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At the 1-year postoperative follow-up, incorporation and ligamentization of the STG and ST4 grafts were the same based on MRI analysis. The results were at least as good with the ST4 technique as with the standard STG technique in terms of incorporation and ligamentization.

Background: It has been shown that adding lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to standard anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction significantly decreases the loads on the ACL composite graft. To date, the possible effect of LET on ACL graft incorporation is not known. Purpose: To compare the incorporation in tibial bone tunnels of a standard quadrupled semitendinosus (ST4) graft to an ST4 graft plus LET at 1 year postoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 62 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were enrolled prospectively: 31 received an ST4 graft, and 31 received an ST4 graft plus LET. Graft incorporation was evaluated with MRI at the 1-year follow-up visit. The following parameters were evaluated: signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ), tibial tunnel widening, graft healing, and graft maturity according to the Howell scale. The primary endpoint was the SNQ of the ST4 graft at 1 year postoperatively; this parameter was adjusted because of unequal baseline characteristics between groups. Clinical and functional outcomes as well as incorporation of the graft were analyzed as secondary endpoints. Results: The mean adjusted SNQ was 0.5 ± 2.1 (95% CI, 0.4-4.6) in the ST4 + LET group and 5.9 ± 3.7 (95% CI, 4.7-7.0) in the ST4 group ( P = .0297). The mean tibial tunnel widening was 73.7% ± 42.2% in the ST4 + LET group versus 77.5% ± 46.7% in the ST4 group ( P = .5685). Howell grade I, indicative of better graft maturity, was statistically more frequent in the ST4 + LET group ( P = .0379). No statistically significant difference was seen between groups in terms of graft healing ( P = .1663). The Lysholm score was statistically higher in the ST4 + LET group ( P = .0058). No significant differences were found between groups in terms of the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score ( P = .2683) or Tegner score ( P = .7428). The mean SNQ of the LET graft at the 1-year follow-up visit was 2.6 ± 4.9. Conclusion: At 1 year postoperatively, the MRI appearance of ACL grafts showed generally better incorporation and maturation when combined with LET.

Infectious spondylodiscitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral bodies due to the introduction of a pyogen, usually by the haematogenous route. Plain film radiography (which is usually normal in the early stages) shows blurring of the vertebral endplates and a loss of disc height that progresses quickly. MRI is the examination of choice, as it detects oedema within the trabecular bone very early, before the onset of destruction. Injection of a contrast medium with fat signal saturation improves detection and visualisation of the spread of infection in the soft tissue and epidural space. Imaging can also be used to guide a needle aspiration to investigate the infective agent.

• Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging offers new information about carpal tunnel syndrome. • Diffusion tensor MRI of the median nerve provides some functional data. • Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) was lower in patients with CTS than volunteers. • There was no significant difference in ADC values between patients and volunteers. • Fractional anisotropy seems a sensitive and specific predictor of chronic nerve compression.

IV.

).q RSNA, 2016 Purpose:To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonographically (US)-guided percutaneous treatment of the trigger finger by releasing the A1 pulley with a 21-gauge needle. Materials and Methods:This two-part study was approved by the ethics committee, and written consent was obtained from all patients. The first part consisted of 10 procedures on cadaver digits followed by dissection to analyze the effectiveness of the A1 pulley release and detect any collateral damage to the A2 pulley, interdigital nerves, or underlying flexor tendons. The second part was performed during an 18-month period starting in March 2013. It was a prospective clinical study of 60 procedures performed in 48 patients. Outcomes were evaluated through a clinical examination at day 0 and during a 6-month follow-up visit, where the trigger digit was evaluated clinically and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand outcome measure, or QuickDASH, and patient satisfaction questionnaires were administered. Results:No complications were found during the cadaver study. However, the release was considered "partial" in all fingers. In the clinical study, the trigger finger was completely resolved in 81.7% (49 of 60) of cases immediately after the procedure. Moderate trigger finger persisted in 10 cases, and one thumb pulley could not be released. A US-guided corticosteroid injection was subsequently performed in these 11 cases. At 6-month follow-up, only two cases still had moderate trigger finger and there were no late complications. The mean QuickDASH questionnaire score was 4; all patients said they were satisfied. Conclusion:US-guided treatment of the trigger finger by using a 21-gauge needle is feasible in current practice, with minimal complications.q RSNA, 2016