Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement in interpretation of the quality of the paediatric hip ultrasound examination, the reliability of geometric and morphological assessment, and the relationship between these measurements. Methods. Four investigators evaluated 60 hip ultrasounds and assessed their quality based the standard plane of Graf et al. They measured geometric parameters, described the morphology of the hip, and assigned the Graf grade of dysplasia. They analyzed one self-selected image and one randomly selected image from the ultrasound series, and repeated the process four weeks later. The intra- and interobserver agreement, and correlations between various parameters were analyzed. Results. In the assessment of quality, there a was moderate to substantial intraobserver agreement for each element investigated, but interobserver agreement was poor. Morphological features showed weak to moderate agreement across all parameters but improved to significant when responses were reduced. The geometric measurements showed nearly perfect agreement, and the relationship between them and the morphological features showed a dose response across all parameters with moderate to substantial correlations. There were strong correlations between geometric measurements. The Graf classification showed a fair to moderate interobserver agreement, and moderate to substantial intraobserver agreement. Conclusion. This investigation into the reliability of the interpretation of hip ultrasound scans identified the difficulties in defining what is a high-quality ultrasound. We confirmed that geometric measurements are reliably interpreted and may be useful as a further measurement of quality. Morphological features are generally poorly interpreted, but a simpler binary classification considerably improves agreement. As there is a clear dose response relationship between geometric and morphological measurements, the importance of morphology in the diagnosis of hip dysplasia should be questioned. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1123–1130

Aims. The aim of this study was to establish a reliable method for producing 3D reconstruction of sonographic callus. Methods. A cohort of ten closed tibial shaft fractures managed with intramedullary nailing underwent ultrasound scanning at two, six, and 12 weeks post-surgery. Ultrasound capture was performed using infrared tracking technology to map each image to a 3D lattice. Using echo intensity, semi-automated mapping was performed to produce an anatomical 3D representation of the fracture site. Two reviewers independently performed 3D reconstructions and kappa coefficient was used to determine agreement. A further validation study was undertaken with ten reviewers to estimate the clinical application of this imaging technique using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results. Nine of the ten patients achieved union at six months. At six weeks, seven patients had bridging callus of ≥ one cortex on the 3D reconstruction and when present all achieved union. Compared to six-week radiographs, no bridging callus was present in any patient. Of the three patients lacking sonographic bridging callus, one went onto a nonunion (77.8% sensitive and 100% specific to predict union). At 12 weeks, nine patients had bridging callus at ≥ one cortex on 3D reconstruction (100%-sensitive and 100%-specific to predict union). Presence of sonographic bridging callus on 3D reconstruction demonstrated excellent reviewer agreement on ICC at 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.74 to 0.96). Conclusion. 3D fracture reconstruction can be created using multiple ultrasound images in order to evaluate the presence of bridging callus. This imaging modality has the potential to enhance the usability and accuracy of identification of early fracture healing. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):759–766

Aims. Given the possible radiation damage and inaccuracy of radiological investigations, particularly in children, ultrasound and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) may offer alternative methods of evaluating new bone formation when limb lengthening is undertaken in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to assess the use of ultrasound combined with SMI in monitoring new bone formation during limb lengthening in children. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, ultrasound and radiograph examinations were performed every two weeks in 30 paediatric patients undergoing limb lengthening. Ultrasound was used to monitor new bone formation. The number of vertical vessels and the blood flow resistance index were compared with those from plain radiographs. Results. We categorized the new bone formation into three stages: stage I (early lengthening), in which there was no obvious callus formation on radiographs and ultrasound; stage II (lengthening), in which radiographs showed low-density callus formation with uneven distribution and three sub-stages could be identified on ultrasound: in Ia punctate callus was visible; in IIb there was linear callus formation which was not yet connected and in IIc there was continuous linear callus. In stage III (healing), the bone ends had united, the periosteum was intact, and the callus had disappeared, as confirmed on radiographs, indicating healed bone. A progressive increase in the number of vertical vessels was noted in the early stages, peaking during stages IIb and IIc, followed by a gradual decline (p < 0.001). Delayed healing involved patients with a prolonged stage IIa or those who regressed to stage IIa from stages IIb or IIc during lengthening. Conclusion. We found that the formation of new bone in paediatric patients undergoing limb lengthening could be reliably evaluated using ultrasound when combined with the radiological findings. This combination enabled an improved assessment of the prognosis, and adjustments to the lengthening protocol. While SMI offered additional insights into angiogenesis within the new bone, its role primarily contributed to the understanding of the microvascular environment rather than directly informing adjustments of treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):751–758

Objectives. The aim of this study was to review the current evidence and future application for the role of diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound in fracture management. Methods. A review of relevant literature was undertaken, including articles indexed in PubMed with keywords “ultrasound” or “sonography” combined with “diagnosis”, “fracture healing”, “impaired fracture healing”, “nonunion”, “microbiology”, and “fracture-related infection”. Results. The use of ultrasound in musculoskeletal medicine has expanded rapidly over the last two decades, but the diagnostic use in fracture management is not routinely practised. Early studies have shown the potential of ultrasound as a valid alternative to radiographs to diagnose common paediatric fractures, to detect occult injuries in adults, and for rapid detection of long bone fractures in the resuscitation setting. Ultrasound has also been shown to be advantageous in the early identification of impaired fracture healing; with the advent of 3D image processing, there is potential for wider adoption. Detection of implant-related infection can be improved by ultrasound mediated sonication of microbiology samples. The use of therapeutic ultrasound to promote union in the management of acute fractures is currently a controversial topic. However, there is strong in vitro evidence that ultrasound can stimulate a biological effect with potential clinical benefit in established nonunions, which supports the need for further investigation. Conclusion. Modern ultrasound image processing has the potential to replace traditional imaging modalities in several areas of trauma practice, particularly in the early prediction of impaired fracture healing. Further understanding of the therapeutic application of ultrasound is required to understand and identify the use in promoting fracture healing. Cite this article: J. A. Nicholson, S. T. J. Tsang, T. J. MacGillivray, F. Perks, A. H. R. W. Simpson. What is the role of ultrasound in fracture management? Diagnosis and therapeutic potential for fractures, delayed unions, and fracture-related infection. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:304–312. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.87.BJR-2018-0215.R2

In-situ assessment of collateral ligaments strain could be key to improving total knee arthroplasty outcomes by improving the ability of surgeons to properly balance the knee intraoperatively. Ultrasound (US) speckle tracking methods have shown promise in their capability to measure in-situ soft tissue strain in large tendons but prior work has also highlighted the challenges that arise when attempting to translate these approaches to the in-situ assessment of collateral ligaments strain. Therefore, the aim of this project was to develop and validate an US speckle tracking method to specifically assess in-situ strains of both the MCL and LCL. We hypothesize that coefficients of determination (R. 2. ) would be above 0.90 with absolute differences below 0.50% strain for the comparison between US-based and the reference strain, with better results expected for the LCL compared with the MCL. Five cadaveric legs with total knee implants (NH019 2017-02-03) were submitted to a varus (LCL) and valgus (MCL) ramped loading (0 – 40N). Ultrasound radiofrequency (rf) data and reference surface strains data, obtained with 3D digital image correlation (DIC), were collected synchronously. Prior to processing, US data were qualitatively assessed and specimens displaying substantial imaging artefacts were discarded, leaving five LCL and three MCL specimens in the analysis. Ultrasound rf data were processed in Matlab (The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA) with a custom-built speckle tracking approach adapted from a method validated on larger tendons and based on normalized cross-correlation. Digital image correlation data were processed with commercial software VIC3D (Correlated Solutions, Inc., Columbia, SC). To optimize speckle tracking, several tracking parameters were tested: kernel and search window size, minimal correlation coefficient and simulated frame rate. Parameters were ranked according to three comparative measures between US- and DIC-based strains: R. 2. , mean absolute error and strains differences at 40N. Parameters with best average rank were considered as optimal. To quantify the agreement between US- and DIC-based strain of each specimen, the considered metrics were: R. 2. , mean absolute error and strain differences at 40N. The LCL showed a good agreement with a high average R. 2. (0.97), small average mean absolute difference (0.37%) and similar strains at 40N (DIC = 2.92 ± 0.10%; US = 2.99 ± 1.16%). The US-based speckle tracking method showed worse performance for the MCL with a lower average correlation (0.55). Such an effect has been observed previously and may relate to the difficulty in acquiring sufficient image quality for tracking the MCL compared to the LCL, which likely arises due to structural or mechanical differences; notably MCL is larger, thinner, more wrapped around the bone and stretches less. However, despite these challenges, the MCL tracking still showed small average mean absolute differences (0.44%) and similar strains at 40N (DIC = 1.48 ± 0.06%; US = 1.44 ± 1.89%). We conclude that the ultrasound speckle tracking method developed is ready to be used as a tool to assess in-situ strains of LCL. Concerning the MCL strain assessment, despite some promising results in terms of strain differences, further work on acquisition could be beneficial to reach similar performance

Aims. The objective of this double-blind randomised controlled trial was to assess whether ultrasound guidance improved the efficacy of corticosteroid injections for Morton’s neuroma (MN). . Patients and Methods. In all, 50 feet (40 patients) were recruited for this study but five feet were excluded due to the patients declining further participation. The mean age of the remaining 36 patients (45 feet) was 57.8 years (standard deviation (. sd. ) 12.9) with a female preponderance (33F:12M). All patients were followed-up for 12 months. Treatment was randomised to an ultrasound guided (Group A) or non-ultrasound guided (Group B) injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide and 2 ml 1% lignocaine, following ultrasound confirmation of the diagnosis. . Results. The mean visual analogue score for pain improved significantly in both groups (Group A – from 64 mm, . sd. 25 mm to 29 mm, . sd. 27; Group B – from 69 mm, . sd. 23 mm to 37 mm, . sd. 25) with no statistical difference between them at all time-points. The failure rate within 12 months of treatment was 11/23 (48%) and 12/22 (55%) in Groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.458). The improvement in Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire Index and patient satisfaction favoured Group A in the short-term (three months) that almost reached statistical significance (p = 0.059 and 0.066 respectively). However, this difference was not observed beyond three months. . Conclusion. This study has shown that ultrasound guidance did not demonstrably improve the efficacy of corticosteroid injections in patients with MN. Take home message: In the presence of a clear diagnosis of MN, a trained clinician who understands the forefoot anatomy may perform an injection without ultrasound guidance with good and safe results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:498–503

Aims. The aims of this study were to assess the pre- and postoperative incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) using routine duplex Doppler ultrasound (DUS), to assess the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) using CT angiography, and to identify the factors that predict postoperative DVT in patients with a pelvic and/or acetabular fracture. Methods. All patients treated surgically for a pelvic and/or acetabular fracture between October 2016 and January 2020 were enrolled into this prospective single-centre study. The demographic, medical, and surgical details of the patients were recorded. DVT screening of the lower limbs was routinely performed using DUS before and at six to ten days after surgery. CT angiography was used in patients who were suspected of having PE. Age-adjusted univariate and stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between explanatory variables and postoperative DVT. Results. A total of 191 patients were included. A DVT was found preoperatively in 12 patients (6.3%), of which six were proximal. A postoperative DVT was found in 42 patients (22%), of which 27 were proximal. Eight patients (4.2%) had a PE, which was secondary to a DVT in three. None of the 12 patients in whom a vena cava filter was implanted prophylactically had a PE. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the association with the need for spinal surgery (odds ratio (OR) 19.78 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12 to 348.08); p = 0.041), intramedullary nailing of a long bone fracture (OR 4.44 (95% CI 1.05 to 18.86); p = 0.043), an operating time > two hours (OR 3.28 (95% CI 1.09 to 9.88); p = 0.035), and additional trauma surgery (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.03 to 9.45); p = 0.045) were statistically the most relevant independent predictors of a postoperative DVT. Conclusion. The acknowledgement of the risk factors for the development of a DVT and their weight is crucial to set a threshold for the index of suspicion for this diagnosis by medical staff. We suggest the routine use of the DUS screening for DVT in patients with a pelvic and/or acetabular fracture before and six to ten days after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):283–289

Aims. This 501-patient, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial sought to establish the effect of low-intensity, pulsed, ultrasound (LIPUS) on tibial shaft fractures managed with intramedullary nailing. We conducted an economic evaluation as part of this trial. Patients and Methods. Data for patients’ use of post-operative healthcare resources and time taken to return to work were collected and costed using publicly available sources. Health-related quality of life, assessed using the Health Utilities Index Mark-3 (HUI-3), was used to derive quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Costs and QALYs were compared between LIPUS and control (a placebo device) from a payer and societal perspective using non-parametric bootstrapping. All costs are reported in 2015 Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Results. With a cost per device of $3,995, the mean cost was significantly higher for patients treated with LIPUS versus placebo from a payer (mean increase = $3647, 95% confidence interval (CI) $3244 to $4070; p < 0.001) or a societal perspective (mean increase = $3425, 95% CI $1568 to $5283; p < 0.001). LIPUS did not provide a significant benefit in terms of QALYs gained (mean difference = 0.023 QALYs, 95% CI -0.035 to 0.069; p = 0.474). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of LIPUS compared with placebo were $155 433/QALY from a payer perspective and $146 006/QALY from a societal perspective. Conclusion. At the current price, LIPUS is not cost-effective for fresh tibial fractures managed with intramedullary nailing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1526–32

Aims. The aim of this double-blind prospective randomised controlled trial was to assess whether low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerated or enhanced the rate of bone healing in adult patients undergoing distraction osteogenesis. Patients and Methods. A total of 62 adult patients undergoing limb lengthening or bone transport by distraction osteogenesis were randomised to treatment with either an active (n = 32) or a placebo (n = 30) ultrasound device. A standardised corticotomy was performed in the proximal tibial metaphysis and a circular Ilizarov frame was used in all patients. The rate of distraction was also standardised. The primary outcome measure was the time to removal of the frame after adjusting for the length of distraction in days/cm for both the per protocol (PP) and the intention-to-treat (ITT) groups. The assessor was blinded to the form of treatment. A secondary outcome was to identify covariates affecting the time to removal of the frame. Results. There was no difference in the time to removal of the frame between the PP (difference in favour of the control group was 10.1 days/cm, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.2 to 23.4, p = 0.054) or ITT (difference 5.0 days/cm, 95% CI -8.2 to 18.21, p = 0.226) groups. The smoking status was the only covariate which increased the time to removal of the frame (hazard ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.97, p = 0.042). Conclusion. LIPUS does not influence the rate of bone healing in patients who undergo distraction osteogenesis. Smoking may influence bone healing. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:494–502

Background. Although there are predictive equations that estimate the total fat mass obtained from multiple-site ultrasound (US) measurements, the predictive equation of total fat mass has not been investigated solely from abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness. Therefore, the aims of this study were; (1) to develop regression-based prediction equations based on abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness for predicting fat mass in young- and middle-aged adults, and (2) to investigate the validity of these equations to be developed. Methods. The study was approved by the Local Research Ethics Committee (Decision number: GO 19/788). Twenty-seven males (30.3 ± 8.7 years) and eighteen females (32.4 ± 9.5 years) were randomly divided into two groups as the model prediction group (19 males and 12 females) and the validation group (8 males and 6 females). Total body fat mass was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness was measured by US. The predictive equations for total fat mass from US were determined as fat thickness (in mm) × standing height (in m). Statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.0.0. The association between the total fat mass and the abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness was interpreted using the Pearson test. The linear regression analysis was used to predict equations for total body fat mass from the abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness acquired by US. Then these predictive equations were applied to the validation group. The paired t-test was used to examine the difference between the measured and the predicted fat masses, and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used as a further measure of agreement. Results. There was a significant positive moderate correlation between the total fat mass and the abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness × height in the model prediction group of males (r = 0.588, p = 0.008), whereas significant positive very strong correlation was observed in the model prediction group of females (r = 0.896, p < 0.001). Predictive equations for DXA-measured total body fat mass from abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness using US were as follows: for males “Fat mass-DXA = 0.276 × (Fat thickness-US × Height) + 17.221” (R. 2. = 0.35, SEE = 3.6, p = 0.008); for females “Fat mass-DXA = 0.694 x (Fat thickness-US × Height) + 7.085” (R. 2. = 0.80, SEE = 2.8, p < 0.001). When fat mass prediction equations were applied to the validation groups, measured- and estimated-total fat masses in males and females were found similar (p = 0.9, p = 0.5, respectively). A good level of agreement between measurements in males and females was attained (CCC = 0.84, CCC = 0.76, respectively). Conclusion. We developed and validated prediction equations that are convenient for determining total fat masses in young- and middle-aged adults using abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness obtained from the US. The abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness obtained from a single region by US might provide a noninvasive quick and easy evaluation not only in clinical settings but also on the field

This study evaluates the position of the long head of biceps tendon using ultrasound following simple tenotomy, in patients with arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff tears. In total, 52 patients with a mean age of 60.7 years (45 to 75) underwent arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff and simple tenotomy of the long head of biceps tendon. At two years post-operatively, ultrasound revealed that the tendon was inside the bicipital groove in 43 patients (82.7%) and outside in nine (17.3%); in six of these it was lying just outside the groove and in the remaining three (5.8%) it was in a remote position with a positive Popeye Sign. A dynamic ultrasound scan revealed that the tenotomised tendons had adhered to the surrounding tissues (autotenodesis).The initial condition of the tendon influenced its final position (p < 0.0005). The presence of a Popeye sign was statistically influenced by the pre-operative co-existence of supraspinatus and subscapularis tears (p < 0.0001). It appears that the natural history of the tenotomised long head of biceps tendon is to tenodese itself inside or just outside the bicipital groove, while its pre-operative condition and coexistent subscapularis tears play a significant role in the occurrence of a Popeye sign

Aims. To analyze whether the addition of risk-based criteria to clinical examination-based selective ultrasound screening would increase the rates of early detected cases of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and decrease the rate of late detected cases. Methods. A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. The initial search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in November 2021. The following search terms were used: (hip) AND (ultrasound) AND (luxation or dysplasia) AND (newborn or neonate or congenital). Results. A total of 25 studies were included. In 19 studies, newborns were selected for ultrasound based on both risk factors and clinical examination. In six studies, newborns were selected for ultrasound based on only clinical examination. We did not find evidence indicating that there are differences in the incidence of early- and late-detected DDH, or in the incidence of nonoperatively treated DDH between the risk-based and clinical examination-based groups. The pooled incidence of operatively treated DDH was slightly lower in the risk-based group (0.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3 to 0.7)) compared with the clinical examination group (0.9 per 1,000 newborns, (95% CI 0.7 to 1.0)). Conclusion. The use of risk factors in conjunction with clinical examination in the selective ultrasound screening of DDH might lead to fewer operatively treated cases of DDH. However, more studies are needed before stronger conclusions can be drawn. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):247–253

We test the clinical validity and financial implications of the proposed Choosing Wisely statement: “Using ultrasound as a screening test for shoulder instability is inappropriate in people under 30 years of age, unless there is clinical suspicion of a rotator cuff tear.”. A retrospective chart review from a specialist shoulder surgeon's practice over a two-year period recorded 124 patients under the age of 30 referred with shoulder instability. Of these, forty-one had already had ultrasound scans performed prior to specialist review. The scan results and patient files were reviewed to determine the reported findings on the scans and whether these findings were clinically relevant to diagnosis and decision-making. Comparison was made with subsequent MRI scan results. The data, obtained from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), recorded the number of cases and costs incurred for ultrasound scans of the shoulder in patients under 30 years old over a 10-year period. There were no cases where the ultrasound scan was considered useful in decision-making. No patient had a full thickness rotator cuff tear. Thirty-nine of the 41 patients subsequently had MRI scans. The cost to the ACC for funding ultrasound scans in patients under 30 has increased over the last decade and exceeded one million dollars in the 2020/2021 financial year. In addition, patients pay a surcharge for this test. The proposed Choosing Wisely statement is valid. This evidence supports that ultrasound is an unnecessary investigation for patients with shoulder instability unless there is clinical suspicion of a rotator cuff tear. Ultrasound also incurs costs to the insurer (ACC) and the patient. We recommend x-rays and, if further imaging is indicated, High Tech Imaging with MRI and sometimes CT scans in these patients

