Half-deployed method: percutaneous radiofrequency ablation therapy using clustered electrodes for malignant liver tumors proximal to large vessels (original) (raw)

Radiographically occult and subtle fractures: a pictorial review

Radiology research and practice, 2013

Radiographically occult and subtle fractures are a diagnostic challenge. They may be divided into (1) "high energy trauma fracture," (2) "fatigue fracture" from cyclical and sustained mechanical stress, and (3) "insufficiency fracture" occurring in weakened bone (e.g., in osteoporosis and postradiotherapy). Independently of the cause, the initial radiographic examination can be negative either because the findings seem normal or are too subtle. Early detection of these fractures is crucial to explain the patient's symptoms and prevent further complications. Advanced imaging tools such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and scintigraphy are highly valuable in this context. Our aim is to raise the awareness of radiologists and clinicians in these cases by presenting illustrative cases and a discussion of the relevant literature.

The value of CT compared to radiographs in the classification and treatment plan of trochanteric fractures

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2016

Introduction The clinical relevance of classification for trochanteric fractures is limited and little agreement exists on what type of implant should be used. It is unknown whether more advanced radio-diagnostics, such as CT, result in better agreement on the treatment. We assessed the effect of CT on agreement of classification and subsequent treatment for trochanteric fractures. Materials and methods Eleven observers (five radiologists, four trauma surgeons and two orthopedic residents) assessed 30 radiographs and CTs of trochanteric fractures. Each rating included an assessment according to the AO classification and of the preferred type of implant. The inter-observer agreement of the AO classification and on the choice of implant was calculated. Results The inter-observer agreement was j0.70 (SE 0.03) for radiographic assessment of the main groups of the AO classification and j0.68 (SE 0.03) for CT assessment. The agreement on choice of implant was j0.63 (SE 0.05) if the choice was made with radiographs and j0.69 (SE 0.05) with CTs. Six out of the 13 fractures were classified differently after assessment of the CT. Most corrections in choice of implant occurred for the assessment of A3 fractures. Conclusions This study confirmed that trochanteric fractures can be reliably classified on both radiographs and CT, according to the main groups of the AO classification. The implementation of CT for trochanteric fractures does not lead to higher agreement on fracture classification or choice of treatment. Therefore, the clinical relevance of CT for classification of trochanteric fractures seems low. For specific subgroups such as A3 fractures, CT may be of value for adequate fracture classification and subsequent treatment strategies.

[Limb fractures: ultrasound imaging features]

Journal de radiologie, 2008

US, a non-irradiating imaging modality, is complementary to radiographs in the evaluation of limb fractures. US may in some cases demonstrate or suggest the presence of a fracture without corresponding abnormality on radiographs, or confirm or exclude a possible fracture detected on radiographs. Knowledge of the US features of fractures is necessary. In this article, the different direct and indirect US findings of fractures will be reviewed, with radiographic correlation. Direct findings include cortical discontinuity or irregularity. Indirect findings include subperiosteal or juxtaphyseal hematoma suggesting cortical or physeal fractures respectively.

Pathoanatomy of Maisonneuve fracture based on radiologic and CT examination

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2018

Introduction Although Maisonneuve fracture (MF) is a well-known type of ankle fracture-dislocation, there is still a lack of information about the epidemiology and the extent of all associated injuries. The aim of study is to describe MF pathoanatomy on the basis of radiographs, CT scans and intraoperative findings. Materials and methods The study comprised 54 adult patients. MF was defined as an ankle fracture-dislocation with a fracture of the fibula in its proximal quarter. Ankle radiographs and lower leg radiographs were obtained in all patients. Computed tomography (CT) examination was performed in 43 patients, of these in 34 patients in combination with 3D CT reconstructions. A total of 51 patients were treated operatively, and in 38 of these an open procedure was performed. Results The fibular fracture-fibular head was involved in four cases, and the subcapital region of the proximal quarter of the fibula was affected in 50 cases. Fractures of the posterior malleolus were identified in 43 of 54 patients (80%). Injury to the deltoid ligament was recorded in 27 cases (50%), a fracture of the medial malleolus in 20 cases (37%) and medial structures were intact in 7 cases (13%). Position fibula in fibular notch-in 9 cases the position changed only minimally, in 11 cases the space between the tibia and the fibula was larger than 2 mm, in 20 cases widening of the tibiofibular space was associated with external rotation of the fibula, in 2 cases fibula was trapped behind the posterior tibial tubercle and in 1 case it was associated with a complete tibiofibular diastasis. Conclusion MF is a variable injury, always associated with rupture of the anterior and interosseous tibiofibular ligaments. CT examination should be employed widely in MF, and MRI should be considered under special circumstances.

