening of the iliotibial band has been inconsistently reported. Treatment varies according to the disease phase and, in the acute phase, consists of rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Ultrasound-guided local steroid injections are effective in relieving symptoms.