Abstract. Objectives. Ultrasound speckle tracking is a safe and non-invasive diagnostic tool to measure soft tissue deformation and strain. In orthopaedics, it could have broad application to measure how injury or surgery affects muscle, tendon or ligament biomechanics. However, its application requires custom tuning of the speckle-tracking algorithm then validation against gold-standard reference data. Implementing an experiment to acquire these data takes months and is expensive, and therefore prohibits use for new applications. Here, we present an alternative optimisation approach that automatically finds suitable machine and algorithmic settings without requiring gold-standard reference data. Methods. The optimisation routine consisted of two steps. First, convergence of the displacement field was tested to exclude the settings that would not track the underlying tissue motion (e.g. frame rates that were too low). Second, repeatability was maximised through a surrogate optimisation scheme. All settings that could influence the strain calculation were included, ranging from acquisition settings to post-processing smoothing and filtering settings, totalling >1,000,000 combinations of settings. The optimisation criterion minimised the normalised standard deviation between strain maps of repeat measures. The optimisation approach was validated for the medial collateral ligament (MCL) with quasi-static testing on porcine joints (n=3), and dynamic testing on a cadaveric human knee (n=1, female, aged 49). Porcine joints were fully dissected except for the MCL and loaded in a material-testing machine (0 to 3% strain at 0.2 Hz), which was captured using both ultrasound (>14 repeats per specimen) and optical digital image correlation (DIC). For the human cadaveric knee (undissected), 3 repeat ultrasound acquisitions were taken at 18 different anterior/posterior positions over the MCL while the knee was extended/flexed between 0° and 90° in a knee extension rig. Simultaneous optical tracking recorded the position of the ultrasound transducer, knee kinematics and the MCL attachments (which were digitised under direct visualisation post testing). Half of the data collected was used for optimisation of the speckle tracking algorithms for the porcine and human MCLs separately, with the remaining unseen data used as a validation test set. Results. For the porcine MCLs, ultrasound strains closely matched DIC strains (R. 2. > 0.98, RMSE < 0.59%) (Figure 1A). For the human MCL (Figure 1B), ultrasound strains matched the strains estimated from the optically tracked displacements of the MCL attachments. Furthermore, strains developed during flexion were highly correlated with AP position (R = 0.94) with strains decreasing the further posterior the transducer was on the ligament. This is in line with previously reported length change values for the posterior, intermediate and anterior bundles of the MCL. Conclusions. Ultrasound speckle tracking algorithms can be adapted for new applications without ground-truth data by using an optimisation approach that verifies displacement field convergence then minimises variance between repeat measurements. This optimisation routine was insensitive to anatomical variation and loading conditions, working for both porcine and human MCLs, and for quasi-static and dynamic loading. This will facilitate research into changes in musculoskeletal tissue motion due to abnormalities or pathologies. Declaration of Interest. (a) fully declare any financial or other potential conflict of interest

The primary aim was to assess the reliability of ultrasound in the assessment of humeral shaft fracture healing. The secondary aim was to estimate the accuracy of ultrasound assessment in predicting humeral shaft nonunion. Twelve patients (mean age 54yrs [20–81], 58% [n=7/12] female) with a non-operatively managed humeral diaphyseal fracture were prospectively recruited and underwent ultrasound scanning at six and 12wks post-injury. Scans were reviewed by seven blinded observers to evaluate the presence of sonographic callus. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were determined using the weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Accuracy of ultrasound assessment in nonunion prediction was estimated by comparing scans for patients that united (n=10/12) with those that developed a nonunion (n=2/12). At both six and 12wks, sonographic callus was present in 11 patients (10 united, one developed a nonunion) and sonographic bridging callus (SBC) was present in seven patients (all united). Ultrasound assessment demonstrated substantial intra- (6wk kappa 0.75, 95% CI 0.47-1.03; 12wk kappa 0.75, 95% CI 0.46-1.04) and inter-observer reliability (6wk ICC 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.83; 12wk ICC 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-0.91). Absence of sonographic callus demonstrated a sensitivity of 50%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) 91% in nonunion prediction (accuracy 92%). Absence of SBC demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, specificity 70%, PPV 40% and NPV 100% (accuracy 75%). Of three patients at risk of nonunion based on reduced radiographic callus formation (Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures <8), one had SBC on 6wk ultrasound (and united) and the other two had non-bridging or absent sonographic callus (both developed a nonunion). Ultrasound assessment of humeral shaft fracture healing was reliable and predictive of nonunion, and may be a useful tool in defining the risk of nonunion among patients with reduced radiographic callus formation

Introduction Ultrasound is a readily available and widely used tool in the investigation of rotator cuff pathology in the shoulder. Reports in the literature as to the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing cuff tears vary widely. Accuracy rates varying from 50% to 100% have been reported. Most reports reflect the accuracy rates from a single sub-specialized institution. Method Sity-one consecutive patients with rotator cuff pathology diagnosed on ultrasound, underwent arthroscopy of the shoulder and rotator cuff repair, if a full thickness tear was found at surgery. Most patients had their ultrasound ordered by the referring doctor, prior to my initial review. The ultrasounds were performed at various suburban practices. Most were performed at branch practices of one of the three ‘corporate’ practices in Sydney. All full thickness tears were repaired arthroscopically. Results Ultrasound correctly identified rotator cuff tears in 80.3%. Four of 61 patients (6.6%) were reported as having partial thickness tears and at surgery were found to have small full-thickness tears. Six of 61 patients (9.8%) had small full thickness tears diagnosed on ultrasound, but were found to have partial thickness tears at surgery. One patient (1.6%) had an ultrasound diagnosis of a tear but had an intact tendon at surgery. One patient (1.6%) was found to have a full thickness tear with an ultrasound that reported an intact tendon. Conclusions Ultrasound is a valuable tool on the investigation of patients with rotator cuff pathology. It is not reliable in differentiating partial thickness from small full thickness cuff tears. This differentiation is not critical and should not significantly change the patient’s treatment. Reasons for false positive and false negative ultrasounds will be given. Ultrasound for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tendon tears, as performed in suburban practices, is accurate in up to 97% of cases

In recent years, there has been a growing interest to incorporate ultrasound into computer assisted orthopaedic surgery procedures in order to provide non-ionizing intra-operative imaging alternative to traditional fluoroscopy. However, identification of bone boundaries still continues to be a challenging process due low signal to noise ratio and imaging artifacts. The quality of the collected images also depends on the orientation of the ultrasound transducer with respect to the imaged bone surface. Shadow region is an important feature indicating the presence of a bone surface in the collected ultrasound data. In this work, we propose a framework for the enhancement of shadow regions from extended field of view spine ultrasound data. First bone surfaces are enhanced using a combination of local phase based image features. The combination of the phase features provides a more compact representation of vertebrae bone surfaces with supressed soft tissue interfaces. These enhanced features are used as an input to a L1 norm based regularisation method which emphasised uncertainty in the shadow regions. Validation on phantom and in vivo experiments achieve a mean dice coefficient value of 0.93 and 0.9 respectively

Aims. Studies of infant hip development to date have been limited by considering only the changes in appearance of a single ultrasound slice (Graf’s standard plane). We used 3D ultrasound (3DUS) to establish maturation curves of normal infant hip development, quantifying variation by age, sex, side, and anteroposterior location in the hip. Methods. We analyzed 3DUS scans of 519 infants (mean age 64 days (6 to 111 days)) presenting at a tertiary children’s hospital for suspicion of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Hips that did not require ultrasound follow-up or treatment were classified as ‘typically developing’. We calculated traditional DDH indices like α angle (α. SP. ), femoral head coverage (FHC. SP. ), and several novel indices from 3DUS like the acetabular contact angle (ACA) and osculating circle radius (OCR) using custom software. Results. α angle, FHC, and ACA indices increased and OCR decreased significantly by age in the first four months, mean α. SP. rose from 62.2° (SD 5.7°) to 67.3° (SD 5.2°) (p < 0.001) in one- to eight- and nine- to 16-week-old infants, respectively. Mean α. SP. and mean FHC. SP. were significantly, but only slightly, lower in females than in males. There was no statistically significant difference in DDH indices observed between left and right hip. All 3DUS indices varied significantly between anterior and posterior section of the hip. Mean 3D indices of α angle and FHC were significantly lower anteriorly than posteriorly: α. Ant. = 58.2° (SD 6.1°), α. Post. = 63.8° (SD 6.3°) (p < 0.001), FHC. Ant. = 43.0 (SD 7.4), and FHC. Post. = 55.4° (SD 11.2°) (p < 0.001). Acetabular rounding measured byOCR indices was significantly greater in the anterior section of the hip (p < 0.001). Conclusion. We used 3DUS to show that hip shape and normal growth pattern vary significantly between anterior and posterior regions, by magnitudes similar to age-related changes. This highlights the need for careful selection of the Graf plane during 2D ultrasound examination. Whole-joint evaluation by obtaining either 3DUS or manual ‘sweep’ video images provides more comprehensive DDH assessment. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):913–923

Aims. We investigated the prevalence of late developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), abduction bracing treatment, and surgical procedures performed following the implementation of universal ultrasound screening versus selective ultrasound screening programmes. Methods. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, OrthoSearch, and Web of Science from the date of inception of each database until 27 March 2022 was performed. The primary outcome of interest was the prevalence of late detection of DDH, diagnosed after three months. Secondary outcomes of interest were the prevalence of abduction bracing treatment and surgical procedures performed in childhood for dysplasia. Only studies describing the primary outcome of interest were included. Results. A total of 31 studies were identified, of which 13 described universal screening and 20 described selective screening. Two studies described both. The prevalence of late DDH was 0.10 per 1,000 live births (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.39) in the universal screening group and 0.45 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 0.31 to 0.61) in the selective screening group. Abduction bracing treatment was performed on 55.54 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 24.46 to 98.15) in the universal screening group versus 0.48 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 0.07 to 1.13) in the selective screening group. Both the universal and selective screening groups had a similar prevalence of surgical procedures in childhood for dysplasia being performed (0.48 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.63) vs 0.49 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.71) per 1,000 live births, respectively). Conclusion. Universal screening showed a trend towards lower prevalence of late DDH compared to selective screening. However, it was also associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of abduction bracing without a significant reduction in the prevalence of surgical procedures in childhood for dysplasia being performed. High-quality studies comparing both treatment methods are required, in addition to studies into the natural history of missed DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):198–208

In cartilage tissue engineering (TE),new solutions are needed to effectively drive chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells in both normal and inflammatory milieu. Ultrasound waves represent an interesting tool to facilitate chondrogenesis. In particular, low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS)has been shown to regulate the differentiation of adipose mesenchymal stromal cells. Hydrogels are promising biomaterials capable of encapsulating MSCs by providing an instructive biomimetic environment, graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a promising nanomaterial for cartilage TE due to its chondroinductive properties when embedded in polymeric formulations, and piezoelectric nanomaterials, such as barium titanate nanoparticles (BTNPs),can be exploited as nanoscale transducers capable of inducing cell growth/differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dose-controlled LIPUS in counteracting inflammation and positively committing chondrogenesis of ASCs embedded in a 3D piezoelectric hydrogel. ASCs at 2*10. 6. cells/mL were embedded in a 3D VitroGel RGD. ®. hydrogel without nanoparticles (Control) or doped with 25 µg/ml of GO nanoflakes and 50 µg/ml BTNPs.The hydrogels were exposed to basal or inflammatory milieu (+IL1β 10ng/ml)and then to LIPUS stimulation every 2 days for 10 days of culture. Hydrogels were chondrogenic differentiated and analyzed after 2,10 and 28 days. At each time point cell viability, cytotoxicity, gene expression and immunohistochemistry (COL2, aggrecan, SOX9, COL1)and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. Ultrasound stimulation significantly induced chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs loaded into 3D piezoelectric hydrogels under basal conditions: COL2, aggrecan and SOX9 were significantly overexpressed, while the fibrotic marker COL1 decreased compared to control samples. LIPUS also has potent anti-inflammatory effects by reducing IL6 and IL8 and maintaining its ability to boost chondrogenesis. These results suggest that the combination of LIPUS and piezoelectric hydrogels promotes the differentiation of ASCs encapsulated in a 3D hydrogel by reducing the inflammatory milieu, thus representing a promising tool in the field of cartilage TE. Acknowledgements: This work received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, grant agreement No 814413, project ADMAIORA (AdvanceD nanocomposite MAterIals for in situ treatment and ultRAsound-mediated management of osteoarthritis)

The opposable thumb is one of the defining characteristics of human anatomy and is involved in most activities of daily life. Lack of optimal thumb motion results in pain, weakness, and decrease in quality of life. First carpometacarpal (CMC1) osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common sites of OA. Current clinical diagnosis and monitoring of CMC1 OA disease are primarily aided by X-ray radiography; however, many studies have reported discrepancies between radiographic evidence of CMC1 OA and patient-related outcomes of pain and disability. Radiographs lack soft-tissue contrast and are insufficient for the detection of early characteristics of OA such as synovitis, which play a key role in CMC OA disease progression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) are alternative options that are excellent for imaging soft tissue pathology. However, MRI has high operating costs and long wait-times, while 2D-US is highly operator dependent and provides 2D images of 3D anatomical structures. Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging may be an option to address the clinical need for a rapid and safe point of care imaging device. The purpose of this research project is to validate the use of mechanically translated 3D-US in CMC OA patients to assess the measurement capabilities of the device in a clinically diverse population in comparison to MRI. Four CMC1-OA patients were scanned using the 3D-US device, which was attached to a Canon Aplio i700 US machine with a 14L5 linear transducer with a 10MHz operating frequency and 58mm. Complimentary MR images were acquired using a 3.0 T MRI system and LT 3D coronal photon dense cube fat suppression sequence was used. The volume of the synovium was segmented from both 3D-US and MR images by two raters and the measured volumes were compared to find volume percent differences. Paired sample t-test were used to determine any statistically significant differences between the volumetric measurements observed by the raters and in the measurements found using MRI vs. 3D-US. Interclass Correlation Coefficients were used to determine inter- and intra-rater reliability. The mean volume percent difference observed between the two raters for the 3D-US and MRI acquired synovial volumes was 1.77% and 4.76%, respectively. The smallest percent difference in volume found between raters was 0.91% and was from an MR image. A paired sample t-test demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the volumetric values observed between MRI and 3D-US. ICC values of 0.99 and 0.98 for 3D-US and MRI respectively, indicate that there was excellent inter-rater reliability between the two raters. A novel application of a 3D-US acquisition device was evaluated using a CMC OA patient population to determine its clinical feasibility and measurement capabilities in comparison to MRI. As this device is compatible with any commercially available ultrasound machine, it increases its accessibility and ease of use, while proving a method for overcoming some of the limitations associated with radiography, MRI, and 2DUS. 3DUS has the potential to provide clinicians with a tool to quantitatively measure and monitor OA progression at the patient's bedside

16 to 34% of the population suffer from shoulder pain, the most common cause being rotator cuff tears. NICE guidance recommends using ultrasound scan (USS) or MRI to assess these patients, but does not specify which is preferable. This study assesses the accuracy of USS and MRI in rotator cuff tears in a DGH, to establish the most appropriate imaging modality. Patients who had at least two of shoulder ultrasound, MRI or arthroscopy within a seven month period (n=55) were included in this retrospective study. Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) were calculated using arthroscopy as the true result, and kappa coefficients calculated for each pairing. 59 comparisons were made in total. Sensitivity for MRI in full supraspinatus tears was 0.83, and for USS 0.75. Specificity for MRI in these tears was 0.75, and for USS 0.83. Values were much lower in other tears, which occurred less frequently. USS and MRI completely agreed with each other 61.3% of the time. Both modalities were only completely accurate 50% of the time. Kappa coefficient between arthroscopy and MRI for supraspinatus tears was 0.658, and for USS was 0.615. There was no statistical difference between MRI and USS sensitivity or specificity (p=1), suggesting that one modality cannot be recommended over the other for full supraspinatus tears. They also do not tend to corroborate one another, suggesting that there is no benefit from doing both scans. Further research is needed to see how both modalities can be improved to increase their accuracy

Aims. To evaluate if union of clavicle fractures can be predicted at six weeks post-injury by the presence of bridging callus on ultrasound. Methods. Adult patients managed nonoperatively with a displaced mid-shaft clavicle were recruited prospectively. Ultrasound evaluation of the fracture was undertaken to determine if sonographic bridging callus was present. Clinical risk factors at six weeks were used to stratify patients at high risk of nonunion with a combination of Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) ≥ 40, fracture movement on examination, or absence of callus on radiograph. Results. A total of 112 patients completed follow-up at six months with a nonunion incidence of 16.7% (n = 18/112). Sonographic bridging callus was detected in 62.5% (n = 70/112) of the cohort at six weeks post-injury. If present, union occurred in 98.6% of the fractures (n = 69/70). If absent, nonunion developed in 40.5% of cases (n = 17/42). The sensitivity to predict union with sonographic bridging callus at six weeks was 73.4% and the specificity was 94.4%. Regression analysis found that failure to detect sonographic bridging callus at six weeks was associated with older age, female sex, simple fracture pattern, smoking, and greater fracture displacement (Nagelkerke R. 2. = 0.48). Of the cohort, 30.4% (n = 34/112) had absent sonographic bridging callus in addition to one or more of the clinical risk factors at six weeks that predispose to nonunion. If one was present the nonunion rate was 35%, 60% with two, and 100% when combined with all three. Conclusion. Ultrasound combined with clinical risk factors can accurately predict fracture healing at six weeks following a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(2):113–121

Abstract. Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of phonophoresis (PH) and conventional therapeutic ultrasound (US) on the functional and pain outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods. We conducted an electronic search through PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases. We screened the retrieved articles to include only English full-text randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of phonophoresis versus conventional therapeutic ultrasound on patients with knee osteoarthritis. Two reviewers screened, extracted the data, and independently assessed the quality of the included articles. Results. A total of five randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria out of 267 studies screened. Our results showed no statistically significant differences between the PH and US groups (1), (2), (3),(4), and (5). The PH group demonstrated more significant effects than the UT group in reducing VAS pain scores (P=0.009) and improving WOMAC scores, although this did not reach the level of significance (P=0.143) (5). In the long term, PH therapy was found to be superior to US in improving painless walking duration and distance VAS scores (p=0.034, 0.017) respectively, as well as walking and resting walking VAS scores (p=0.03, 0.007) respectively, which were found to be permanent (3). Conclusions. Both therapies improve pain and function. However, we suggest conducting more high-quality trials with larger sample sizes and do not recommend the use of these therapies in clinical practice due to limitations in gender selection and high risk of bias. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Introduction. Articular cartilage injuries have a limited potential to heal and, over time, may lead to osteoarthritis, an inflammatory and degenerative joint disease associated with activity-related pain, swelling, and impaired mobility. Regeneration and restoration of the joint tissue functionality remain unmet challenges. Stem cell-based tissue engineering is a promising paradigm to treat cartilage degeneration. In this context, hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials, due to their biocompatibility, ability to mimic the tissue extracellular matrix and excellent permeability. Different stimulation strategies have been investigated to guarantee proper conditions for mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into chondrocytes, including growth factors, cell-cell interactions, and biomaterials. An interesting tool to facilitate chondrogenesis is external ultrasound stimulation. In particular, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been demonstrated to have a role in regulating the differentiation of adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs). However, chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs has been never associated to a precisely measured ultrasound dose. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether dose-controlled LIPUS is able to influence chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs embedded in a 3D hydrogel. Materials and Methods. Human adipose mesenchymal stromal cells at 2∗10. 6. cells/mL were embedded in a hydrogel ratio 1:2 (VitroGel RGD®) and exposed to LIPUS stimulation (frequency: 1 MHz, intensity: 250 mW/cm. 2. , duty cycle: 20%, pulse repetition frequency: 1 kHz, stimulation time: 5 min) in order to assess its influence on cell differentiation. Hydrogel-loaded ASCs were cultured and differentiated for 2, 7, 10 and 28 days. At each time point cell viability (Live&Dead), metabolic activity (Alamar Blue), cytotoxicity (LDH), gene expression (COL2, aggrecan, SOX9, and COL1), histology and immunohistochemistry (COL2, aggrecan, SOX9, and COL1) were evaluated respect to a non-stimulated control. Results. Histological analysis evidenced a uniform distribution of ASCs both at the periphery and at the center of the hydrogel. Live & Dead test evidenced that the encapsulated ASCs were viable, with no signs of cytotoxicity. We found that LIPUS induced chondrogenesis of ASCs embedded in the hydrogel, as demonstrated by increased expression of COL2, aggrecan and SOX9 genes and proteins, and decreased expression of COL1 respect to the non-stimulated control. Conclusions. These results suggest that the LIPUS treatment could be a valuable tool in cartilage tissue engineering, to push the differentiation of ASCs encapsulated in a 3D hydrogel

