R Schmitt

Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany

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Publications (72)75.96 Total impact

  • Article: Idiopathic osteonecrosis of the scaphoid (Preiser's disease)--MRI gives new insights into etiology and pathology.
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    ABSTRACT: To describe the imaging signs of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the scaphoid (Preiser's disease) and to differentiate the findings from scaphoid nonunion. 10 patients (4 men, 6 women, mean age 36.9 years) with radial-sided wrist pain were identified to suffer from primary osteonecrosis of the scaphoid. Imaging methods included radiograms in all cases, CT imaging in 9 cases, and contrast-enhanced MRI in 7 cases. In CT and MRI, images were also acquired in the sagittal-oblique plane for depicting the scaphoids in the entire longitudinal extension. Follow-up examinations were performed in 5 patients, two of them underwent surgery with pedicled bone grafts. In all patients, both osteosclerosis and lesions of the bone marrow were most intensive at the proximal scaphoid pole. A three-layered architecture was found. The zone of osteonecrosis was located most proximally, followed by a zone of repair in the middle, and the zone of viable bone marrow in the distal part of the scaphoid. In contrast to scaphoid nonunion, pathological fractures were exclusively located within the zone of osteonecrosis in 8 cases. Applying morphologic criteria, three stages of Preiser's disease were discernible. The initial stage (proximal osteosclerosis, but unaltered shape of the scaphoid), the advanced stage (pathologic fractures, volume loss of the proximal pole), and the final stage (osteonecrosis of the entire scaphoid). Pathoanatomy of Preiser's disease and the differentiation into three zones of bone marrow viability can be explained with the retrograde blood supply of the scaphoid. In its natural course, three different stages can be depicted with the initial stage seen only in MRI.
    European journal of radiology 02/2011; 77(2):228-34. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: Trevor's disease (dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica) located at the hand: case report and review of the literature.
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    ABSTRACT: Trevor's disease, also known as dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH), is a rare developmental bone dysplasia, characterized by benign osteocartilaginous overgrowth. The lesion arises from an epiphysis. Its localization may be different, and it mostly occurs unilateral. In this report, we present a 40 years old woman suffering from Trevor's disease with unusual localization at the hand. Because of significant symptoms surgical excision was chosen.
    European journal of radiology 02/2011; 77(2):245-8. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: Gadolinium-enhanced preoperative MRI scans as a prognostic parameter in scaphoid nonunion.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this prospective study was to correlate preoperative gadolinium-enhanced MRI scans with intraoperative bleeding of the proximal fragment and postoperative union in a series of consecutive patients with established scaphoid nonunions. In 60 patients (6 females, 54 males) with a mean age of 29 years, scaphoid perfusion was judged preoperatively as normal, impaired or absent using a gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan. Scaphoid reconstruction was performed using a nonvascularized bone graft and screw fixation. Perfusion of the proximal fragment was assessed intraoperatively in 49 of 60 patients; compromised or absent vascularity was predicted with a specificity of 90% by contrast-enhanced MRI. However, there was no significant correlation between preoperative MRI assessment of vascularity and subsequent union of the scaphoid.
    The Journal of hand surgery, European volume. 01/2011; 36(1):23-8.
  • Article: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the proximal fragment in scaphoid nonunion: is intravenous contrast agent necessary in MRI?
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this prospective study is to assess the diagnostic value of intravenously applied contrast agent for diagnosing osteonecrosis of the proximal fragment in scaphoid nonunion, and to compare the imaging results with intraoperative findings. In 88 patients (7 women, 81 men) suffering from symptomatic scaphoid nonunion, preoperative MRI was performed (coronal PD-w FSE fs, sagittal-oblique T1-w SE nonenhanced and T1-w SE fs contrast-enhanced, sagittal T2*-w GRE). MRI interpretation was based on the intensity of contrast enhancement: 0 = none, 1 = focal, 2 = diffuse. Intraoperatively, the osseous viability was scored by means of bleeding points on the osteotomy site of the proximal scaphoid fragment: 0=absent, 1 = moderate, 2 = good. Intraoperatively, 17 necrotic, 29 compromised, and 42 normal proximal fragments were found. In nonenhanced MRI, bone viability was judged necrotic in 1 patient, compromised in 20 patients, and unaffected in 67 patients. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed 14 necrotic, 21 compromised, and 53 normal proximal fragments. Judging surgical findings as the standard of reference, statistical analysis for nonenhanced MRI was: sensitivity 6.3%, specificity 100%, positive PV 100%, negative PV 82.6%, and accuracy 82.9%; statistics for contrast-enhanced MRI was: sensitivity 76.5%, specificity 98.6%, positive PV 92.9%, negative PV 94.6%, and accuracy 94.3%. Sensitivity for detecting avascular proximal fragments was significantly better (p<0.001) in contrast-enhanced MRI in comparison to nonenhanced MRI. Viability of the proximal fragment in scaphoid nonunion can be significantly better assessed with the use of contrast-enhanced MRI as compared to nonenhanced MRI. Bone marrow edema is an inferior indicator of osteonecrosis. Application of intravenous gadolinium is recommended for imaging scaphoid nonunion.
