MRI

Anterior Instability

Epidemiology

 

Traumatic initial cause in 95%

 

M:F 2:1

 

Age of initial dislocation inversely related to recurrence rate

- patients younger than 20 have a redislocation rate of 90%

- between 20 - 40 years, redislocation rate of 60%

- patients > 40 years have a 10% rate of dislocation but a higher rate of cuff tears (up to 40% in patients > 60yrs)

 

Anatomy & Stability

 

1. Passive Stabilisers

 

Gamekeeper's Thumb

Definition

 

Injury to ulnar collateral ligament of thumb MCPJ

 

Aetiology

 

Initial description

- chronic laxity of British gamekeeper's thumb's 

- no specific trauma

- secondary to breaking pheasant's neck

 

Acute trauma

- snow ski

- ball games

 

Valgus / forced abduction

 

Anatomy

 

UCL

Capitellar OCD

Epidemiology

 

Adolescents & young adults

 

Usually between 12 - 21 years 

 

Throwing athletes / gymnasts

 

Little Leaguer's Elbow

- combination of capitellar OCD and MCL injury

- a repetitive throwing injury / seen in pitchers

 

Aetiology

 

1.  Trauma & Overuse

 

Common throwing sports / gymnastics

Lateral Epicondylitis / Tennis Elbow

Incidence

 

Lateral : Medial 9:1

 

Epidemiology

 

4th & 5th decades

- M = F

- 75% dominant arm 

 

50% of regular tennis players

- especially > 2 hrs / week

 

Aetiology

 

Insertion pathology / Enthesopathy

 

Over-extension of the elbow with supination / pronation

 

Anatomy

 

Lateral epicondyle

- anconeus from posterior face

- ECRB and EDC from anterior face (CEO)

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

Epidemiology

 

Dominant arm of middle aged men

- between 40 and 60

 

Aetiology

 

Sudden dramatic event

- sporting / weightlifting injury

- resisting heavy extension load

 

Pathology

 

Degenerative changes seen on histology

 

Types

 

Complete

- retracted / rupture of lacertus fibrosis

- minimally retracted

Patella Tendon Rupture

Epidemiology

 

Usually occurs in young people

- often previous history of tendonitis ± steroid injections

 

Location

 

Usually at level of inferior pole of patella

- less common at tibial tubercle

- mid-substance ruptures rare

 

Clinical

 

Severe pain

Palpable defect

Extensor deficit / unable to SLR

 

Xray

 

Patella alta / high riding patella

 

Background

DefinitionKnee OCD MRI Cartilage Intact

 

Osteochondritis Dissecans

- separation of avascular fragment of bone & cartilage

 

Epidemiology

 

M : F = 2:1

 

Mean age 18 years

- can present as young as 9

 

4:1000

 

Meniscal Cysts

Epidemiology

 

Most common in lateral meniscus 9:1

 

Peak incidence 20-40

 

Aetiology

 

Probably 2° to infiltration of joint fluid into extra-articular tissues

- almost always associated with horizontal cleavage tear

- creates a flap valve in lateral 1/3 of LM

 

Symptoms

 

Usually present with pain

- activity related

 

May notice lump