Aims. Although low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with disinfectants has been shown to effectively eliminate portions of biofilm in vitro, its efficacy in vivo remains uncertain. Our objective was to assess the antibiofilm potential and safety of LIPUS combined with 0.35% povidone-iodine (PI) in a rat debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) model of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods. A total of 56 male Sprague-Dawley rats were established in acute PJI models by intra-articular injection of bacteria. The rats were divided into four groups: a Control group, a 0.35% PI group, a LIPUS and saline group, and a LIPUS and 0.35% PI group. All rats underwent DAIR, except for Control, which underwent a sham procedure. General status, serum biochemical markers, weightbearing analysis, radiographs, micro-CT analysis, scanning electron microscopy of the prostheses, microbiological analysis, macroscope, and histopathology evaluation were performed 14 days after DAIR. Results. The group with LIPUS and 0.35% PI exhibited decreased levels of serum biochemical markers, improved weightbearing scores, reduced reactive bone changes, absence of viable bacteria, and decreased inflammation compared to the Control group. Despite the greater antibiofilm activity observed in the PI group compared to the LIPUS and saline group, none of the monotherapies were successful in preventing reactive bone changes or eliminating the infection. Conclusion. In the rat model of PJI treated with DAIR, LIPUS combined with 0.35% PI demonstrated stronger antibiofilm potential than monotherapy, without impairing any local soft-tissue. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(7):332–341

Introduction. At present, orthopaedic surgeons utilize either CT, MRI or X-ray for imaging a joint. Unfortunately, CT and MRI are quite expensive, non weight-bearing and the orthopaedic surgeon does not receive revenue for these procedures. Although x-rays are cheaper, similar to CT scans, patients incur radiation. Also, all three of these imaging modalities are static. More recently, a new ultrasound technology has been developed that will allow a surgeon to image their patients in 3D. The objective of this study is to highlight the new opportunity for orthopaedic surgeons to use 3D ultrasound as alternative to CT, MRI and X-rays. Methods. The 3D reconstruction process utilizes statistical shape atlases in conjunction with the ultrasound RF data to build the patient anatomy in real-time. The ultrasound RF signals are acquired using a linear transducer. Raw RF data is then extracted across each scan line. The transducer is tracked using a 3D tracking system. The location and orientation for each scan line is calculated using the tracking data and known position of the tracker relative to the signal. For each scan line, a detection algorithm extracts the location on the signal of the bone boundary, if any exists. Throughout the scan process, a 3D point cloud is created for each detected bone signal. Using a statistical bone atlas for each anatomy, the patient specific surface is reconstruction by optimizing the geometry to match the point cloud. Missing regions are interpolated from the bone atlas. To validate reconstructed models output models are then compared to models generated from 3D imaging, including CT and MRI. Results. 3D ultrasound, which now has FDA approval in the United States, is presently available for an orthopaedic surgeon to use. Error analyses have been conducted in comparison to MRI and CT scans and revealed that 3D ultrasound has a similar accuracy of less than 1.0 mm in the creation of a 3D bone and soft-tissues. Unlike CT and MRI scans that take in excess of 2–3 weeks to create human bones, 3D ultrasound creates bones in 4–6 minutes. Once the bones are created, the surgeon can assess bone quality, ligament and cartilage conditions, assess osteophytes, fractures and guide needles into the 3D joint space. The creation of 3D bones has been accurately assessed for the spine, shoulder, knee, hip and ankle joints. A 3D joint pre-operative planning module has also been developed for a surgeon to size and position components before surgery. Discussion. 3D ultrasound is an exciting new imaging technology available for orthopaedic surgeons to use in their practice. Existing CPT codes are readily available for 3D ultrasound procedures. A surgeon can now evaluate and diagnose bone and soft- tissue conditions, in 3D, using ultrasound, which is safer and is an easier procedure compared to CT, MRI and X-rays. This new ultrasound technology is a highly accurate imaging technique that will allow a surgeon to diagnose bone and soft-tissue concerns in 3D, under weight-bearing, dynamic conditions and guide needle injections to correct location, in 3D

Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for 60–70% infections of surgical implants and prostheses in Orthopaedic surgery, with cumulative treatment costs for all prosthetic joint infections estimated to be ∼ $1 billion per annum (UK and North America). Its ability to develop resistance or tolerance to a diverse range of antimicrobial compounds, threatens to halt routine elective implant surgery. One strategy to overcome this problem is to look beyond traditional antimicrobial drug therapies and investigate other treatment modalities. Biophysical modalities, such as ultrasound, are poorly explored, but preliminary work has shown potential benefit, especially when combined with existing antibiotics. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound is already licensed for clinical use in fracture management and thus could be translated quickly into a clinical treatment. Using a methicillin-sensitive S. aureus reference strain and the dissolvable bead assay, biofilms were challenged with gentamicin +/− low-intensity ultrasound (1.5MHz, 30mW/cm2, pulse duration 200µs/1KHz) for 180 minutes and 20 minutes, respectively. The primary outcome measures were colony-forming units/mL (CFU/mL) and the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of gentamicin. The mean number of S. aureus within control biofilms was 1.04 × 109 CFU/mL. Assessment of cellular metabolism was conducted using a liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry, as well as a triphenyltetrazolium chloride assay coupled with spectrophotometry. There was no clinically or statistically significant (p=0.531) reduction in viable S. aureus following ultrasound therapy alone. The MBEC of gentamicin for this S. aureus strain was 256 mg/L. The MBEC of gentamicin with the addition of ultrasound was reduced to 64mg/L. Metabolic activity of biofilm-associated S. aureus was increased by 25% following ultrasound therapy (p < 0 .0001), with identification of key biosynthetic pathways activated by non-lethal dispersal. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound was associated with a four-fold reduction in the effective biofilm eradication concentration of gentamicin, bringing the MBEC of gentamicin to within clinically achievable concentrations. The mechanism of action was due to partial disruption of the extracellular matrix which led to an increase of nutrient availability and oxygen tension within the biofilm. This metabolic stimulus was responsible for the reversal of gentamicin tolerance in the biofilm-associated S. aureus

Aims. There is no consensus regarding optimum timing and frequency of ultrasound (US) for monitoring response to Pavlik harness (PH) treatment in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of our study was to determine if a limited-frequency hip US assessment had an adverse effect on treatment outcomes compared to traditional comprehensive US monitoring. Methods. This study was a single-centre noninferiority randomized controlled trial. Infants aged under six months whose hips were reduced and centred in the harness at initiation of treatment (stable dysplastic or subluxable), or initially decentred (subluxated or dislocated) but reduced and centred within four weeks of PH treatment, were randomized to our current standard US monitoring protocol (every clinic visit) or to a limited-frequency US protocol (US only at end of treatment). Groups were compared based on α angle and femoral head coverage at the end of PH treatment, acetabular indices, and International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) grade on one-year follow-up radiographs. Results. Overall, 100 patients were included; 42 patients completed the standard protocol (SP) and 40 completed the limited protocol (LP). There was no significant difference in mean right α angle at the end of treatment (SP 70.0° (SD 3.2°) ; LP 68.7° (SD 2.9°); p = 0.033), nor on the left (SP 69.0° (SD 3.5°); LP 68.1° (SD 3.3°); p = 0.128). There was no significant difference in mean right acetabular index at follow-up (SP 23.1° (SD 4.3°); LP 22.0° (SD 4.1°); p = 0.129), nor on the left (SP 23.3° (SD 4.2°); LP 22.8° (SD 3.9°); p = 0.284). All hips had femoral head coverage of > 50% at end of treatment, and all were IHDI grade 1 at follow-up. In addition, the LP group underwent a 60% reduction in US use once stable. Conclusion. Our study supports reducing the frequency of US assessment during PH treatment of DDH once a hip is reduced and centred. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1081–1088

Aims. To evaluate whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) accelerates bone healing at osteotomy sites and promotes functional recovery after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Methods. Overall, 90 patients who underwent OWHTO without bone grafting were enrolled in this nonrandomized retrospective study, and 45 patients treated with LIPUS were compared with 45 patients without LIPUS treatment in terms of bone healing and functional recovery postoperatively. Clinical evaluations, including the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, were performed preoperatively as well as six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. The progression rate of gap filling was evaluated using anteroposterior radiographs at six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. Results. The pain VAS and JOA scores significantly improved after OWHTO in both groups. Although the LIPUS group had better pain scores at six weeks and three months postoperatively, there were no significant differences in JOA score between the groups. The lateral hinge united at six weeks postoperatively in 34 (75.6%) knees in the control group and in 33 (73.3%) knees in the LIPUS group. The progression rates of gap filling in the LIPUS group were 8.0%, 15.0%, 27.2%, and 46.0% at six weeks and three, six, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively, whereas in the control group at the same time points they were 7.7%, 15.2%, 26.3%, and 44.0%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the progression rate of gap filling between the groups. Conclusion. The present study demonstrated that LIPUS did not promote bone healing and functional recovery after OWHTO with a locking plate. The routine use of LIPUS after OWHTO was not recommended from the results of our study. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):885–893

In the native articular cartilage microenvironment, chondrocytes are constantly subjected to dynamic physical stimuli that maintains tissue homeostasis. They produce extra cellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagens (type II mainly, 50-75%), proteoglycans (10-30%) and other type of proteins. 1. . While collagen offers a large resistance in tension, proteoglycans are the responsible of the viscoelastic response under compression due to the negative charge they confer to the ECM allowing it to entrap a large amount of interstitial fluid. In pathologic states (e.g. osteoarthritis), this ECM is degenerated and the negative charge becomes unbalanced, losing the chondroprotective properties and resulting on an overloaded chondrocytes that further degenerate the matrix. Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation (LIPUS) has been used to generate acoustic (pressure) waves that create bubbles that collapse with cells, inducing a stimulus that can modulate cell response. 2. This mechanical stimulation promotes the expression of type II collagen, type X collagen, aggrecan and TGF-β, appearing as a great strategy to regenerate cartilage. However, current strategies make use of extrinsic forces to stimulate cartilage formation overlooking the physico-chemical properties of the degenerated cartilage, resulting in an excessive load-transfer to chondrocytes and the consequent hypertrophy and degeneration. Here, interpenetrated networks (IPNs) with different compositions were created using methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), to mimic the collagen, and alginate functionalized with tyramine (Alg-tyr) to mimic glycosaminoglycans and to introduce a negative charge in the model. Within the matrix chondrocytes where encapsulated and stimulated under different conditions to identify the ultrasound parameters that enhance tissue formation. Samples with and without stimulation were compared analysing the expression and deposition of collagen II, aggrecan, collagen X and TGF-β. The results suggested that the chondrogenic marker expression of the samples stimulated for 10 minutes per day for 28 days, was two times higher overall in all of the cases, which was correlated to the tissue formation detected. Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the Basque Government for the “Predoctoral Training Program for Non-Doctoral Research Staff 2021-2022” (Grant ref.: PRE_2021_1_0403). This work was supported by the RETOS grant PID2020-114901RA-I00 of the Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN)

Pressure ulcers are a common occurrence in individuals with spinal cord injuries, and are attributed to prolonged sitting and limited mobility. This therefore creates the need to better understand soft tissue composition, in the attempt to prevent and treat pressure ulcers. In this study, novel approaches to imaging the soft tissue of the buttocks were investigated in the loaded and unloaded position using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty-six able-bodied participants (n=26, 13 males and 13 females) were recruited for this study and 1 male with a spinal cord injury. Two visits using US were required, as well as one MRI visit to evaluate soft tissue thickness and composition. US Imaging for the loaded conditions was performed using an innovative chair which allowed image acquisition in the seated upright position and MRI was done in the lateral decubitus position and loading was applied to the buttocks using a newly developed MRI compatible loader. The unloaded condition was a lateral decubitus position. Soft tissue was measured between the peak of the ischial tuberosity (IT) and the proximal femur and skin. Tissue thickness reliability for US was excellent, ICC=0.934–0.981 with no significant differences between the scan days. US and MRI measures of tissue thickness were significantly correlated (r=0.68–0.91). US underestimated unloaded tissue thicknesses with a mean bias of 0.39 – 0.56 for total tissue and muscle + tendon thickness. When the buttocks were loaded, total tissue thickness was reduced by 64.2±9.1%. US assessment of soft tissue thicknesses was reliable in both positions. The unloaded measurements using US were validated with MRI with acceptable limits of agreement, albeit tended to underestimate tissue thickness. Tissue thickness, but not fatty infiltration of muscle played a role in how the soft tissue of the buttocks responded to loading

Abstract. Objectives. Three-dimensional visualisation of sonographic callus has the potential to improve the accuracy and accessibility of ultrasound evaluation of fracture healing. The aim of this study was to establish a reliable method for producing three-dimensional reconstruction of sonographic callus. Methods. A prospective cohort of ten patients with a closed tibial shaft fracture managed with intramedullary nailing were recruited and underwent ultrasound scanning at 2-, 6- and 12-weeks post-surgery. Ultrasound B-mode capture was performed using infrared tracking technology to map each image to a three-dimensional lattice. Using echo intensity, semi-automated mapping was performed by two independent reviewers to produce an anatomic three-dimensional representation of the fracture. Agreement on the presence of sonographic bridging callus on three-dimensional reconstructions was assessed using the kappa coefficient. Results. Nine of the ten patients achieved union at six months. At six weeks, seven patients had bridging callus at ≥1 cortex on the three-dimensional reconstruction; when present all united. Compared to radiographs, no bridging callus was present in any patient. Of the three patients lacking sonographic bridging callus, one went onto a nonunion (77.8%-sensitive and 100%-specific to predict union). At twelve weeks, nine patients had bridging callus at ≥1 cortex on three-dimensional reconstruction and all united (100%-sensitive and 100%-specific to predict union). Compared to radiographs, seven of the nine patients that united had bridging callus. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the anteromedial and anterolateral tibial surface was achieved in all patients, and detection of sonographic bridging callus on the three-dimensional reconstruction demonstrated substantial inter-observer agreement (kappa=0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.29–1.0, p=0.011). Conclusions. Three-dimensional fracture reconstruction can be created using multiple ultrasound images in order to evaluate the presence of bridging callus. This imaging modality has the potential to identify impaired healing at an early stage in fracture management. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Introduction and Objective. Nonunion is incomplete healing of fracture and fracture that lacks potential to heal without further intervention. Nonunion commonly presents with persistent pain, swelling, or instability. Those symptoms affect patient quality of life. It is known that using low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) for fresh fractures promotes healing. However, effectiveness of LIPUS for nonunion is still controversial. If LIPUS is prove to be effective for healing nonunion, it can potentially provide an alternative to surgery. In addition, we can reduce costs by treating nonunion with LIPUS than performing revision surgery. Materials and Methods. The two authors carried out a systematic search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis of healing rate in nonunion and delayed union patients who underwent LIPUS was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) instruction method using a random effects model. Results. The initial search identified 652 articles. Of these, 541 were excluded on the basis of the title because they were either a review paper or covered an unrelated topic. The abstracts of the remaining 111 articles were examined further. That review resulted in a sample of 12 articles. We performed a meta-analysis with a random effects model using Open Meta Analyst software. The result of pooled effect size of healing rate was 73.4% (95%CI: 65.3–81.6%). Due to the fact that nonunion lacks potential to heal without further intervention, we suggest that the therapeutic effect of 73.4% from LIPUS is sufficiently effective. As far as we know, there are no trials comparing the therapeutic effectiveness of surgery and LIPUS, so it cannot be said which is more advantageous. However, the healing rate of revision surgery was reported between 68–96%; therefore, our result is within that range. Thus, if surgery is difficult due to complications, we can recommend LIPUS. Conclusions. Meta-analysis of healing rate of nonunion treated by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound is 73.4%, which suggests sufficient therapeutic effectiveness. Furthermore, we can say that LIPUS may provide an alternative treatment for nonunion patients who cannot tolerate revision surgery due to complications

Sonographic callus may enable assessment of fracture healing. The aim of this study was to establish a reliable method for three-dimensional reconstruction of sonographic callus. Patients that underwent non-operative management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures and intramedullary nailing of tibia fractures were prospectively recruited and followed to union. Ultrasound scanning was performed at periodical time points following injury. Infra-red tracking technology was used to map each image to a three-dimensional lattice. Criteria was fist established for two-dimensional bridging callus detection in a pilot study. Using echo intensity of the ultrasound image, semi-automated mapping was used to create an anatomic three-dimensional representation of fracture healing. Agreement on the presence of sonographic bridging callus was assessed using the kappa coefficient and intra-class-correlation (ICC) between observers. 112 clavicle fractures and 10 tibia fractures completed follow-up at six months. Sonographic bridging callus was detected in 62.5% (n=70/112) of the clavicles at six weeks post-injury. If present, union occurred in 98.6% of the fractures (n=69/70). If absent, nonunion developed in 40.5% of cases (n=17/42)(73.4%-sensitive and 100%-specific to predict union). Out of 10 tibia fractures, 7 had bridging callus of at least one cortex at 6 weeks and when present all united. Of the three patients lacking sonographic bridging callus, one went onto a nonunion (77.8%-sensitive and 100%-specific to predict union). The ICC for sonographic callus between four reviewers was 0.82 (95% CI 0.68–0.91). Three-dimensional ultrasound reconstruction of bridging callus has the potential to identify impaired fracture healing at an early stage in fracture management

The prevalence of pseudotumours in patients with large-head metal-on-metal (MOM) THA has been the subject of implant recalls and warnings from various regulatory agencies. To date, there is no consensus on whether ultrasound or MRI is superior for the detection and following the progression of pseudotumours. Ultrasound is relatively cheap but can be operator dependent. MARS MRI has the advantage of excellent visibility of the soft tissue. However, MRI comes at a marked increase cost and takes about twice as long to perform. At our institution, we prospectively compared ultrasound to MRI for pseudotumour detection in an asymptomatic cohort of patients with MOM THAs. We enrolled 40 patients with large-head MOM THAs in the study. The mean age was 54 years (range, 34–76 years). The mean time from surgery was 54 months (range, 40–81 months). There were 28 men and 12 women. All patients underwent ultrasound and MRI using slice encoding for metal artifact correction. The gold standard was defined as follows: if both ultrasound and MRI agreed, this was interpreted as concordant and the result was considered accurate. Ultrasound and MRI agreed in 37 of 40 patients (93%). The prevalence of pseudotumours was 31% (12 of 39) in our cohort. Twenty-three of 39 patients (59%) had completely normal tests and four (10%) had simple fluid collections. Ultrasound had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 96% while MRI had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 100%. Conclusions: A negative ultrasound rules out pseudotumour in asymptomatic patients as this test is 100% sensitive. Given its lower cost, we recommend ultrasound as the initial screening tool for pseudotumours. More recently, Kwon et al have compared ultrasound to MARS MRI for following the progression of pseudotumours. They found a strong agreement between the 2 modalities for assessing change in size and consistency of pseudotumours