Medial subtalar dislocation from a low-energy trauma. A case report and review of the literature

International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 2021

Subtalar dislocation is a rare injury characterized by a simultaneous dislocation of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints. The most common type is caused by high-energy trauma with medial dislocation of the foot. This injury is frequently associated with fractures, but isolated dislocations are also reported. Case presentation: We report a rare case of medial subtalar dislocation secondary to low-energy injury in a 61year-old woman. Following X-rays and CT scan, prompt closed reduction was performed under sedation and, after reduction, X-rays showed a good realignment of the foot. The CT scan revealed an occult non-displaced fracture of the posterior part of the talus. The patient was managed conservatively by a non-weight bearing cast for four weeks, followed by a rehabilitation program. At follow-up, six months later, we observed a good clinical and radiographic result. Discussion: The reported case confirms that the mechanism of injury is an important factor in predicting the final result, since subtalar dislocations secondary to a high-energy trauma are often associated with significant complications. We believe, in agreement with other authors, that a low-energy trauma generally doesn't produce long-term morbidity. Prompt reduction is very important in order to minimize soft tissue and neurovascular complications, although a CT is recommended to identify occult fractures. Conclusion: Subtalar dislocations, caused by low energy trauma, if adequately reduced in the emergency room, generally heal with conservative treatment, reducing the risk of significant complications. However, since we report a single patient, further case analysis is needed to make solid conclusions.

A near miss: an uncommon injury following a common mechanism

BMJ case reports, 2011

Subtalar dislocation is an uncommon injury involving the simultaneous dislocation of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints. Radiographic images can be difficult to interpret for the inexperienced clinician because of the obliquity of the foot and the overlap of tarsal bones. The authors describe the case of a 24-year-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a painful left foot and ankle following a twisting injury. He was examined by a junior member of the ED team and diagnosed with a left ankle sprain. Preparations were underway for discharge home when the radiographs, described as 'normal but somewhat strange', were shown to the orthopaedic senior house officer who happened to be in the ED. The patient was subsequently reviewed by the orthopaedic registrar and diagnosed with a medial subtalar dislocation. He was then taken to theatre for closed reduction and application of a below-knee cast.

Distribution of occult fractures detected in emergency orthopedic patients trauma with computerized tomography (CT)

Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, 2013

Computerized tomography (CT) is a very useful diagnostic method in orthopedic emergency cases where fractures are suspected but cannot be detected through direct radiography, or when the fracture is detected in direct radiography but better evaluation of the anatomical structure is necessary. In this study, we analyzed occurrences of missed fractures in radiographs that were subsequently diagnosed in CT scans. METHODS This was a retrospective study. We examined the medical records of all orthopedic trauma patients who visited our hospital's emergency room due to orthopedic trauma between January 2010 and January 2011 and whose spine, pelvis and extremity CTs were taken. RESULTS Occult fractures were detected using CT in 12 (6.6%) of the children and 102 (6.8%) of the adults. We detected cervical vertebra fractures in 23 patients, femoral neck fractures in 6 patients, and tibia plato fractures in 5 patients, which can cause complications unless immediately acted upon in the emergency room. CONCLUSION CT revealed most missed diagnoses and proved that direct radiography is less capable of detecting fractures of some critical regions. Where there is clinical suspicion, we recommend that before conservative treatment of patients, especially in cases of possible cervical spine and pelvic region fractures, CT should be requested, even if the radiography is normal.