The objective of this study is to evaluate feasibility, accuracy and time requirements of MR/CT image fusion of the lumbar spine after spondylodesis. Sagittal MR and CT images derived from standard imaging protocols (sagittal T2-weighted MR/sagittal reformatted multi-planar-reformation of the CT) of the lumbar spine with correct (n = 5) and incorrect (n = 5) implant position were fused by two readers (R1, R2) using OsiriX in two sessions placing one (session 1) or two (session 2) reference point(s) on the dorsal tip(s) of the cranial and caudal endplates from the second lumbar to the first sacral vertebra. R1 was an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist; R2 a spine surgeon, both had received a short training on the software tool. Fusion times and fusion accuracy, defined as the largest deviation between MR and CT in the median sagittal plane on the ventral tip of the cranial end plate of the most cranial vertebra visible on the CT, were measured in both sessions. Correct or incorrect implant position was evaluated upon the fused images for all patients by an experienced senior staff musculoskeletal radiologist. Mean fusion time (session 1/session 2; in seconds) was 100.4/95 (R1) and 104.2/119.8 (R2). Mean fusion deviation (session 1/session 2; in mm) was 1.24/2.20 (R1) and 0.79/1.62 (R2). The correct/incorrect implant position was identified correctly in all cases. In conclusion, MR/CT image fusion of the spine with metallic implants is feasible, fast, accurate and easy to implement in daily routine work.

SPECT/CT arthrography of the wrist is feasible. Regarding diagnosis of ulnar impaction we found a high concordance with MR arthrography. SPECT/CT arthrography of the wrist is an alternative to MR arthrography in patients with contraindications to MR imaging.

Treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) includes correction of underlying bony deformities. Labrum preservation is recommended whenever possible. In hips, where the labrum is missing or damaged beyond preservation, labral reconstruction is an option to restore labral seal. Between 2008 and 2011, 84 hips underwent treatment for FAI by means of a surgical hip dislocation. In 13 of these hips (11 patients), the severely damaged or missing labrum was reconstructed with ligamentum capitis femoris. Pre- and postoperative radiographic and clinical data were analysed with a mean follow-up of 38 months (range: 19–65 months). Clinical outcome was determined with Oxford hip score (OHS) and overall satisfaction, rest and load pain with a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0–100). Clinical outcome was compared with a control group where labral refixation was performed. Mean OHS improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001) from 29 (SD 8) to 44 (SD 4). Overall satisfaction with the hip increased significantly (P = 0.002) from 44 (SD 35) to 87 (SD 15). Mean VAS for rest pain decreased significantly (P = 0.0004) from 45 (SD 35) to 5 (SD 7) as well as for load pain (P = 0.0007) from 59 (SD 26) to 16 (SD 19). There were no significant differences between the two groups. Reconstruction of the acetabular labrum with ligamentum capitis femoris yields good clinical results. Technical superiority of open labral reconstruction may explain the unexpected, excellent outcome.

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