Background: Screening modalities in early detection of DDH remain controversial worldwide despite of universal accessibility to ultrasound and despite of encouraging preliminary results reported about the Austrian and German general ultrasound screening programs. The goal of our investigations was to provide a long time survey on effects following the introduction of the ultrasound exam in prevention of DDH and to proof its beneficial medical and economic effects as well as to analyze possible adverse effects, when utilized by a general screening. Method: Nationwide data about ultrasound screening exams, sonographic follow up exams, frequencies of functional abductive treatment measures as well as hospitalizations due to DDH were requested by different Austrian health care providers. Through a representative recall over a time frame ranging partially back to 1980 a surveillance analysis is provided. The medical effectiveness of the screening was mainly assessed by the annual appearance of early late cases, representing open reductions (O.R.) upon the first two years of life. Other variables as the disease related incidence of age matched annual hospitalizations and the disease prevalence measured by non age matched hospitalizations in relation to the year specific population were analyzed. A cost benefit analysis was performed by comparing the treatment and diagnostic costs in the year before program start (1991) to the last year of surveillance (2004). Results: Since 1980 the functional treatment rate has continuously been reduced from approximately 12 percent to 3.23 percent in 2004. Early late cases (O.R.) due to DDH have been also diminished to an international competitive rate of 0.13 per 1000 newborns, while other age specific early surgical interventions could be almost eradicated. Current additional investments of the program figure only 16.94 € per newborn and embody approximately 1370 € per detection of one affected newborn. Control exams are contributing to roughly 25% of the calculated costs. Interpretation: By founding a nationwide program Austria has introduced a medically efficient screening modality to reduce early late cases and to limit treatment of DDH exposed children to less invasive measures by early diagnosis. In contrary to suspicions of possible adverse effects of such screening, overtreatment has been abandoned while the functional treatment rate has sunken to an acceptable level. Costs saving effects have been already realized on the treatment side. Further savings shall be realized by limiting an unacceptable rate of control exams

Hip fractures are associated with poor outcomes and high mortality rates of 30%. The current gold standard to measure bone fragility is a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan measuring bone mineral density. Yet DEXA under-diagnoses bone fragility by 50% (1). To combat the burden of bone fragility, this experimental study combined ultrasound (US) with a sophisticated computational algorithm, namely full wave inversion (FWI), to evaluate femoral bone structure. The aims were to assess the association of bone structure between the proximal femoral diaphysis and femoral neck; secondly to evaluate whether transverse ultrasound could assess bone structure of the proximal femoral diaphysis. Bone structure of 19 ex vivo human femora was assessed by micro-CT analysis (mean age 88.11 years, male:female 13:6)(Nikon HMXST 225). Using ImageJ/BoneJ, three 10.2mm subsections of proximal diaphysis and femoral neck underwent analysis: the total bone volume fraction, cortical parameters (bone volume fraction, porosity, thickness) and trabecular parameters (porosity, thickness, spacing and connectivity). A unique US prototype was developed to analyse fifteen femoral diaphyseal subsections using two P4-1 transducers with a novel tomography sequence (Verasonics, Matlab ver R2019a, FWI TRUST protocol). Comparative quantitative analysis of US and Micro-CT measurements was assessed (Graphpad Prism 8.3.1). Micro-CT analysis of the proximal femoral diaphysis demonstrated low correlation to the femoral neck (Pearson r −0.54 to 0.55). US was able to capture cortical structure, though a wide limit of agreement seen when compared to micro-CT analysis (Bland-Altman range 36–59% difference). This novel US technique was able to capture cortical bone structure. Improvements in methodology and technology are required to improve the analysis of trabecular bone and overall accuracy. Further evaluation of US and FWI is required to develop the technique and determine its role in clinical practice

When compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US) performed by experienced users is an inexpensive tool that has good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing rotator cuff (RC) tears. However, many practitioners are now utilizing in-office US with little to no formal training as an adjunct to clinical evaluation in the management of RC pathology. The purpose of our study was to determine if US without formal training is effective in managing patients with a suspected RC tear. This was a single centre prospective observational study. Five fellowship-trained surgeons each examined 50 participants referred for a suspected RC tear (n= 250). Patients were screened prior to the consultation and were included if ≥ 40 years old, had an MRI of their affected shoulder, had failed conservative treatment of at least 6 months, and had ongoing pain and disability. Patients were excluded if they had glenohumeral instability, evidence of major joint trauma, or osteonecrosis. After routine clinical exam, surgeons recorded their treatment plan (“No Surgery”, “Uncertain”, or “Surgery”). Surgeons then performed an in-office diagnostic US followed by an MRI and documented their treatment plan after each imaging study. Interrater reliability was analyzed using a kappa statistic to compare clinical to ultrasound findings and ultrasound findings to MRI, normal and abnormal categorization of biceps, supraspinatus, and subscapularis. Following clinical assessment, the treatment plan was recorded as “No Surgery” in 90 (36%), “Uncertain” in 96 (39%) of cases, “Surgery” in 61 (25%) cases, and incomplete in 3 (2%). In-office US allowed resolution of 68 (71%) of uncertain cases with 227 (88%) of patients having a definitive treatment plan. No patients in the “No Surgery” group had a change in treatment plan. After MRI, 16 (6%) patients in the “No Surgery” crossed-over to the “Surgery” group after identification of full-thickness tears, larger than expected tears or alternate pathology (e.g., labral tear). The combination of clinical examination and in-office US may be an effective method in the initial management of patients with suspected rotator cuff pathology. Using this method, a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan was established in 88% of patients with the remaining 12% requiring an MRI. A small percentage (6%) of patients with larger than expected full-thickness rotator cuff tears and/or alternate glenohumeral pathology (e.g., labral tear) would be missed at initial evaluation

Purpose. Ultrasound of the neonatal and infantile hip is a useful tool in diagnosis and treatment of the developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), especially given the fact that numerous cases of DDH do not present any findings in the clinical examination. Methods. Between January 2014 and May 2020, 10536 (5273 neonates and infants, 53% girls, 47% boys) consecutive neonatal and infantile hip joints were studied using the Graf Hip Ultrasound method. Results. 607 hips were diagnosed as abnormal. 523 (5%) hip joints were type IIA, 18 (0.17%) were type ΙΙΒ, 19 (0.18%) were type ΙΙC, 33 (0.31%) were type ΙΙΙ and 14 (0.13%) were type IV. 72% of patients were girls, 55% of patients were firstborns, 35,7% presented breech, 8,2% had a positive family history of DDH, 6% were part of a multiple pregnancy, while 27,2% had no predisposing factor for the disease. Type ΙΙΑ hips were treated with follow- up only and had all matured (turned to normal- type I hips) within a trimester. Type ΙΙΒ και ΙΙC hips were treated using an abductor harness and were normal (type I) within three months. 35.7% of type ΙΙΙ were treated with an abductor harness and 64.3% with hip spica. All type IV hips were treated with hip spica. The duration of therapy for type III and type IV hips was 3 months. Conclusion. The early use of a hip ultrasound provides us with the ability to diagnose and treat DDH efficiently, resulting in a normal hip joint within the first months of life

Introduction. The objective of this study is to assess the use of ultrasound (US) as a radiation free imaging modality to reconstruct three-dimensional knee anatomy. Methods. An OEM US system is fitted with an electromagnetic (EM) tracker that is integrated into the US probe, allowing for 3D tracking of probe and femur and tibia. The raw US RF signals are acquired and using real time signal processing, bone boundaries are extracted. Bone boundaries are then combined with the EM sensor information in a 3D point cloud for both femur and tibia. Using a statistical shape model, the patient specific surface is reconstructed by optimizing bone geometry to match the point clouds. An accuracy analysis was then conducted for 11 cadavers by comparing the 3D US models to those created using CT scans. Results. The results revealed the US bone models were accurate compared to the CT models (Mean RMS: femur: 1.03±0.15 mm, tibia:1.11± 0.13). Also, femoral landmarking proved to be accurate (transepicondylar axis: 1.07±0.65°, Posterior condylar axis: 0.73±0.41° Distal condylar axis: 1.12±0.89°, Medial AP: 1.39±1.18 mm, Lateral AP: 1.56±1.15 mm, TEA width: 1.2±0.87 mm). Tibial landmarking errors were slightly higher (Posterior slope axis: 2 ±1.19° and Tubercle axis: 1.8±1.37°). The models were then used to evaluate implant sizing as, 90% of the femurs and 60% of the tibias were sized correctly, while the others were off only one size. Discussion. The 3D US bone models were proven to be accurate compared to CT and can be used for preoperative planning. 3D ultrasound is radiation free and offers numerous clinical opportunities for bone creation in minutes during their office visit, surgeon-patient pre-operative planning, implant sizing and selection, 3D dynamic ligament balancing and intra-operative registration for use with robots and navigation systems

Introduction. Failure rates of Metal-on-Metal (MoM) ASR XL hip implants have been unacceptably high compared with other bearing surfaces, so patients must be monitored over the time checking for disorders in clinical condition, blood tests or in diagnostic imaging. Objectives. We have carried out a continuing prospective investigation to evaluate the relationship between blood metal ions measurements and ultrasound levels and to evaluate if ultrasound score can predict a future indication to revision. Materials and methods. From DePuy Recall of 2010 we have monitored 106 patients (51 males, 55 females, mean age 63.6) with ASRXL implants. The controls were performed annually. The following scales were used for patients evaluation:. Ultrasound score: 0 none; 1 fluid collection <20 mm, 2 fluid collection <20 mm, 3 solid mass: metallosis. Blood metal levels of Chromium-Cobalt (Cr-Co) (μg/l = ppb): normal <3 ppb, alert between 3 and 7 ppb, pathologic <7 ppb. Clinical Score: Harris Hip Score. Rx score, evaluating the prosthetic-bone integration and the inclination of acetabular component. Patients who presented positive clinical-instrumental conditions and values of Cr and Co > 3 mg/l were checked every 6 months. Statistical analysis was carried out with Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and two factors Analysis of Variance using SAS System vers. 9.4. Results. The follow-up included 110 implants (4 are bilateral case). 43 patients (39,1 %) underwent revision surgery for failed MoM utilizing ceramic-on-polyethylene devices. At a mean time of 65,7 +/− 15,9 months, 47 patients had a ultrasound score of 0 (13 revised), 32 patients had a ultrasound score of 1 (9 revised), 20 patients had a ultrasound score of 2 (15 revised), 7 patients had a ultrasound score of 3 (6 revised); 44 patients had Cr value < 3 ppb (5 revised), 28 patients had Cr value <3 ppb<7 (6 revised), 34 patients had Cr value <7 ppb (32 revised), 25 patients had Co value < 3 ppb (5 revised), 20 patients had Co value <3 ppb<7 (1 revised), 61 patients had Co value > 3 ppb (37 revised). A positive correlation between blood metal ions values and ultrasound levels (p<0,001) and a statistically significant interaction between ultrasound score and indication to revision (p=0,037) were found. Discussion and Conclusion. As reported in literature also in our experience the ASR XL implant was afflicted by an excessive revision rate, associated with levels of metal ions significantly higher than other hip bearing surfaces. Our results demonstrate a positive correlation between blood Cr and Co levels and the amount of fluid collection: at higher levels of fluid collection correspond higher levels of blood metal ions. Since statistical analysis confirmed that the level of ultrasound score is correlated with indication to revision it is suggested to use ultrasounds, if the score is 2 or more, as parameter to revise MoM implants even in absence of pathologic blood ions levels

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a promising tool to estimate bone structure characteristics and predict fragile fracture. The aim of this pilot cross-sectional study was to evaluate the performance of a multi-channel residual network (MResNet) based on ultrasonic radiofrequency (RF) signal to discriminate fragile fractures retrospectively in postmenopausal women. Methods. RF signal and speed of sound (SOS) were obtained using an axial transmission QUS at one‐third distal radius for 246 postmenopausal women. Based on the involved RF signal, we conducted a MResNet, which combines multi-channel training with original ResNet, to classify the high risk of fragility fractures patients from all subjects. The bone mineral density (BMD) at lumber, hip and femoral neck acquired with DXA was recorded on the same day. The fracture history of all subjects in adulthood were collected. To assess the ability of the different methods in the discrimination of fragile fracture, the odds ratios (OR) calculated using binomial logistic regression analysis and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUC) were analyzed. Results. Among the 246 postmenopausal women, 170 belonged to the non-fracture group, 50 to the vertebral group, and 26 to the non-vertebral fracture group. MResNet was discriminant for all fragile fractures (OR = 2.64; AUC = 0.74), for Vertebral fracture (OR = 3.02; AUC = 0.77), for non-vertebral fracture (OR = 2.01; AUC = 0.69). MResNet showed comparable performance to that of BMD of hip and lumbar with all types of fractures, and significantly better performance than SOS all types of fractures. Conclusions. the MResNet model based on the ultrasonic RF signal can significantly improve the ability of QUS device to recognize previous fragile fractures. Moreover, the performance of the proposed model modified by age, weight, and height is further optimized. These results open perspectives to evaluate the risk of fragile fracture applying a deep learning model to analyze ultrasonic RF signal

The treatment of extremity ballistic injury is challenging in that the zone of injury can be extensive and determining the surgical exposure can be difficult. We describe a method of pre-operative evaluation of the zone of injury in conjunction with the regional anesthesiologist utilizing ultrasound to determine the presence of nerve disruption. This non-invasive method of examination may elucidate whether significant nerve exists and may also serve to pinpoint the location of injury. Such information allows the surgeon to more effectively and efficiently surgically expose the zone of injury and understand the boundaries of the nerve outside the zone of injury. Moreover, such preoperative evaluation may at times obviate the need for exploratory surgery at all. It is important for the anesthesiologist and surgeon to work together with respect to the ability to both interpret the ultrasound images and to clinically correlate the findings. The zone of tissue disruption in ballistic injuries is extremely variable. It is beneficial to both the surgeon and patient to engage in a collaborative effort with an experienced regional anesthesiologist who is well-versed in interpretation of ultrasound images and tissue plane disruption in an effort to minimize surgical time and the potential unintended consequences of unnecessary exploration. We present a series of cases representing instances wherein the zone of injury was small, extensive, and a unique situation in which there was in fact no injury present despite clinical symptoms and MRI consistent with radial nerve disruption

We have examined the accuracy of 143 consecutive ultrasound scans of patients who subsequently underwent shoulder arthroscopy for rotator-cuff disease. All the scans and subsequent surgery were performed by an orthopaedic surgeon using a portable ultrasound scanner in a one-stop clinic. There were 78 full thickness tears which we confirmed by surgery or MRI. Three moderate-size tears were assessed as partial-thickness at ultrasound scan (false negative) giving a sensitivity of 96.2%. One partially torn and two intact cuffs were over-diagnosed as small full-thickness tears by ultrasound scan (false positive) giving a specificity of 95.4%. This gave a positive predictive value of 96.2% and a negative predictive value of 95.4%. Estimation of tear size was more accurate for large and massive tears at 96.5% than for moderate (88.8%) and small tears (91.6%). These results are equivalent to those obtained by several studies undertaken by experienced radiologists. We conclude that ultrasound imaging of the shoulder performed by a sufficiently-trained orthopaedic surgeon is a reliable time-saving practice to identify rotator-cuff integrity

Aims. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of the different ultrasound phenotypes of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), and to determine their subsequent course. Patients and Methods. A consecutive series of 28 092 neonates was screened and classified according to the Graf method as part of a nationwide surveillance programme, and then followed prospectively. Abnormal hips were followed until they became normal (Graf type I). Type IIb hips and higher grades were treated by abduction in a Tübinger orthosis until normal. Dislocated hips underwent closed or open reduction. Results. Overall, 90.2% of hips were normal at birth. Type IIa hips (8.9%) became normal at a median of six weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 6 to 9). Type IIc and IId hips (0.67%) became normal after ten weeks (IQR 7 to 13). There were 19 type lll and eight type lV hips at baseline. There were 24 closed reductions and one open reduction. No late presentations of DDH were detected within the first five years of life. Conclusion. The incidence of DDH was eight per 1000 live births. The treatment rate was 1% (n = 273). The rate of first operations on the newborn hip was 0.86, and rate of open surgery was 0.04. The cumulative rate of open surgery was 0.07. The authors take the view that early identification and treatment in abduction of all dysplastic hips in early childhood reduces the rate of open reduction and secondary DDH-related surgery later in life. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1399–1404

Aims. The objective of this study is to assess the use of ultrasound (US) as a radiation-free imaging modality to reconstruct 3D anatomy of the knee for use in preoperative templating in knee arthroplasty. Methods. Using an US system, which is fitted with an electromagnetic (EM) tracker that is integrated into the US probe, allows 3D tracking of the probe, femur, and tibia. The raw US radiofrequency (RF) signals are acquired and, using real-time signal processing, bone boundaries are extracted. Bone boundaries and the tracking information are fused in a 3D point cloud for the femur and tibia. Using a statistical shaping model, the patient-specific surface is reconstructed by optimizing bone geometry to match the point clouds. An accuracy analysis was conducted for 17 cadavers by comparing the 3D US models with those created using CT. US scans from 15 users were compared in order to examine the effect of operator variability on the output. Results. The results revealed that the US bone models were accurate compared with the CT models (root mean squared error (RM)S: femur, 1.07 mm (SD 0.15); tibia, 1.02 mm (SD 0.13). Additionally, femoral landmarking proved to be accurate (transepicondylar axis: 1.07° (SD 0.65°); posterior condylar axis: 0.73° (SD 0.41°); distal condylar axis: 0.96° (SD 0.89°); medial anteroposterior (AP): 1.22 mm (SD 0.69); lateral AP: 1.21 mm (SD 1.02)). Tibial landmarking errors were slightly higher (posterior slope axis: 1.92° (SD 1.31°); and tubercle axis: 1.91° (SD 1.24°)). For implant sizing, 90% of the femora and 60% of the tibiae were sized correctly, while the remainder were only one size different from the required implant size. No difference was observed between moderate and skilled users. Conclusion. The 3D US bone models were proven to be closely matched compared with CT and suitable for preoperative planning. The 3D US is radiation-free and offers numerous clinical opportunities for bone visualization rapidly during clinic visits, to enable preoperative planning with implant sizing. There is potential to extend its application to 3D dynamic ligament balancing, and intraoperative registration for use with robots and navigation systems. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6 Supple A):81–86

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the sensory innervation of bone might play an important role in sensing and responding to low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and explain its effect in promoting fracture healing. In 112 rats a standardised mid-shaft tibial fracture was created, supported with an intramedullary needle and divided into four groups of 28. These either had a sciatic neurectomy or a patellar tendon resection as control, and received the ultrasound or not as a sham treatment. Fracture union, callus mineralisation and remodelling were assessed using plain radiography, peripheral quantitative computed tomography and histomorphology. Daily ultrasound treatment significantly increased the rate of union and the volumetric bone mineral density in the fracture callus in the neurally intact rats (p = 0.025), but this stimulating effect was absent in the rats with sciatic neurectomy. Histomorphology demonstrated faster maturation of the callus in the group treated with ultrasound when compared with the control group. The results supported the hypothesis that intact innervation plays an important role in allowing low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to promote fracture healing

The prevalence of pseudotumours in patients with large-head metal-on-metal (MOM) THA has been the subject of implant recalls and warnings from various regulatory agencies. To date, there is no consensus on whether ultrasound or MRI is superior for the detection of pseudotumours. Ultrasound is relatively cheap but can be operator dependent. MARS MRI has the advantage of excellent visibility of the soft tissue. However MRI comes at a marked increase cost and takes about twice as long to perform. At our institution we prospectively compared ultrasound to MRI for pseudotumour detection in an asymptomatic cohort of patients with MOM THAs. Methods. We enrolled 40 patients with large-head MOM THAs in the study. The mean age was 54 years (range, 34–76 years). The mean time from surgery was 54 months (range, 40–81 months). There were 28 men and 12 women. All patients underwent ultrasound and MRI using slice encoding for metal artifact correction. The gold standard was defined as follows: if both ultrasound and MRI agreed, this was interpreted as concordant and the result was considered accurate. Results. Ultrasound and MRI agreed in 37 of 40 patients (93%). The prevalence of pseudotumours was 31% (12 of 39) in our cohort. Twenty-three of 39 patients (59%) had completely normal tests and four (10%) had simple fluid collections. Ultrasound had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 96% while MRI had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 100%

