Sill, Andrew P.

AbstractOsteochondral lesions (OCLs) in the ankle are more common than OCLs of the foot, but both share a similar imaging appearance. Knowledge of the various imaging modalities, as well as available surgical techniques, is important for radiologists. We discuss radiographs, ultrasonography, computed tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate OCLs. In addition, various surgical techniques used to treat OCLs—debridement, retrograde drilling, microfracture, micronized cartilage-augmented microfracture, autografts, and allografts—are described with an emphasis on postoperative appearance following these techniques.

Abstract Postoperative ankle imaging requires knowledge of the underlying surgical techniques, the usefulness of various imaging modalities, as well as an appreciation for the desired clinical outcomes. Surgical procedures discussed in this article are tibiotalar fracture fixation, tibiotalar, subtalar, and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, total ankle arthroplasty, talar osteochondral lesion repair and grafting, lateral ligamentous repair and reconstruction, and peroneal and Achilles tendon repair and reconstruction. Imaging can play a vital role in determining if the expected outcome has been achieved and identifying complications, with particular emphasis placed on the use of radiographs, computed tomography (including weight-bearing), magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of calcific tendinosis on the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA). Materials and Methods Calcific tendinosis was confirmed radiographically. Two musculoskeletal radiologists then retrospectively and independently reviewed the MRI/MRA examinations, with surgery or arthroscopy performed within 90 days of the MRI. Rotator cuffs were categorized as no tear, partial-thickness tear, and full-thickness tear. Partial-thickness tear/full-thickness tear groups were combined for analysis. Results Forty-eight MRI (mean age, 63.4 years; range, 37–83 years; female-to-male ratio, 29:19) and 7 MRA (mean age, 49.2 years; range, 25–60 years; female-to-male ratio, 4:3) patients were included. Reader 1 and reader 2 sensitivity/specificity values for RCTs on MRI were 95%/50% and 89%/30%, and the values on MRA were 100%/67% and 100%/100%, respectively. Overall agreement was present in 87% (48 of 55; κ = 0.55 [95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.85]). Conclusions Magnetic resonance imaging has decreased specificity in diagnosing RCTs when calcific tendinosis is present. Magnetic resonance arthrography performed better in this population and could be considered.