Patellar tendinosis (PT) is common and can result in prolonged disability, especially in jumping athletes. Recently developed ultra-short-echo (UTE) MRI sequences allow for quantitative evaluation of tendon biostructure with T2* relaxometry. This study evaluated the relationships between changes over time (COT) in quantitative T2*-metrics, qualitative PT grades, and patient reported symptoms within 10 male basketball players from a single collegiate basketball team. All subjects completed weekly VISA-P symptomology questionnaires over the basketball season. Bilateral 3-Tesla MRIs (GE Healthcare) were obtained at pre- and post-season study visits. High-resolution, PD-weighted, FSE sequences were used to qualitatively grade PT. Quantitative T2*-metrics were evaluated using high-resolution, 3D, multi-echo, UTE-MRI sequences. Bilinear exponential fits of SI to corresponding echo time were used to calculate T2*-metrics. All qualitative and quantitative evaluations were region specific (proximal, middle, distal). Linear mixed effects models assessed associations of side and region with T2*-metrics. Spearman correlations evaluated relationships between outcome measures. Within and between study visits, significant side-to-side differences in T2*-metrics were found and were significantly impacted by leg dominance (p<0.05). Pre-season T2*-metrics correlated with COT in T2*-metrics, COT in T2*-metrics correlated with COT in qualitative PT grades, and post-season T2*-metrics correlated with max changes in VISA-P scores (ρ≥0.64). Quantitative T2*-metrics can detect PT and may be capable of predicting the onset of pathology. T2*-metrics could benefit the clinical management of PT: it is sensitive to changes in pathologic severity over time, and therefore can serve as a quantitative metric to guide treatment and evaluate intervention efficacy.
Failure of metal on metal (MOM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) and resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) due to development of adverse local tissue reaction (ALTRs) is a significant problem. The prevalence of ALTRs in asymptomatic MOM arthroplasty patients is highly variable. The purpose of this prospective, longitudinal study was to: 1) determine MRI ALTR prevalence in patients with HRA; 2) determine if patients with HRA have a greater rate of MRI ALTRs compared to control patients with ceramic on poly (COP) THA; and 3) evaluate changes in patient reported outcomes between these implant designs. Following IRB approval with informed consent, self-reported asymptomatic primary COP and HRA patients greater than one year post arthroplasty were evaluated with 4 annual (TP1–4) MRIs using a standardized protocol and serum ion level testing. Morphologic and susceptibility reduced images were acquired for each hip and evaluated for synovial thickness, volume, capsule dehiscence and the presence of ALTR. Patient reported outcomes were evaluated by Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS). Analyses were performed to detect differences of synovial thickness and volume, and HOOS subgroups between and within bearing surfaces at each time point and over time, and to compare the time to and the risk of developing MRI ALTR. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and length of implantation.Introduction
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