Introduction:. Instability and synovitis of the lesser metatarsalphalangeal (MTP) joints is a significant cause of forefoot pain. Plantar plate imaging traditionally has been through MRI and fluoroscopic arthrography. We have described ultrasound arthrography as a less resource-intensive technique without radiation exposure. We report the correlation between ultrasound arthographic and surgical findings. Methods:. Patients with lesser MTP joint instability and pain underwent ultrasound arthrography by a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist. The main finding was the presence of a full or partial tear of the plantar plate. In some patients the location of the tear along with its size in the long and short axis was also reported. Authors who were not involved in the imaging or surgery reviewed the operation notes of patients who underwent surgery to identify. Whether a partial or full thickness tear was identified. Size and location of the tear. The accuracy of ultrasound arthrography was calculated using surgical findings as the standard. Results:. 53 patients with 55 joints underwent ultrasound arthrography, and of these 34 went on to have surgery. 23 patients had adequate documentation of surgical and ultrasound findings. Surgery confirmed plantar plate tears in 21 patients (91.3%) with 9 full thickness tears and 7 partial thickness tears confirmed both operatively and with ultrasound (in 5 patients the operation note did not specify completeness of tear). In 2 patients, in whom ultrasound demonstrated a partial thickness tear, no tear was found at surgery. The sensitivity of ultrasound arthrography for plantar plate tears is 100%, specificity is 0% (although based on few patients), and positive predictive value of 91.3%. Conclusion:. Ultrasound arthrography has a high sensitivity, but low specificity for plantar plate tears, comparable with ultrasound in previous studies. It allows differentiation of partial and full thickness tears which may be important for treatment

Percutaneous fixation of scaphoid fractures has become popular in recent years, mainly due to its reduced complexity compared to open surgical approaches. Fluoroscopy is currently used as guidance for this percutaneous approach, however, as a projective imaging modality, it provides only a 2D view of the complex 3D anatomy of the wrist during surgery, and exposes both patient and physician to harmful X-ray radiation. To avoid these drawbacks, 3D ultrasound has been suggested to provide imaging for guidance as a widely available, real-time, radiation-free and low-cost modality. However, the blurred, disconnected, weak and noisy bone responses render interpretation of the US data difficult so far. In this work, we present the integration of 3D ultrasound with a statistical wrist model to allow development of an improved ultrasound-based guidance procedure. For enhancement of bone responses in ultrasound, a phase symmetry based approach is used to exploit the symmetry of the ultrasound signal around the expected bone location. We propose an improved estimation of the local phase symmetry by using the local spectrum variation of the ultrasound image. The statistical wrist model is developed through a group-wise registration based framework in order to capture the major modes of shape and pose variations across 30 subjects at different wrist positions. Finally, the statistical wrist model is registered to the enhanced ultrasound bone surfaces using a probabilistic registration approach. Feasibility experiments are performed using two volunteer wrists, and the results are promising and warrant further development and validation to enable ultrasound guided percutaneous scaphoid fracture reduction

We have evaluated in vitro the accuracy of percutaneous and ultrasound registration as measured in terms of errors in rotation and version relative to the bony anterior pelvic plane in computer-assisted total hip replacement, and analysed the intra- and inter-observer reliability of manual or ultrasound registration. Four clinicians were asked to perform registration of the landmarks of the anterior pelvic plane on two cadavers. Registration was performed under four different conditions of acquisition. Errors in rotation were not significant. Version errors were significant with percutaneous methods (16.2°; p < 0.001 and 19.25° with surgical draping; p < 0.001), but not with the ultrasound acquisition (6.2°, p = 0.13). Intra-observer repeatability was achieved for all the methods. Inter-observer analysis showed acceptable agreement in the sagittal but not in the frontal plane. Ultrasound acquisition of the anterior pelvic plane was more reliable in vitro than the cutaneous digitisation currently used

Improving the accuracy of measuring 6 degree of freedom tibiofemoral kinematics is a crucial step in gait analysis, but skin-marker estimated kinematics are subject to soft tissue artefacts. Fluoroscopic systems have been reported to achieve high accurate kinematics, but their induced irradiation, limited field of view, and high cost hampers routine usage on large patient cohorts. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of measuring tibiofemoral kinematics using multi-channel A-mode ultrasound system in cadaver experiment and to assess its achievable accuracy. A full cadaver was placed with its back on a surgery table while its legs were overhanging the edge of the table. Upper body was fixated and right leg was moved by means of pulling a rope. Two bone pins with optical markers were mounted to the femur and tibia separately to measure the ground truth of motion. Six custom holders containing 30 A-mode ultrasound transducers and 18 optical markers were mounted to six anatomical regions. By measuring the bone to ultrasound transducer distance and using the spatial information of the optical markers on the holders, 30 bone surface points were determined. The corresponding bones (femur and tibia) were registered to these acquired points after which the tibiofemoral kinematics were determined. This study presents a multi-channel A-mode ultrasound system and the first results have shown its feasibility of reconstructing tibiofemoral kinematics in cadaver experiment. Although the reconstructed tibiofemoral kinematics is less accurate than a fluoroscopic system, it outperforms a skin-mounted markers system. Thus, this A-mode Ultrasound approach could provide a non-invasive and non-radiative method for measuring tibiofemoral kinematics, which may be used in clinic gait analysis or even computer-aided orthopaedic surgery

Of the 34 723 infants born between 1 June 1992 and 31 May 2002, the hips of 2578 with clinical instability or at-risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip were imaged by ultrasound. Instability of the hip was present in 77 patients, of whom only 24 (31.2%) had an associated risk factor. From the ‘at-risk’ groups, the overall risk of type-III dysplasia, instability and irreducibility was 1:15 when family history, 1:27 when breech delivery and 1:33 when foot deformity were considered as risk factors. Of those hips which were ultrasonographically stable, 88 had type-III dysplasia. A national programme of selective ultrasound screening of at-risk factors for the diagnosis of hip dislocation or instability alone cannot be recommended because of its low predictive value (1:88). However, the incidence of type-III dysplasia and hip dislocation or dislocatability in the groups with clinical instability, family history, breech position and possibly postural foot deformity as risk factors could justify a programme of selective ultrasound imaging

The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the tendo Achillis is discussed. Some of the pathological processes which occur in Achilles tendinopathy can be identified by ultrasound, which may also be used to direct local treatment

Non-operative management of displaced olecranon fractures in elderly low demand patients is reported to result in a satisfactory outcome despite routinely producing a nonunion. The aim of this study was to assess whether there is evidence of dynamic movement of the fracture fragment during the elbow arc of movement. Five consecutive patients (≥70 years of age) with a displaced olecranon fracture (Mayo 2A) that were managed with non-operative intervention were recruited. All underwent ultrasound evaluation at six weeks and follow-up questionnaires at six months including the DASH and Oxford Elbow Score (OES). There were three women and two men with a mean age of 79yrs (range 70–88). All injuries were sustained following a fall from standing height. The mean fracture gap in extension was 22.5mm (95% CI 13.0–31.9), midflexion 21.8mm (11.6–32.0) and in deep flexion 21.8mm (10.9–32.8). Although the amount of fracture displacement varied between patients, it remained static in each patient with no significant differences observed throughout the arc of motion (ANOVA p=0.99). The six-month median DASH score was 7.5 (IQR range, 4.2–39.3) and the OES was 44.0 (29.0–47.5). Four out of the five patients were satisfied with their function. Ultrasound evaluation of displaced olecranon fractures following non-operative management suggests the proximal fragment may function as a sesamoid type bone within the triceps sleeve. This could explain how a functional arc of movement with a minimum level of discomfort can usually be expected with non-operative management in select patients

Shoulder pain or loss of normal range of motion is a frequent complaint in the outpatient clinic. Of these presentations, rotator cuff injury is a common cause. This can range from mild, transient inflammation of the tendons, to partial tears of tendons, or even full thickness tears. Disruption of the tendons can occur from forceful forward throwing actions undertaken in some sports, for example baseball pitching, more commonly in the UK however, chronic impingement can lead eventually to a tendon tear-usually seen in an older population. Current methods of investigation of such injuries after clinical history and examination, includes plain film radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and arthrography. We decided to look at how ultrasound can be used in the district general hospital for investigation of such injuries. Aims. To determine the accuracy of ultrasound as an investigative tool for clinically suspected rotator cuff tears. Methods. Seventy-five consecutive ultrasonographic study reports, in patients who subsequently underwent arthroscopic examination, were scrutinised and correlated with surgical findings. From this, sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound at this district general hospital were calculated. In addition, this data was compiled for each of the three Consultant Radiologists in order to assess the operator dependent nature of ultrasound. Results. Of the 74 cases analysed, 43 (58.1%) had full correlation with the arthroscopy findings, 13 (17.6%) had mixed correlation, and 18 cases (24.3%) had no correlation between the ultrasound and arthroscopy report. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound at our institution was 0.76 and 0.8 respectively with regards to a tear being detected at ultrasound and then visualised during surgery. Conclusions. There is no current national guidance as to which imaging modality should be first line following clinical examination. Magnetic resonance arthrography, widely thought of as being the gold standard investigation, is not only expensive and possible only in certain centres, but is also invasive, time consuming, and has many relative contraindications. Ultrasound offers a clinical advantage by allowing the radiologist to speak to the patient and assess their range of motion whilst performing the study. This interaction is lost totally in MRI, CT and even MR arthrography. Our study shows that ultrasonography can be quite accurate in identifying a rotator cuff tear. Although it is operator-dependent, ultrasound should be considered more often as a first-line imaging tool for suspected rotator cuff tears as it is relatively inexpensive, quick, and most importantly dynamic

Reduction therapy in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is initialized in the newborn period. Harness treatment is continued until normal ultrasound-values are reached. Above the age of one year the assessment of DDH relies mainly on interpretation of plain radiographs of the pelvis. In order to rule out residual dysplasia after ultrasound controlled treatment radiological control is advised to the time children start walking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early radiological outcome after ultrasound controlled treatment of DDH and to examine whether there is a correlation between the initial severitiy of DDH, measured by ultrasound, and the severity of residual DDH on the radiograph at the time of the first follow-up. A. p. pelvic radiographs of 90 children (72 girls, 18 boys, 180 hips) with DDH (29 unilateral, 61 bilateral) were reviewed retrospectively. To the beginning of the ultrasound surveilled therapy (mean age 7,2 weeks) the morphologic findings were staged according to the Graf classification. Ultrasound surveilled abduction treatment was continued until normal ultrasound findings were reached. To the time children started walking (mean age 14,8 months) an a. p. radiograph of the pelvis was performed. The acetabular index (AI) was measured and classified according to the normal values of the hip joint described by Tönnis. The initial ultrasound findings expressed by the Graf classification were compared with the AI in the radiographic follow-up and Tönnis’ normal values. To simplify matters the 180 Graf-classified hips were distributed into 4 categories: Graf Ia/b=category 1, Graf IIa-D=category 2, Graf IIIa/b=category 3, Graf IV=category 4. The initially normal contralateral hips in ultrasound (n=29, category 1) presented in 37,9% a normal AI, in 41,4% with a mild dysplasia (between 1SD and 2SD) and in 20,7% with a severe dysplasia (beyond 2SD). The Graf type IIa-D hips (n=81, category 2) presented in 37% a normal AI, 32,1% showed a mild dysplasia and 30,9% a severe dysplasia. The Graf type III a/b hips (n=60, category 3) showed 35%, 30% and 35%, Graf type IV hips (n=10, category 4) 60%, 30% and 10%, respectively. The mean AI in all four categories differed only marginally. In our setting of patients different conclusions can be drawn:. Even after successful ultrasound guided therapy with a sonographically normal hip at the time bracing is finished there is a risk for residual dysplasia. Therefore radiological follow-up of every once treated hip is necessary. To reduce the number of radiographs the time for the first radiographic follow up may be delayed to the age of two. We only see a minimal risk to miss a dislocated hip in time. In very rare cases the indication for an acetabuloplasty is generally seen before the age of two, in our patient population we saw no immediate indication for surgery

Aim. The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of preoperative departmental ultrasound scans in identifying rotator cuff tears at our institution. Methods. Preoperative ultrasound scan reports were obtained from 64 consecutive patients who subsequently underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression and/or rotator cuff repair. Data was collected retrospectively using our 2010 database. The ultrasound reports were compared with the arthroscopic findings. The presence or absence of partial and full thickness rotator cuff tears was recorded. Results. Ultrasound correctly identified 30/43 (70%) of all tears, 18/30 (60%) of full thickness tears but only 1/13 (8%) of partial tears seen at arthroscopy. Of the remaining 12 partial tears seen at surgery, 6 were misdiagnosed as full thickness tears on ultrasound and 6 were not picked up at all. Five partial thickness tears were repaired and the rest were debrided. If both full and partial thickness tears are counted as true positives, ultrasound had a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 67%, a positive predictive value of 81%, a negative predictive value of 51% and an overall accuracy of 69%. If only partial tears are counted as true positives sensitivity decreases to 8% and positive predictive value to 10%. Conclusion. In this series a preoperative departmental ultrasound scan identified 70% of the actual rotator cuff tears present at arthroscopy. However ultrasound was not accurate in identifying partial thickness tears or distinguishing them from full thickness defects. Due to this relatively low sensitivity, we question the usefulness of routine preoperative departmental ultrasound scans in the evaluation of suspected cuff tears

X-ray is the standard method for monitoring fracture healing however it is not ideal; signs of healing are not normally visible on X-ray until around 6–8 weeks post fracture. Ultrasonography allows the detection of both the initial haematoma, usually formed immediately after fracture, and the small calcium deposits laid down between broken bone ends in the first stages of fracture healing. It has been reported that these early indicators of the healing process are visible as early as 1–2 weeks after fracture. We use Freehand 3D Ultrasound to monitor the early stages of fracture healing as both the bone surface and surrounding soft tissues can be imaged simultaneously. The Freehand 3D Ultrasound system consists of a standard Ultrasound machine, a PC running STRAD-WIN (Medical Imaging Group, Cambridge University) 3D software, and an optical tracking devise (NDI Polaris) to record the position and orientation of the Ultrasound probe during scanning. Images are transferred from the Ultrasound machine to the PC using RF capture through out a scan. Calibrating the system matches up the correct image with the correct probe position to produce a 3D dataset. We segment features of interest on the sequence of 2D images to construct a 3D model. These models are rotatable and provide views of the scanned anatomy that are not otherwise achievable using conventional Ultrasound or X-ray. The 3D data set can also be resliced through any plane to provide further views. To conduct a 3D Ultrasound scan takes the same amount of time as a conventional 2D scan. The production of the 3D model takes between 15–60 minutes depending on the level of detail required. Distances are measurable to within ±0.4mm meaning fracture gaps of sub-millimeter width can be resolved. The system has already been evaluated on healthy volunteers and a clinical study currently underway

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of ultrasound in the management of Irritable hips in children’s. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed for 168 patients with irritable hip from January 2004 to December 2005. The right hip was affected in 86 patients and the left hip was affected in 85 patients. Bilateral hip affection was seen in 3 patients. All the patients presented with pain in the hip joint. Most had pain on internal rotation. Majority had limp lasting 0 – 3 days. All patients were older than 1 year. White Blood Cell count (WBC), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Ultrasound of the hip was performed on all the patients as per the Irritable hip protocol. Temperature and associated medical condition were also recorded. Patients were divided into two groups, Group A who could weight bear involved 146 patients and Group B who could not weight bear had 22 patients. Results: Ultrasound examination showed no effusion in 77 patients in Group A and 11 patients in Group B. Remainder of patients in both the groups had hip joint effusion ranging from 2mm – 7mm. All the patients were treated conservatively. None needed aspirations of the effusion in the hip joint or secondary operative procedure. In group A (Weight bearing patients), 30 patients had mild temperature and 1 had moderate temperature. All of these 31 patients had normal WBC, CRP and their ultrasound showed effusion from 0 – 7mm. 12/31 patients had URTI. In group B (Non weight bearing patients), 5 patients had mild temperature with normal WBC, CRP and their ultrasound showed effusion from 0 – 6 mm. 1/5 patient had URTI. All the remaining 115 patients in group A and 17 patients in group B had normal WBC and CRP values. No associated medical problems were found in 102 patients in group A and 12 patients in group B. Upper respiratory tract infection was noted in 40 patients in group A and 9 patients in group B. Gastroenteritis was noted in 4 patients in group A and 1 patient in group B. Conclusion: Questions are raised with regards to the role of ultrasound in management of Irritable hips. Ultrasound for irritable hips in weight bearing patients with normal WBC and CRP is of no help. Ultrasound may be considered for non-weight bearing patients despite normal parameters. Significance: Ultrasound is not of much help in management of irritable hip with normal WBC and CRP. Ultrasound is of definite value to surgeon before any operative procedure for the hip joint

The use of shoulder ultrasound in clinic is a way of decreasing the time patients have to wait til definitive treatment is started. Although ultrasound is used in clinic by some surgeons, we are not aware of anyone specifically looking at the total cost implications and the impact on waiting times. We therefore prospectively assessed the outcome of a one-stop shoulder assessment service set up by a new Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in a busy unit. All new patients were assessed by the Consultant, who then performed an ultrasound if indicated. Treatment or further investigation was then instituted based on the findings. The time taken and accuracy of the scans, the number of patients seen, impact on waiting times, total savings and patient satisfaction were assessed. We based cost calculations from data that included capital, structural, maintenance and staffing costs gained from the Department of Health and the hospital management. We found that 65% of all shoulder patients required ultrasound, and these were performed in an average of 2.7 minutes, with no significant overrunning of the clinic. The sensitivity for the detection of full thickness rotator cuff tears was 88% and specificity was 89%. Four patients needed further ultrasonography by a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist. All patients reported high satisfaction rates. We calculated the cost saving over a year of two shoulder surgeons performing ultrasound in a similar setting was between £200,000 and £500,000 depending on the figures you used. We believe ultrasound is a quick, easy, cheap imaging process for the diagnosis of soft tissue shoulder diseases. When performed at the first consultation by the surgeon it offers the advantages of high patient satisfaction rates, shorter waiting times, and significant cost savings. Should all shoulder surgeons be performing ultrasound in clinic?

Introduction: Acoustic microscopy for medicine and biology has been developed for more than twenty years at Tohoku University [. 1. –. 8. ]. Application of acoustic microscopy in medicine and biology has three major features and objectives. First, it is useful for intra-operative pathological examination because staining is not required. Second, it provides basic acoustic properties to assess the origin of lower frequency ultrasonic images. Third, it provides information on biomechanical properties at a microscopic level because ultrasound has close correlation with mechanical properties of the tissues. This paper describes the preliminary results obtained using 300 MHz ultrasound intensity microscopy for in vitro characterization of rat synovial cell cultures. The novelty of the approach lies in the fact that it allows remote, non-contact and disturbance-free imaging of cultured synovial cells and the changes in the cells’ properties due to external stimulants such as transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta1). Materials and Methods: Ultrasound intensity microscope: An electric impulse was generated by a high speed switching semiconductor. The electric pulse was input to a transducer with sapphire rod as an acoustic lens and with the central frequency of 300 MHz. The reflections from the tissue was received by the transducer and were introduced into a Windows-based PC (Pentium D, 3.0 GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD) via a digital oscilloscope (Tektronix TDS7154B, Beaverton, USA). The frequency range was 1GHz, and the sampling rate was 20 GS/s. Four values of the time taken for a pulse response at the same point were averaged in order to reduce random noise. The transducer was mounted on an X-Y stage with a microcomputer board that was driven by the PC through RS232C. The Both X-scan and Y-scan were driven by linear servo motors. The ultrasound propagates through the thin specimen such as cultured cells and reflects at the interface between the specimen and substrate. A two-dimensional distribution of the ultrasound intensity, which is closely related to the mechanical properties, was visualized with 200 by 200 pixels. Tissue preparation: The synovial membrane was obtained from non-operated male rats weighing from 380 to 400 g through medial parapatellar incision. The tissue was diluted and loosened 0.15% DispaseII (Boehringer, Mannheim) in DMEM for 2 hours at 37 C°. Then centrifuged at 400 g for 5 min and discard the supernatant. The cells were plated in 75 mm2 dish (Falcon) with Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM, GIBCO Laboratories) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (SIGMA Chemical Co.) at 37 C° in a CO2 incubator. To determine changes of intensity, the cells were treated with 1 ng/ml of human recombinant TGF-β1 (hTGF-β1, R& D Systems, Inc.) for 1 and 3 days after reaching confluent. The non-treated cells was harvested at 3 days after reaching confluent and defined as control. Randomized four points at each dish were measured and averaged data was defined as the representative value of each dish. The cells used for experiments were at the third passage. Signal processing: The reflection from the tissue area contains two components. One is from the tissue surface and another from the interface between the tissue and the substrate (phosphate buffered saline). Frequency domain analysis of the reflection enables the separation of these two components and the calculation of the tissue thickness and intensity by Fourier-transforming the waveform [. 9. ]. Image analysis: Randomized point regions were determined using ultrasound intensity microscopic images. This was done by employing commercially available image analysis software (PhotoShop CS2, Adobe Systems Inc.). Ultrasound intensity microscopic images with a gradation color scale were also produced for clear visualization of the ultrasound intensity variations. Statistics: Statistical analysis among groups was performed using one factor analysis of variance. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. A value of P < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: The ultrasound intensity microscope can clearly visualize cells. The high intensity variations area of the reflected ultrasound energy at the central part of the cell corresponded to the nucleus and the high intensity area at the peripheral zone corresponded to the cytoskeleton mainly consisting of actin filaments. The intensity of the reflected ultrasound energy at the peripheral zone was significantly increased after stimulation with hTGF-b1

If the lower re-rupture in operative treated patients was an effect of tendon-end apposition, then patients in whom that could be demonstrated in equinus by ultrasound could be equally well treated non-operatively without the attendant surgical risk. All patients undergoing ultrasound for a suspected Achilles tendon repair between January 2000-2005 were included. Patients with a residual gap, 5mm or more in equinus; were treated by surgical repair. Those with a gap of less than 5mm were treated non-operatively. We excluded patients with no rupture, partial rupture and musculo-tendinuous junction (MTJ) tears. We recorded the following: clinical findings, ultrasound measurements of tendon gap in neutral and equinus, distance of rupture from distal insertion, the treatment and complications. All patients were followed up to a minimum of 6 months. 156 patients were treated for a clinical Achilles tendon rupture during the study period. We excluded 5 patients with no rupture on ultrasound, 15 with a MTJ tear, 7 with a muscle tear and 4 patients did not follow the protocol. 125 patients comprising 88 males and 37 females were entered into the study. 67 patients were treated operatively (37 open, 30 percutaneous) and 58 non-operatively. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to age, sex and injury mechanism. Two patients in the non-operative group had a re-rupture (3.4%) compared with 1 (1.5%) in the non-operative group. There were 2 incidences of superficial wound infection and 2 of temporary dorsal foot numbness in the operative. One patient in the non-operative group had a DVT. There was no significant difference for any of the complications between the two groups. It may be possible to reduce the risk of re-rupture and surgery using dynamic ultrasound to determine which treatment the patient receives

Ultrasound has been shown to have positive biological effects, including increased angiogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic activities. The aim of our study was to evaluate the evidence available in the scientific literature for the ultrasound treatment for tendon healing. To identify “best evidence” published research a computerized literature search of Medline, Cochrane, PEDro, IME, IBECS and ENFISPO. Keywords used to identify the study population and interventions were: ultrasound, low intensity pulsed ultrasound, physiotherapy, clinical trial, meta-analysis, practice guideline, randomized controlled trial, repair tendon and tendon healing. The scientific evidence of the group of selected documents were measured using the scale described by the US Preventive Task Force. The assignment of the evidence level to each study was evaluated independently by two reviewers without communication among them. To determine inter-rather reliability Kappa index it was used (K) with a value of CI of 95%. The study populations were 39 pertinent recovered documents. The findings suggest that therapeutic ultrasound can increase in collagen synthesis and enhance the maturation of collagen fibrils of repairing tendons. Researchers have reported that therapeutic ultrasound could facilitate tissue recovery and US with dosages between 0.125–3 W/cm2 have been used in the treatment of tendon ruptures reported an improvement in both strength and energy absorption capacity of repairing rabbit or rat tendons with 1-MHz continuous US. Best results were: continuous US at 1 MHz, 0.5w/cm2 starting from day 5 after injury, 20 treatment sessions, 4 mi each session. There is not a general consensus on the choice of parameters for US treatment and the evidence for efficacy of therapeutic. Limits of studies: The time needed to develop such an interface in humans was reported to be much longer than that reported in animal models. Continuous and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound was able to accelerate tendon healing and facilitating earlier physiotherapy

Introduction: The quality of newborn hip screening is usually measured as the number of late detected cases of hip dysplasia. There is no consensus concernig the use of ultrasonography in hip joint screening in newborns. At our hospital the number of late detected cases was around 2/1000 births using clinical screening. In a prospective, randomised study we compared universal ultrasound screening and selective ultrasound screening. We reduced the number of late detected cases when using universal ultrasound screening to 0,13/1000, whereas the group with selective ultrasound screening had 0,65/1000, the difference was not significant. We have therefore continued selective ultrasound screening, and present the results concerning late detected cases in the 9-year period 1999–2007 with this screening model. Materials and Methods: Newborns in our county are now offered selective ultrasound hip joint screening, in addition to the stanard clinical screening. The ultrasound examinations are performed 1–3 days after birth. The following risk factors lead to ultrasound examination: positive or doubtful Ortolani or Barlow tests, breech position, family history of hip dysplasia, foot deformities, and some syndromes. In the 9-year period 1999–2007 a total of 34000 babies where born in our county, and 13% had risk factors for hips dysplasia and were examined by ultrasound. Our hospital is the only hospital dealing with lated detected cases in our county. Results: In the 9-year period the primary treatment rate using the Frejka pillow was 0,9/1000 births. In the same period there were 16 children treated for lated detected hip dysplasia. There were 14 girls and 2 boys, giving an incidence of late detected cases of 0,47/1000 births. There were no common characteristics among the children with late detected hip dysplasia. Discussion/Conclusions: It has been assumed that a good clinical hip joint screening in newborns should not give more than 0,5/1000 births of late detected cases. By using selective ultrasound screening we have achieved 0,47/1000 births of late detcted cases in our county. We therefore recommend selective ultrasound hip screening in newborns

Early detection and management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) yields simpler and more effective the treatment. Diagnosis by ultrasound has changed the clinical view of the disease. However, the need and the way of ultrasound screening is still controversial. Diagnosis by ultrasound has shown that morphological abnormalities may not be associated with clinical signs. In Hungary all newborns are screened clinically within the first and also the third week of life, and controlled at the age of four month. Clinical examination is performed by an Ortopaedic specialist. Ultrasound screening is first performed for children with clinical signs and for children at risk at three weeks of age. Radiological examination, when necessary, is first performed at the age of four month. In the five year timeline (2001–2005) that was re-evaluated 7339 children presented 9706 times for screening for DDH at the University of Szeged (Hungary) Department of Orthopaedics. Out of these cases 6991 (95.2%) children were found to be healthy and 348 (4.8%) were diagnosed for DDH. Children with dysplasia presented 896 times for treatment and follow-up. Patient compliance in the DDH group was average 2.5 visits, while for the healthy group it was only average 1.2 visits. Because of clinical signs or risk factors 1569 (21%) children had ultrasound examination, all-together 2169 times. 84% of the initial ultrasound examination showed Graf stage Ia hip. Out of the diagnosed 348 DDH cases 31 patients (Graf IIa-IIc) were administered with Pavlik harness, and 314 (Graf Ib-IIa) were treated with splinting. Remaining 3 cases were diagnosed late, where no ultrasound examination was performed. In the DDH cases 832 ultrsonographic examination was performed during the treatment (average 2.4 examination/case). Radiographic control of all treated children excluded avascular necrosis in all cases. For this population 14 first operative procedure was needed so far. In our experience clinical screening and selective ultrasound examination is effective in the screening and early detection of developmental dyspalsia of the hip. In our practice, we promptly treated all patients with detected morphological changes as a deficiency in hip development. This way selective screening has helped us in the management of developmental dyspalsia of the hip. Hopefully, with the selective indication the number of false positive cases was reduced, while the „silent” clinical instabilities were given a chance for better long term development

Postero-lateral rotator instability (PLRI) is the most common pattern of recurrent elbow instability. Unfortunately, current imaging to aid PLRI diagnosis is limited. We have developed an ultrasound (US) technique to measure ulnohumeral joint gap with and without stress of the lateral ulnocollateral ligament. We sought to define lateral ulnohumeral joint gap measurements in the resting and stressed state to provide insight into how US may aid diagnosis of PLRI. Sixteen elbows were evaluated in eight healthy volunteers. Lateral ulnohumeral gap was measured on US in the resting position and with posterolateral drawer stress test maneuver applied. Joint laxity was calculated as the difference between stress and rest conditions. Measurements were performed by two independent readers with comparison performed between stress and rest positions. A highly significant difference in ulnohumeral gap was seen between stress and rest conditions (Reader 1: p < 0 .0001 and Reader 2: p=0.0002) with median values of 2.93 mm and 2.50 mm at rest and 3.92 mm and 3.40 mm at stress for Reader 1 and 2 respectively. Median joint laxity was 1.02 mm and 0.74 mm respectively for each reader. Correlation and agreement between readers was good. This study provides key new insight into use of US for diagnosis as PLRI as it defines normal ulnohumeral distances and demonstrates widening when applying the posterolateral drawer stress maneuver. Further evaluation of this technique is required in patients with PLRI

Imaging of the musculoskeletal system is vital for delivering optimum treatment particularly in the assessment of fracture healing. X-ray and CT are adequate imaging methods for bone but, soft tissue needs other modalities such as MRI and Ultrasound. We propose the use of Freehand 3D Ultrasound to study the early stages of fracture healing by imaging the bone surfaces around the fracture site and monitoring changes in the surrounding soft tissue. Freehand 3D ultrasound is acquired by attaching a position sensor to the probe of a conventional 2D diagnostic ultrasound machine. As the probe is moved, its position and orientation are recorded along with the 2D ultrasound images. This enables slices through the body to be viewed that would be inaccessible using a normal ultrasound system. Bone surfaces around a fracture site are scanned and the data reconstructed using the Stradx and Stradwin software developed by Cambridge University, to give a 3D visualization of the area. To assess the feasibility of this proposed method the lower limbs of healthy volunteers were scanned using a 5–10MHz ultrasound probe. The scanning resolution of the system was evaluated using a phantom to ensure millimetre detail could be detected as would be required for imaging early fracture healing. It was found that detail down to 0.8mm could easily be resolved for measurement. The 3D system could accurately profile the different soft tissue interfaces. The visible surfaces of the tibia were reconstructed to give 3D models. Additional layers of soft tissue interfaces could easily be added to these models to provide more detail. This imaging modality can provided detailed 3D models of bone the bone surface and surrounding soft tissue. As ultrasound is non-ionizing, rescanning can be conducted more frequently than with CT or x-ray thus offering a more accurate assessment of a patient’s response to healing

The hips of 1000 newborn babies were examined clinically and by ultrasonography. The ultrasound assessment was based on measurements of the coverage of the femoral head by the bony acetabular roof, and this parameter was called the Bony Rim Percentage (BRP). The mean BRP was 55.3% in girls and 57.2% in boys, a significant difference. Clinical instability occurred in 0.7% of the newborn babies, and all of the unstable hips had a BRP below the lower limit of normal. All infants with normal clinical findings and suspected abnormal hips based on ultrasound were followed up; in all but two the hips became normal spontaneously. We conclude that ultrasonography, using the measurements of femoral head coverage, is appropriate for screening the newborn, is reliable in differentiating between a true and a false positive Ortolani sign, and that hip dysplasia which is not clinically demonstrable at birth can be detected by ultrasound. Ultrasound should replace radiography as the routine method of following up high-risk infants and those with suspicious signs

Aim: To audit the impact of emergency hip ultrasound in the management of suspected hip septic arthritis. Methods and Results: Case series – Review of 13 consecutive patients who presented with acute hip pain, where clinical examination and inflammatory markers, highly suspicious of Septic arthritis. Emergency ultrasound was only available in 9 patients. Only 5 (38%) of these 13 patients had septic arthritis. Septic arthritis group. – Emergency ultrasound unavailable in 2 patents. They proceeded straight to arthrotomy yielding pus. – 3 had a preoperative ultrasound which confirmed the hip joint had an effusion. “Non Septic Arthritis of Hip” (8 patients). – In 2 patients emergency ultrasound unavailable. They underwent emergency arthrotomy with negative findings of pus. – 1 actually had septic arthritis of knee. – 6 patients did have emergency ultrasound which showed no effusion. Emergency arthrotomy was cancelled. – They proceeded to MRI of Hip. MRI revealed pathology close to but not involving the hip:. Pelvic osteomyelitis,. Psoas abscess,. Gluteal abscess secondary to small bowel fistula. Cellulitis of medial thigh. Femoral Epiphysis osteomyelitis. and inflammation of tendon secondary to line insertion. Inflammation of rectus femoris tendon (secondary to central line insertion). Conclusion: Use of ultrasound avoided unnecessary arthrotomy in 6 patients (48%). If ultrasound was available in all cases, then 8 (63%) patients would have avoided an unnecessary arthrotomy. Out of hours urgent hip ultrasound may be difficult to request. However our recent experience leads us to propose that if available ultrasound should be performed in all suspected case of hip septic arthritis prior to surgical drainage. Pathology in the vicinity of the hip can often masquerade convincingly as a septic hip joint

Purpose of the study: Prenatal screening and search for risk factors has lead to early diagnosis of congenital hip dysplasia. The percent of excentration of the dysplastic hip can be quantified with ultrasonography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasound monitoring of confirmed hip dysplasia as a method for determining the appropriate time to discontinue treatment. Material and methods: We collected a series of patients presenting unstable hips one month after birth. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed to quantify the instability. Initial treatment was forced abduction. If the infant’s weight was greater than 5.6 kg, a Pavlik harness was used. Physical examination and control ultrasound examinations were performed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Forced abduction and ultrasound surveillance were discontinued when the percent of acetabular cover was greater than 50%. Long-term surveillance consisted in physical examination and plain ap view of the pelvis at four months and at onset of walking. Results: Ultrasound monitoring was instituted for 71 hips in 51 patients. Mean age at onset of the monitoring scheme was 37.7 days (range 38–74 days). Mean acetabular cover, as evaluated by ultrasound before treatment, was 35.5% (range 20–45%). After four weeks, mean cover for 42 hips was 54.7% (range 50–85%). For the other 29 hips, mean acetabular cover was 41.4% (range 36–47%) at four weeks. At eight weeks, 26 of these 29 hips had a mean cover of 60% (52–85%). Acetabular cover remained below 50% for three hips at twelve weeks. Mean HTE at four months was 20.7° (range 10–26°). At walking, all hips were centered and no irregularities were noted on the x-rays of the femoral nucleus. Discussion: The majority of infants with unstable hips diagnosed at birth achieve spontaneous cure without treatment. For others, cure can be achieved with forced abduction but with a risk of osteochondritis. In our study, ultrasound monitoring enabled a reliable assessment of the proper moment to interrupt treatment. Conclusion: Ultrasound examination of the hip joint is a satisfactory method for monitoring hip dysplasia in infants aged less than four months. It appears to be useful for determining the moment to interrupt treatment

Introduction. In this work, we present the first real-time fully automatic system for reconstruction of patient-specific 3D knee bones models using ultrasound raw RF data. The system was experimented on two cadaveric knees, and reconstruction accuracy of 2 mm was achieved. Methods. To use the highest available contrast and spatial resolution in the ultrasound data, the raw RF signals were used directly to automatically extract the bone contours from the ultrasound scans. Figure 1 shows a sample ultrasound B-mode image for cadaver's distal femur, showing some of the scan lines raw RF signals as well as the final extracted contour using our method. An ultrasound machine (SonixRP, Ultrasonix Inc) was used to scan the knee joint and the RF data of the scans are acquired by custom-built (using Visual C++) software running on the ultrasound machine. An optical tracker (Polaris Spectra, Northern Digital Inc) was attached to the ultrasound probe to track its motion while being used in scanning. The scanning of the knee was performed at two flexion angles (full extension, and deep knee bend). At each position, the knee was fixed in order to collect scans that represent a partial surface of the bone (which will be later mutually registered to represent the whole bone's surface). Figure 4 shows fluoroscopy images of a patient's knee, showing the different articulating surfaces of the knee bones visible to the ultrasound at different flexion angles. Figure 5 shows a dissected cadaver's knee showing the articulating surfaces visible to ultrasound at 90 degrees flexion. The custom-built software collects the RF data synchronized with the probe tracking data for each ultrasound frame. Each frame of the RF data is then processed to extract the bone contour. The bone contours are automatically extracted from the RF data frame with frame rate of 25 frames per second. Figure 2 shows a flowchart for the contour extraction process. The extracted bone contours were then used by the our software, along with the ultrasound probe's tracking data, to reconstruct point clouds representing the bones' surfaces. These point clouds were then aligned to the mean model of the bone's atlas using ICP and integrated together to form 3D point cloud of the bone's surface. A 3D model of the bone is then reconstructed by morphing the mean model to match the point cloud. Figure 3 shows a flowchart for the point cloud and 3D model reconstruction process. Results. The developed system was tested on two cadavers' knees. The cadavers' knees were CT-scanned and manually segmented. The reconstructed models using ultrasound were then compared to the segmented models. An average error of 2 mm was achieved. Figure 6 shows sample ultrasound RF signals, and their processed version and the extracted bone echoes. Figure 7 shows sample ultrasound frames and the extracted bone contours from them. Figure 8 shows the reconstructed point clouds and 3D models for two distal femurs and a proximal tibia

A challenging problem in ultrasound based orthopaedic surgery is the identification and interpretation of bone surfaces. Recently we have proposed a new fully automatic ultrasound bone surface enhancement filter in the context of spine interventions. The method is based on the use of a Gradient Energy Tensor filter to construct a new feature enhancement metric, which we call the Local Phase Tensor. The goal of this study is to provide further improvements to the proposed filtering method by incorporating a-priori knowledge about the physics of ultrasound imaging and salient grouping of enhanced bone features. Typical ultrasound scan of the spine, there is a large soft tissue interface present close to the transducer surface with high intensity values similar to those of the bone anatomy response. Typical ultrasound image segmentation or enhancement methods will be affected by this thick soft tissue response. In order to weaken this soft tissue interface we calculate a new transmission map where features deeper in the ultrasound image have higher transmission values and shallow features have lower transmission values. The calculation of this new US transmission/attenuation map allows the proposed image enhancement method to mask out erroneous regions, such as the soft tissue interface, and improve the accuracy and robustness of the spine surface enhancement. The masked US images were used as an input to the LPT image enhancement method. In order to provide a more compact spine surface representation and further reduce the typical US imaging artifacts and soft tissue interfaces we calculate saliency Local Phase Tensor features. The saliency images are computed using Difference of Gaussian filters. Qualitative results, obtained from in vivo clinical scans, show a strong correspondence between enhanced features and the actual bone surfaces present in the ultrasound scans. Future work will include the extension of the proposed method to 3D and validation of the method in the context of intra-operative ultrasound image registration in CAOS applications

This study of collegiate basketball players evaluated change over time (COT) in ultrasound shear wave (SW) elastography metrics across the basketball season, and correlated to morphologic changes on conventional ultrasound imaging, and VISA-P scores. In eleven male collegiate basketball players (mean age 19, age range 18–21), patella tendon (PT) ultrasound and SW elastography of both knees were performed at pre-season and post-season time points, and players reported their VISA-P scores throughout the season. Patella tendinopathy grade and SW metrics were correlated to VISA-P scores using Spearman correlation coefficients. Paired t-test was used to assess differences in mean SW metrics at pre-and post-season timepoints, accounting for leg dominance. 6 of 11 players (54.5%) had baseline patella tendinopathy on ultrasound progressing in 4 players. The mean change in VISA-P score was 15.18 (+/−8.55). No significant correlation was seen between ultrasound grades of tendinopathy and VISA-P. Pre-season SW velocities did not significantly correlate with baseline VISA-P scores. Post-season SW values and SW COT demonstrated strong correlation with change in VISA-P score in dominant and non-dominant knees. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend towards higher SW velocity for tendinopathy in both dominant and non-dominant knees at both study visits. SW metrics of the PT correlated to change in VISA-P scores in the dominant and non-dominant knees, whereas conventional ultrasound grades of patella tendinopathy did not. There was a trend towards higher SW velocities in patella tendinopathy which may indicate detection of change in intrinsic tissue stiffness

Aims: Clinical methods do not provide direct quantitative information about cartilage functional properties. We have developed a novel handheld ultrasound indentation instrument for the diagnosis of articular cartilage degeneration. This study investigates the feasibility and reproducibility of the instrument to evaluate cartilage properties in situ. Methods: Osteochondral blocks (n=18) were prepared from lateral patellar groove (LPG), medial condyle (FMC) and medial tibial (MTP) of bovine knee. In ultrasound indentation, cartilage is indented with an ultrasound transducer. For the determination of cartilage dynamic modulus, tissue thickness and deformation are calculated using ultrasound and stress is measured with strain gauges. High-resolution material tester was used for reference mechanical tests. Cartilage glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content was determined using digital densitometry. Results: Cartilage dynamic modulus was efþciently detected with the novel instrument (r=0.913 with reference values). Dynamic modulus was signiþcantly (p< 0.05) higher at LPG (10.14±3.11 MPa) than at FMC (4.63±1.32 MPa) or MTP (2.92±1.38 MPa). Ultrasound reßection coeff. from the articular surface was signiþcantly smaller at MTP (2.04±0.73%) than at FMC (4.22±0.88%) or LPG(4.43±0.83%). Reproducibility (standardized coeff. of variation) was 3.0%, 5.2% and 1.7% for thickness, dynamic modulus and ultrasound reßection coeff. Cartilage GAG content correlated positively with dynamic modulus (r=0.678) but it was not related with the ultrasound reßection coeff. (r=0.294, p=0.24). Conclusions: Manual measurements were reproducible and the instrument can be used in situ to detect topographical variation of cartilage mechano-acoustic properties. This study establishes a step towards clinical arthroscopic use

This study evaluates high power low frequency ultrasound transmitted via a flat vibrating probe tip as an alternative technology for meniscal debridement in the knee. A limitation of this technology is thermal damage in residual meniscal tissue. To compare tissue removal rate and thermal damage for a radiofrequency ablation device and an experimental ultrasound ablation device. Twelve bovine meniscal specimens were treated in an identical fashion with (a) a 3.75mm 50° bipolar radiofrequency wand, Arthrocare Super Multivac 50 Arthrowand (Arthrocare Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA), operated in a free-hand manner in accordance with manufacturers instructions (n=6), and (b) an experimental flat-tipped 3mm 20kHz ultrasound probe, suspended vertically in a 500N force-controlled experimental rig (n=6). Tissue removal rate (TRR), zone of thermal necrosis and zone of thermal alteration were calculated. Histological sections were prepared for each sample (H&E). Independent samples t-test was used to compare TRR, zone of thermal necrosis and zone of thermal alteration. Statistical analysis was performed using PASW Statistics (v.18, IBM SPSS Statistics, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.). The mean TRR for meniscal debridement by the radiofrequency device was 5.59±1.1mg/s. This compared with a mean TRR of 4.74±1.4mg/s for debridement with the ultrasound device at settings (p=0.259, NS). Mean depth of tissue removal using the radiofrequency device was 2.21±0.26mm compared to 3.75±0.25mm (p< 0.001, ?. 2. =0.09). Using the radiofrequency device, the mean depth of zone of thermal alteration was 1282±436µm, compared with 710±251µm for the force-controlled ultrasound device (p=0.29, ?. 2. =0.42). For the radiofrequency device, the mean depth of zone of thermal necrosis was 64±41µm versus 97±44µm for the ultrasound device (p=0.239, NS). We observed a trend towards an increased zone of thermal necrosis and a reduced zone of thermal alteration for the ultrasound device, when compared with the radiofrequency device. Ultrasonic debridement shows comparable thermal damage to existing radiofrequency meniscal debridement technology

Introduction and Objectives: This study reviews the results of osteoarticular ultrasound of the hip in infants using the Graf method between 1992 and 2002 for the diagnosis and treatment of congenital hip dysplasia (CHD) and congenital hip dislocation in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of early diagnosis and treatment of infant hip pathologies related to CHD using a non-invasive, reproducible, and relatively easy-to-use method of clinical evaluation. Materials and Methods: Between 1992 and 2002, 5,760 (18%) of a total 32,000 newborns in our province received an ultrasound examination using the Graf technique due to the presence of one or more risk factors. Graf methods and ultrasonographic criteria were used to conduct a systematic study with static ultrasonograms, dynamic studies, and/or stress studies of the hips. During the 10-year period, only 4 hips required surgical intervention after one year of age when orthopaedic treatment was not an option. This represents a significant reduction in the rate of surgery due to earlier treatment after ultrasonographic diagnosis. Results: Risk factors associated with the appearance of congenital hip deformities diagnosed by ultrasound in the infant population of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in order of frequency, were as follows: female newborn, first pregnancy, first birth (36%), lax hip (30%), asymmetry (25%), positive Ortolani hip clunk (15%), family history (15%), reduced abduction (6%), associated osteoarticular pathology (5%), prematurity (3%), and others. Ultrasound made it possible to initiate early treatment and control. The wide pillow (including the Frejka abduction pillow) was used in 31.63% of cases, Pavlik harness in 10.87%, a DSS splint in one case, and the Kramer extension/repositioning technique requiring hospitalisation was used in 1.92% of cases. Average age to maturity of dysplastic hips (reaching type I) was 4 months. Discussion and Conclusions: There are no significant differences between the results obtained in our study and those reported in the literature of other populations on the use of ultrasonographic hip screening using the Graf technique

Background. Ultrasound and MRI are recommended tools in evaluating postoperative pain in metal-on-metal hip (MoM) arthroplasty. Aim. To retrospectively compare MRI and ultrasound results of the hip with histopathology results in failed (MoM) hip arthroplasty. Methods. 25 hips (16 patients) who underwent revision hip surgery for painful (MoM) hip replacement/resurfacing were included in this study (March 2011 to May 2012). Average age 50.4 yrs (37–69y). Blood test for cobalt and chromium levels, ultrasound and MRI were done prior to revision surgery. 23 hips had ultrasound scan. 21 of these hips also had MRI scan prior to surgery. Scans were done at an average of 50 months from primary metal-on-metal surgery. All the ultrasound & MRI were done and reported by a single musculo-skeletal radiologist. During surgery multiple tissue samples were taken from acetabulum, capsule as well as tissue surrounding the femoral neck and sent for histopathology. 21 hip histopathology results were positive for metalosis. 2 hip histopathology results were negative for metalosis. Metalosis as defined by our histopathologist as that which is showing the presence of sheets of macrophages with dark brown pigmentation in their cytoplasm under polarized light. Results. Ultrasound examination was positive for fluid collection in 18 (78.2%). MRI was positive in 16 (76.1%). 4 patients (19%) had negative ultrasound and MRI results but were revised due to pain and were found to have histopathology positive metalosis. One patient had ultrasound positive for fluid collection with negative MRI. One patient was MRI positive for fluid but normal ultrasound findings. Conclusion. Although ultrasound and MRI are useful in screening of MoM patients still there are a significant percentage of hips, which failed with negative radiology findings

Hypothesis: If the lower re-rupture in operative treated patients was an effect of tendon-end apposition, then patients in whom that could be demonstrated in equinus by ultrasound could be equally well treated non-operatively without the attendant surgical risk. Method: All patients undergoing ultrasound for a suspected Achilles tendon repair between January 2000 – 2005 were included. Patients with a residual gap, 5mm or more in equinus; were treated by surgical repair. Those with a gap of less than 5mm were treated non-operatively. We excluded patients with no rupture, partial rupture and musculo-tendinuous junction (MTJ) tears. We recorded the following: clinical findings, ultrasound measurements of tendon gap in neutral and equinus, distance of rupture from distal insertion, the treatment and complications. All patients were followed up to a minimum of 6 months. Results: 156 patients were treated for a clinical Achilles tendon rupture during the study period. We excluded 5 patients with no rupture, 15 with a MTJ tear, 7 with a muscle tear and 4 patients did not follow the protocol. 125 patients comprising 88 males and 37 females were entered into the study. 67 patients were treated operatively (37 open, 30 percutaneous) and 58 non-operatively. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to age, sex and injury mechanism. There were 2 re-ruptures in the non-operative group and 1 with surgery. The operative group had 2 patients with superficial wound infection and 2 with temporary dorsal foot numbness. One patient in the non-operative group had a DVT. There was no significant difference for any of the complications between the two groups. Conclusions: It may be possible to reduce the risk of re-rupture and surgery using dynamic ultrasound to determine which treatment the patient receives

INTRODUCTION:. Previous modalities such as static x-rays, MRI scans, CT scans and fluoroscopy have been used to diagnosis both soft-tissue clinical conditions and bone abnormalities. Each of these diagnostic tools has definite strengths, but each has significant weaknesses. The objective of this study is to introduce two new diagnostic, ultrasound and sound/vibration sensing, techniques that could be utilized by orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose injuries, defects and other clinical conditions that may not be detected using the previous mentioned modalities. METHODS:. A new technique has been developed using ultrasound to create three-dimensional (3D) bones and soft-tissues at the articulating surfaces and ligaments and muscles across the articulating joints (Figure 1). Using an ultrasound scan, radio frequency (RF) data is captured and prepared for processing. A statistical signal model is then used for bone detection and bone echo selection. Noise is then removed from the signal to derive the true signal required for further analysis. This process allows for a contour to be derived for the rigid body of questions, leading to a 3D recovery of the bone. Further signal processing is conducted to recover the cartilage and other soft-tissues surrounding the region of interest. A sound sensor has also been developed that allows for the capture of raw signals separated into vibration and sound (Figure 2). A filtering process is utilized to remove the noise and then further analysis allows for the true signal to be analyzed, correlating vibrational signals and sound to specific clinical conditions. RESULTS:. Numerous tests have been conducted using this ultrasound technique to create 3D bones compared more traditional techniques, MRI and CT Scans. These tests have shown repeatedly that 3D bones can be created with an error less than 1.0 mm. Soft-tissues at the joint of question are also created with a high accuracy. Sound signals have been analyzed and correlated to specific knee and hip clinical pathology as well as complications after Total Joint Arthroplasty. Sounds such as squeaking, knocking, grinding, clicking and even a rusty door hinge have been recovered during weight-bearing activities. DISCUSSION:. Both CT scans and x-rays emit radiation, and static CT scans and MRI scans are conducted under non weight-bearing conditions. These two new orthopaedic diagnostic techniques, ultrasound and sound, allow a surgeon to make clinical diagnoses while the patient is performing weight-bearing, dynamic activities, while not being subjected to harmful radiation. Sound analyses allow for support of the ultrasound and physical exam that can lead to enhanced diagnostics that are not possible using only a visual based analysis. Early results are promising for both of these new diagnostic techniques. This study revealed that weight-bearing, dynamic diagnoses can be made by an orthopaedic surgeon and could have distinct advantages compared to traditional techniques

Lateral Epicondylitis is a common condition caused by angiofibroblastic hyperplasia of the tendinous insertion. Its treatment is varied and includes rest, physiotherapy, corticosteroid injection and surgical release. Of late, the role of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections have been explored, with positive results. We prospectively assessed the outcomes of lateral epicondylitis treated with PRP injections and compared the outcomes of ultrasound guided and ‘blind’ injection. This was a single centre prospective cohort study. Patient were assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score. PRP was injected into and around the common extensor origin either with or without ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome measure was DASH score at 3 months. 45 (23F:22M) patients were recruited. The mean age was 50 years (range 35 to 79). The mean duration of follow-up was 106 days. The average pre-injection DASH score for both groups combined was 45.5 (11.7–87.5). The mean DASH score at 3 months follow-up was 27.7. The ultrasound guided injection group had a mean improvement in DASH score from 45.5 to 31.2. The “blind” injection group had a mean improvement in DASH from 44.4 to 27.7. No complications were noted. There was no statistically significant difference in improvement in DASH score between the two groups. Our study provides further evidence to support of the use of PRP injections in the treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow. Interestingly, however, we found that the use of Ultrasound guidance does not appear to improve patient outcomes

Purpose. There are concerns of soft-tissue reactions such as metal hypersensitivity or pseudotumors for metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings in hip arthroplasty, however, such reactions around ceramic or polyethylene bearings are incompletely understood. The present study was conducted to examine the capabilities of ultrasound screening and to compare the prevalence of periarticular soft-tissue lesions among various types of bearings. Methods. Ultrasound examinations were conducted in 163 hips (153 patients) with arthroplasty after mean a follow-up of 8.1 years (range, 1–22 years). This included 39 MoM hip resurfacings (M-HR) including 30 Birmingham hip resurfacings (BHR) and 9 ADEPT resurfacings; 36 MoM total hip arthroplasties (M-THA) with a large femoral head including 26 BHR and 10 ADEPT bearings; 21 ceramic-on-ceramic THAs (C-THA) of Biolox forte alumina bearings; 24 THAs with a conventional polyethylene liner (cPE-THA) including 19 Lubeck and 5 Omnifit systems; and 43 THAs with a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner (hxPE-THA) including 28 Crossfire and 15 Longevity liners. All procedures were performed in the lateral position through the posterior approach without trochanteric osteotomy. The M-HR group had a significantly higher frequency of male patients than the C-THA, cPE-THA, and hxPE-THA groups, and the patients in the M-HR group were younger than those in the other four groups. Ultrasound images were acquired as a still picture and in video format as the hip moved in flexion and rotation, and 4 qualitative classifications for periarticular soft-tissue reactions were determined as normal pattern, joint-expansion pattern (marked hypoechoic space between the anterior capsule and the anterior surface of the femoral component), cystic pattern (irregularly shaped hypoechoic lesions), and mass pattern (a large mass extending anterior to the femoral component). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was subsequently performed in 45 hips with high-frequency encoding bandwidths. For the reliability of ultrasound screening, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the accuracy of the presence of abnormal patterns on ultrasound were calculated using the abnormal lesions on MRI as a reference. Results. Among the 45 hips that underwent MRI, periarticular abnormal lesions were detected in 26 hips (58%). Using MRI findings as reference, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the accuracy of ultrasound examination for the detection of soft-tissue lesions were 83%, 71%, and 78%, respectively. Abnormal ultrasound lesions with joint expansion, cystic, or mass patterns were most frequently observed in the cPE-THA group (50%), followed by the M-THA (25%), hxPE-THA (23%), M-HR (18%), and C-THA groups (14%). Compared to the hxPE-THA group, the frequency of abnormal patterns did not differ significantly in the two MoM groups. A mass pattern was detected in 3 hips of the M-THA group and 1 hip of the C-THA group (Figure 1). Abnormal ultrasound lesions were significantly associated with the presence of symptoms. Conclusion: Various soft-tissue reactions could be observed other than those for MoM bearings, and pseudotumors may not be a specific feature of MoM bearings. Ultrasound examination may be a suitable screening tool for further large prospective investigations of soft-tissue reactions around various types of bearings

Ruptures of the patellar and/or quadriceps tendon are rare injuries requiring immediate repair to re-establish knee extensor continuity and to allow early motion. Ultrasound is extensively used as a diagnostic tool before surgery on acute traumatic tears of the patellar tendon and quadriceps tendons. Our aim was to re-evaluate the value/role of sonography in diagnosing quadriceps and patellar tendon rupture and in differentiating partial from complete tears. To correlate the intra operative findings with the ultrasound report. A retrospective review of 32 consecutive patients who had a surgical intervention for suspected acute quadriceps and patellar tendon rupture over the last 3 years. Intra-operative findings, clinical, x-ray, ultrasound and MRI reports were correlated. Seventeen patients had a suspected patellar tendon rupture on clinical examination and 15 patients had suspected quadriceps tendon rupture. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical examination and x-rays alone in 9 patients, with additional ultrasound in 18 patients and with MRI scan in 5 patients. There were 6 false positives out of 18 [33.3%] in the ultrasound proven group and 1 false positive out of 9 [11.1%] in the clinical examination and x-ray only group. MRI was 100% accurate [n=5]. This is a small, but important study. Ultrasound offers a low degree of sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing acute quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures. As a result, patients are being exposed to the risks of surgery unnecessarily. We recommend MRI scan as a first line of investigation in patients where the diagnosis is clinically ambiguous. Ultrasound assessment should not be relied upon in when making the decision to operate

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether universal (all neonates) or selective (neonates belonging to the risk groups) ultrasound screening of the hips should be recommended at birth. We carried out a prospective, randomised trial between 1988 and 1992, including all newborn infants at our hospital. A total of 15 529 infants was randomised to either clinical screening and ultrasound examination of all hips or clinical screening of all hips and ultrasound examination only of those at risk. The effect of the screening was assessed by the rate of late detection of congenital or developmental hip dysplasia in the two groups. During follow-up of between six and 11 years, only one late-detected hip dysplasia was seen in the universal group, compared with five in the subjective group, representing a rate of 0.13 and 0.65 per 1000, respectively. The difference in late detection between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.22). When clinical screening is of high quality, as in our study, the effect of an additional ultrasound examination, measured as late-presenting hip dysplasia, is marginal. Under such circumstances, we consider that universal ultrasound screening is not necessary, but recommend selective ultrasound screening for neonates with abnormal or suspicious clinical findings and those with risk factors for hip dysplasia

A less invasive surgical treatment of clubfoot is increasingly considered, it aims to limit extensive exposure, to improve the functional and cosmetic outcome and to lower the risk of stiffness and recurrence of the deformity. The Ponseti method consists in an original casting technique followed, only in the most resistant clubfeet, by a percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. Critical decision is the selection of the clubfeet which needs tenotomy. Purpose of this study was to determine if ultrasound assessment of clubfoot may be helpful in making surgical decision. MATERIAL AND Methods: 98 newborns with 122 congenital clubfeet were treated by the Ponseti casting technique from mid-2000 to June 2006. According to Manes classification, there were 20 mild, 47 moderate and 55 severe clubfeet. After 3 to 8 weeks of casting, clubfeet candidate to surgery underwent sonographic assessment according to the original technique previously published by the authors. On the sagittal posterior plane the R.O.M. of the ankle and subtalar joints was stated both in neutral position and under manipulation. No surgery was performed in clubfeet with normal sonographic dorsiflexion, percutaneous tenotomy was done in clubfeet with mild limited sonographic dorsiflexion and more extensive posterior release (tendon Z-lengthening and posterior cut of ankle and subtalar joint) was performed in clubfeet with most evident sonographic persistent equinus and anterior dislodgment of the talus in the ankle mortise. The R.O.M. was checked again by ultrasound at the end of treatment. According to Ponseti method a Denis Browne bar, with clubfoot 60° externally rotated, was worn full time until the walking age. Results: 35/122 clubfeet (28,6%) were treated conservatively (all the 20 mild and 15/47 of moderate deformities), 87/122 (71,4%) surgically (32/47 of moderate deformities and all the 55 severe deformities). On the basis of the dynamic ultrasound evaluation 38 clubfeet underwent simple tenotomy and 49 ones underwent extensive posterior release. At the end of the casting normal dorsiflexion was documented by ultrasound in 72 (82,7%) of the operated feet. Conclusions: The need of surgery in the Ponseti casting technique shows a great variability in Literature. These controversial data are probably due not only to the different confidence in the Ponseti method, but also to the different criteria used in evaluating the correction obtained by casting. Ultrasound assessment of the deformity gives objective qualitative and quantitative information about the restoration of the physiological dorsiflexion and articular biomechanics. On the basis of this simple, non invasive and widely available procedure the surgeon can evaluate the effectiveness of the serial casting and may be able to establish and graduate the need of corrective surgery

Introduction: Lesser metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) instability is a common cause of forefoot pain. Instability is probably caused by tears of the plantar plate and collateral ligaments. We prospectively compared MRI and ultrasound with and without arthrography in the assessment of patients with MTPJ instability. Materials and Methods: MTPJ instability was diagnosed by the draw test. Nineteen patients underwent imaging with consent. One musculoskeletal radiologist performed MRI arthrography and a different musculoskeletal radiologist performed ultrasonography supplemented with arthrography. Each radiologist reported his own study, blinded to the results of the other modality. Where possible, the radiological diagnosis was evaluated at surgery. Results: MRI identified four full thickness plantar plate tears. In five studies no contrast was seen in the MTP joint and in 10 contrast was contained within the joint. Ultrasound identified six full thickness plantar plate tears as hypoechoic zones that extended through the whole thickness of the plate. Eleven studies showed partial thickness tears. Two studies showed thinning of the plate. Ultrasound arthrography identified seven full thickness tears by extravasation of injected fluid into the flexor tendon sheath. Eleven studies showed partial thickness tears and one was normal. Ultrasound and ultrasound arthrography agreed in 14/19 patients. MRI agreed with ultrasound on 3 of 6 full thickness tears and with ultrasound arthrography in 4 of 6 full thickness tears. MRI gave additional information about the articular surfaces in four patients. Surgical comparison was available in 11/19 patients. Ultrasound with and without arthrography correctly predicted four partial thickness tears. Ultrasound arthrography correctly predicted 6/7 full thickness tears, MRI 3/7 and ultrasound 3/7. Discussion: Ultrasound with arthrography appears the best modality to distinguish between partial and full-thickness tears. It is cheaper, simpler and can be performed in the outpatient setting. Larger studies with surgical confirmation are required to assess its value more precisely

Eighty-two consecutive patients with forefoot pain and clinical signs strongly suggesting a neuroma all underwent ultrasound scan of both feet using a 10-5 MHz transducer where a well defined hypoechoic area defined a neuroma . All ultrasound positive feet had the lump excised surgically for histological studies. Plain x-rays were done on all symptomatic feet to exclude other pathology. Sixty-four feet had an ultrasound positive diagnosis. Of these, there were 82.3% female and 17.1% male (ratio 4.8:1 , p< 0.001). Thirty-six percent had bilateral neuromata but with only one side being symptomatic.59.5% of the neuroma were located in the interspace between the third and fourth toes whilst 41.5% were found in the interspace between the second and third toes. The size of the lesions varied from 3 to 11mm with a mean of 6.86mm. No lesion less than 5mm was symptomatic in our series. One false positive was noted in the series giving the test a sensitivity of 97.9% but the specificity was low at 50% as the scan negative feet were not surgically explored for ethical reasons. All surgically explored patients had become asymptomatic at an average of 5.3 weeks (range 4–24 weeks) post surgery. Thirty-three ultrasound negative patients treated non-operatively were completely asymptomatic at an average of 30 weeks (range 6–50 weeks). We conclude that an ultrasound scan is a cheap, non-invasive, time-efficient test useful in identifying interdigital neuroma as a cause of forefoot pain

The “Toddler Fracture” is an un-displaced oblique distal tibia fracture seen in children 9–36months of age presenting with refusal to walk, often after an unwitnessed or minor injury. Diagnosis is often made clinically, because initial x-rays are negative in up to 50% of patients, and then confirmed by the presence of periosteal reaction on follow up x-ray 7–10 days later. Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has shown excellent ability to detect distal radius, clavicle and other extremity fractures and published case reports suggest that POCUS can also detect Toddler Fractures. The objective of this proof of concept study was to establish the feasibility and preliminary sensitivity and specificity of POCUS in the diagnosis of Toddler Fractures, and to characterize the POCUS findings in patients presenting with clinical Toddler Fractures. This was a prospective reviewer-blinded cross-sectional study of patients presenting to the emergency department of a paediatric tertiary care centre with presumed toddler fractures. All patients with suspected toddler fracture underwent lower limb x-ray. Those enrolled in the study also underwent POCUS of both lower extremities by a specialized provider. Treating clinicians were blinded to ultrasound results, and study sonographers were blinded to x-ray results. Study patients were then seen in paediatric orthopaedic follow up clinics 7–10 days later, and clinical assessment and follow up x-ray were performed as necessary to confirm diagnosis. Toddler Fracture was confirmed in 5 of 27 patients enrolled in the study. Preliminary results demonstrate that these POCUS findings were detected on the scan in all 5 confirmed toddler fractures. Three of these patients had an initial positive x-ray and 2 went on to have toddler fracture confirmed on follow up x-ray and orthopaedic assessment. POCUS findings consistent with a toddler fracture were found to be cortical disruption and periosteal hematoma. POCUS may be a useful adjunct to confirming a diagnosis of a toddler fracture when clinical suspicion is high and initial x-ray is negative. This pilot study provides positive impetus for further prospective study. The use of POCUS to confirm toddler fracture can decrease further radiation exposure to patients, allow early guidance to families on the management and expected recovery, and has potential to decrease burden on families and the healthcare system by potentially eliminating unnecessary follow-up appointments. Future study will help to better guide diagnostic and technical criteria, and provide guidance for appropriate medical education in this technique and interpretation

This paper reports a prospective study of the value of ultrasonography in detecting lesions of the lumbar spine in patients with compressive sciatica. The measurements of the diameter of the spinal canal obtained by using ultrasound were compared with the findings at operation in 17 patients in whom a total of 50 sites were examined. The ultrasound beam failed to penetrate the spinal canal at 15 sites and at only 10 of the remaining 35 sites did the ultrasound correctly detect narrowing. It is concluded that ultrasonography is unreliable in identifying the site of compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. The technical limitations and the probable causes of failure of the technique are discussed

Background. We searched -in transverse ultrasound view- the value of the difference (Delta) between -proximal to the tunnel- CSA (a) and -in the tunnel's inlet- CSA (b) for separating normal from abnormal median nerves. Methods. 51 patients –suspicious for CTS- underwent Phalen and Tinnel tests. After that, we used a high frequency ultrasound to measure CSAa, CSAb and Delta CSA in both hands. 33 of our 51 patients did not experience any clinical symptoms at the contralateral hand, so that we could perform a comparative study of normal and pathological median nerves (on the same patients). Then, all of them completed a Q-DASH questionnaire and a visual analogue scale (VAS 100/100) and they carried through with a nerve conduction study (NCS). Results. We found that a CSAb more than 0,010 and a Delta CSA > 0,003 are both very sensitive findings for CTS, but only DeltaCSA has good specificity. Comparing to NCS the Delta CSA>0,003 had no statistical difference in sensitivity, specificity, true negative and true positive results. Furthermore, patients with Delta CSA>0,009 were suffering from heavy CTS according to NCS, Q-DASH and VAS. On the other way, a Delta CSA between 0,003 and 0,006 suggests a mild or moderate CTS. Conclusion. Delta CSA could be the golden standard for the detection of CTS in patients that feel uncomfortable to undergo NCS. We propose a grading scale that distinguish mild or moderate syndromes (where we could try a conservative treatment) from heavy syndromes and help as on decision-making

Aims: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound has shown acceleration of bone healing in fresh fractures. The goal of this study is to assess the effect of low-intensity ultrasound on bone healing in established nonunion cases and following osteotomy. Methods: A non randomized trial on 29 cases, located in the tibia, femur, radius/ulna, scaphoid, humerus, metatarsal and clavicle, met the criteria for established nonunions. On average, the post-fracture period prior to the start of ultrasound treatment was 61 weeks. Daily, twenty-minute applications of low-intensity ultrasound at the site of the non-union were performed by the patients at home. In a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial double-blinded trial, 97 adults, who had undergone an osteotomy of the lower extremity were randomly allocated an active- or placebo ultrasound device. Every two weeks the patients were examined both clinical and radiological. Results: Twenty-five of the twenty-nine non-union cases (86%) healed in an average treatment time of 22 weeks. Forty-six patients (75 bones) were treated with an active ultrasound device and 44 patients (78 bones) with a placebo device were eligible for analysis. An overall reduction of time to consolidation of 32% was established. A nonunion, which had to be treated operatively, occurred in four cases in the placebo group and in none in the active group. No other prognostic variables were found. Conclusions: Low-intensity ultrasound can stimulate bone healing in osteotomies and nonunions. In patients with a fracture or osteotomy, who are at high risk of developing nonunion, low-intensity ultrasound can be valuable as additional therapy

We compared the results of primary ultrasonographic examination of 163 children with 224 suspected fractures with the subsequent radiological findings. The aim was to assess the value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of fractures in children. We found a good correlation for fractures of the long bones of the upper and lower limbs. Ultrasound was most reliable for the detection of simple femoral and humeral diaphyseal fractures and fractures of the forearm. It was less dependable for compound injuries and fractures adjacent to joints, lesions of the small bones of the hand and foot, non-displaced epiphyseal fractures (Salter-Harris type 1) or those with a fracture line of less than 1mm. We were able to distinguish several types of fracture in which the use of ultrasound alone gave reliable information and further radiography was unnecessary. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of skeletal ultrasonographic studies in children

INTRODUCTION. A detailed clinical examination and investigations are required to evaluate the cause of persisting groin pain following a metal on metal (MoM) hip replacement. Adverse reaction to metallic debris (ARMD) is an emerging problem with MoM hip replacements. It is an umbrella term encompassing metallosis, pseudo-tumors and aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis associated lesions (ALVAL). The role of imaging in the diagnosis of this complex problem is still unclear. A study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound in diagnosis of ARMD following a MoM hip replacement. METHODS. The study group included 35 patients with a clinical and histological diagnosis of ARMD, who had a preoperative ultrasound. All ultrasound procedures were performed on the anterior and lateral aspects of the painful hip with a high frequency probe of 9–13 MHz (Sonoline Antares – Siemens). RESULTS. All patients diagnosed with ARMD had abnormalities identified on ultrasound. Fluid inside the joint was noted in 30 out of 35 procedures (85.7 %). Fluid outside the joint was noted in 33 procedures (94.3 %). Amongst the patients with fluid outside the joint, 32 had iliopsoas and 30 had trochanteric bursitis. Echogenic reflections were noted in 31 out of 35 procedures (88.6 %). Considerable attenuation or absence of iliopsoas and gluteus tendon reflection was seen in many patients with echogenic fluid collections on the anterior and trochanteric aspects of hip. Progression of such changes was noted on further 5 patients, who had a repeat ultrasound within an interval of 3–6 months. 1 patient had a progression from anechogenic to echogenic joint effusion. DISCUSSION. Different radiological investigations including MRI scan have been used for evaluation of painful MoM hip arthroplasty. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of ultrasound in diagnosis of ARMD. Floating echogenic reflections and fluid collections around iliopsoas and gluteus medius/minimus tendons is highly suggestive of ARMD. Ultrasound is a cheap, non-invasive and dynamic investigation and has been shown to be reliable in diagnosis of ARMD

BACKGROUND: With the improvement of the ultrasound technology, there has been an increasing ability to image the soft tissues of the hand and wrist. This means structures such as tendon, ligaments and soft tissues can be visualized both statically and dynamically. AIM: The aim of our study was to audit the types of cases who have undergone ultrasound imaging in different hand conditions in last two years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 123 ultrasound and looked for its use in different hand and wrist conditions. These were categorized in different groups such as diagnostic, anatomical and therapeutical. RESULTS: In our 123 patients, 49 had lumps out of which 30 ganglions, 7 vascular, 4 glomus tumours, 2 granulomas, 4 neuromas, 1 lipomas and 1 sarcoma. In another 30 patients it was useful to diagnose tendon conditions such as inflammation, rupture, triggering. Furthermore, in 31 patients it was used for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, it was used for many miscellaneous conditions. DISCUSSION: Ultrasound is a useful tool for imaging of soft tissues in the hand. It can differentiate between solid and cystic swellings and can be used to aspirate and / or inject the later. It allows dynamic viewing thus making it an important tool in assessing complex tendon problems. We feel that it is a convenient, dependable and useful aid in diagnosing various hand conditions and should be available for widespread use

Introduction (Statement of purpose): Majority of the hips that are borderline on ultrasound progress to normal development subsequently, making the use of routine radiographs in follow up unnecessary. We present our experience in the last 5 years at the Musgrove Park Hospital in the management of borderline DDH. Materials and Methods: We studied 1452 patients who underwent an ultrasound examination for suspected DDH at Musgrove Park Hospital between January 1998 and December 2003. Ultrasound examination is performed in babies at a high risk for DDH or those who have abnormal hips on clinical examination at birth.42 babies were diagnosed to have dislocated or dislocatable hips and were treated with a harness. 239 babies, who had borderline dysplasia, had a repeat ultrasound at 6 weeks. Those with persistent borderline dysplasia had a radiographic and clinical examination at 6 months. Results: 60 patients were reported as borderline on follow-up ultrasound and underwent radiographs at 6 months.49 cases had normal radiographs and were asymptomatic.3 patients had mild dysplasia and were followed up for 18 months before being discharged as normal.3 patients were lost to follow up.4 cases presented late and had to undergo surgical procedures. Conclusion: No patients having borderline dysplasia on ultrasound developed symptomatic hip dysplasia. Routine radiographs are probably unnecessary in the follow-up of babies with borderline dysplasia on ultrasound except Graf 2c stages, which are important to recognise. Selective ultrasound screening is likely to fail in picking up some cases in the population (0.016%)

Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) is one of the most common congenital limb deformities. We reviewed the records of infants who had received treatment for structural CTEV between 1 January 2007 and 30 November 2012. This was cross-referenced with the prenatal scans of mothers over a corresponding period of time. We investigated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the fetal anomaly scan for the detection of CTEV and explored whether the publication of Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme guidelines in 2010 affected the rate of detection. During the study period there were 95 532 prenatal scans and 34 373 live births at our hospital. A total of 37 fetuses with findings suggestive of CTEV were included in the study, of whom 30 were found to have structural CTEV at birth. The sensitivity of screening for CTEV was 71.4% and the positive predictive value was 81.1%. The negative predictive value and specificity were more than 99.5%. There was no significant difference between the rates of detection before and after publication of the guidelines (p = 0.5). We conclude that a prenatal fetal anomaly ultrasound screening diagnosis of CTEV has a good positive predictive value enabling prenatal counselling. The change in screening guidance has not affected the proportion of missed cases. This information will aid counselling parents about the effectiveness and accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in diagnosing CTEV. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:984–8

Background: DDH represents a spectrum of anatomical abnormalities in which the femoral head and the acetabulum are either in improper alignment or grow abnormally. Although screening leads to earlier identification, 60–80% of abnormal hips of newborns identified by physical examination resolve spontaneously by 2–8 weeks and 90% of the hips of newborns with mild dysplasia identified by ultrasound resolve spontaneously between 6 weeks and 6 months. Aims: To assesses accuracy of ultrasound screening of neonatal hip by the static technique of Graf. We attempt to answer the question whether routine radiological follow up of these children are indicated. Methods: Since 2001, we have performed selective ultrasound screening of over 600 neonates (1200 hips). The reasons for referral included, breech presentation, clicky hip, unstable hip, dislocation, foot deformity and family history of DDH. Clinical examination, followed by serial ultrasound examinations at presentation, 6 weeks and 3 months of age were carried out. A radiological examination and measurement of the acetabular index was performed at 6 months of age. Hips were classified according to the 4 Graf types. We compared the ultrasound findings with the acetabular index (AI) for individual patients. Results: All children were followed up prospectively from presentation to discharge. For neonates without any family history of DDH and normal clinical examination (symmetrical skin creases, equal limb lengths, unrestricted abduction and no instability demonstrated on the Ortolani and Barlow manoeuvres) the ultrasound classification according to Graf co-related with the acetabular index on 6 month radiographs. 100% of hips with normal scan (Graf I) both at 6 weeks and at 3 months of age had a normal AI. Discussion: The static technique of Graf is an accurate and reliable method of assessment of neonatal hips. In children with normal clinical examination, and no family history of dysplasia, scan findings are a good predictor of the AI. Routine radiological follow up in such patients is not necessary

Introduction. Plantar fasciopathy is a common cause of heel pain, and is usually treated in primary practice with conservative measures. Intractable cases can prove very difficult to treat. Currently plantar fasciopathy is not routinely imaged and treatment is empirical. At the Royal Surrey County Hospital patients with intractable plantar fasciopathy are managed in a unique ‘one-stop’ Heel Pain clinic. Here they undergo clinical assessment, ultrasound scanning and targeted therapy. Methods. Patients referred to the clinic since 2009, with symptoms lasting longer than 6 months and failed conservative management, were prospectively followed. Plantar fasciopathy was confirmed on ultrasound scanning. The ultrasound scans were used to classify the disease characteristics of the plantar fascia. Results. 125 feet (120 patients) were found to have plantar fascia disease. Ultrasound scans demonstrated 64% with typical insertional pathology only. The remaining 36% had atypical distal fascia involvement, with either pure distal disease or a combination of insertional and distal disease. Patients with atypical distal disease were found to have either distal thickening or discrete fibromata. Conclusion. The high proportion of atypical (non-insertional) disease in this cohort shows that ultrasound scanning is valuable in determining location and characterising the pathology in the plantar fascia. Atypical pathology would otherwise not be detected. We propose a new classification for plantar fasciopathy; insertional fasciopathy or non-insertional fasciopathy. This is in keeping with current classification of achilles tendinopathy. The main benefit of this Guildford Classification is in determining optimum treatments for recalcitrant plantar fasciopathies. Empirical treatment is not adequate for recalcitrant cases

Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound to locate the gastrocnemius musculotendinous junction (GMTJ) prior to surgery. There is no clear clinical method to precisely localise this junction, either in the paediatric or adult populations. Method: Twenty calves in 12 paediatric patients with a diagnosis of spastic gastrocnemius muscle (GM) contracture underwent ultrasound examination prior to slide lengthening (Strayer). Surgeons did the ultrasound examination after only a short introduction to the method, using a portable ultrasound machine (Sonosite 180 PLUS) with a linear (5–10 MHz frequency range) transducer. Only the GMTJ of medial head was located as it usually has a lower attachment and is thicker. The soleus muscle has short multipennate fibres running obliquely between aponeuroses overlying its anterior and posterior surfaces. GM has long parallel fibres and merges distally with the posterior aponeurosis of the soleus muscle. The GMTJ has a unique conical appearance on ultrasound. Pre operative skin markings were compared with the location of GMTJ during surgery. Results: All ultrasound-guided locations of GMTJ were found to be accurate within 5mm at time of surgery. Conclusions: This study indicates that ultrasound of the calf muscles by a surgeon prior to surgery is an accurate and reliable way of centering the incision over the GMTJ. The distinct morphological structure of the soleus muscle and overlying GM heads means that even surgeons with little ultrasound experience can perform the examination