    European journal of radiology 10/2010; 77(2):222-7. · 2.65 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Kienböck's disease in paediatric and juvenile patients].
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    ABSTRACT: Kienböck's disease is a rare condition in children or juvenile patients with unique features. This article presents a review of the literature on this topic and an evaluation of our own patients to help to establish therapeutic guidelines. PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHOD: From 1994-2005 we treated 23 patients. The 2 paediatric patients could be followed - one for 102 months after vascularised transposition of the pisiform and the other one for 24 months after conservative treatment. 15 out of the 21 juvenile patients could be followed: 9 patients on average for 47 months after radial shortening osteotomy, 5 patients on average for 94 months after partial wrist fusion and one for 24 months after arthroscopic debridement. Beginning in 2006 our therapeutic strategy has been changed. Since then one paediatric and one juvenile patient could be followed after temporary transfixation of the scaphotrapezoidal joint as well as one juvenile patient after spontaneous healing of the lunate bone. We measured motion, grip strength and pain level in rest and under load using the visual analogue scale, as well as the DASH score. Furthermore, standard X-rays of the wrist were performed. The 3 paediatric patients demonstrated good clinical and radiological results with healing of the lunate bone. The juvenile patients with radial shortening osteotomy had a better motion than those with partial wrist fusion. Reduction of pain level was similar in both groups. Radiologically we found no progression of lunate disease in these patients. In spite of a temporary ST transfixation the 17-year-old boy with advanced Kienböck's disease developed symptomatic progression of the disease. In paediatric and juvenile patients with Kienböck's disease we find an age-related potential for spontaneous remodelling and revascularisation. Therefore in paediatric and in juvenile patients not older than 14 years our method of choice is an immobilisation with regular gadolinium-enhanced MRI studies. In those who do not improve and in older juvenile patients we prefer temporary transfixation of the scaphotrapezoidal joint. Alternatively, in cases of the ulnar minus variant, radial shortening osteotomy or a combination of these 2 methods is indicated as the primary approach. In our opinion there is no longer an indication for partial wrist fusions as a primary procedure in these patients.
    Handchirurgie · Mikrochirurgie · Plastische Chirurgie 06/2010; 42(3):187-97. · 0.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Imaging in Kienböck's Disease].
    R Schmitt, K Kalb
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    ABSTRACT: In recent years, our increased knowledge about the biomechanics of the wrist and reparative mechanisms in osteonecrotic bones has significantly influenced the imaging procedures in Kienböck's disease as well as its differential diagnosis. In addition to projection radiography, computed tomography (CT) is used for evaluating the osseous microstructure, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for determining the viability of bone marrow. CT is essential in the morphological staging of Kienböck's disease due to its high sensitivity in detecting proximally located fractures (stage IIIa) and in visualising osteoarthritic lesions (stage IV). Bone marrow oedema of the lunate bone as well as the zonal layers including the proximal necrotic zone, the middle reparative zone, and the distal viability zone can be depicted only with the use of MRI. Furthermore, intravenous application of gadolinium is mandatory in MRI, because vascular differentiation of the osteonecrotic zone from the reparative zone is reliable only in MRI perfusion studies. By evaluating clinical, biomechanical and imaging findings synoptically, a differentiation of Kienböck's disease from ulnocarpal impaction syndromes, intraosseous ganglion cysts, the fibrocartilageous type of lunotriquetral coalition, and post-traumatic and inflammatory lesions is possible in over 80% of all cases.
    Handchirurgie · Mikrochirurgie · Plastische Chirurgie 06/2010; 42(3):162-70. · 0.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Palmar wrist arthroscopy for evaluation of concomitant carpal lesions in operative treatment of distal intraarticular radius fractures].
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    ABSTRACT: Fractures of the distal radius, which currently are treated with palmar locking plates, are often accompanied by carpal lesions. Tears of the scapholunate interosseus ligament (SL) can affect the outcome. Between January 2007 and May 2008, 28 patients with distal intraarticular fractures of the radius were included in a prospective study. Preoperative CT-arthrography was performed. SL tears were found in 11 patients, with 10 partial and one complete rupture observed. A tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) was detected in 16 patients. Every patient was operated with a palmar locking plate through a palmar approach between the flexor carpi radialis tendon and the radial artery. Then, a palmar wrist arthroscopy using a palmar portal was performed. Eleven SL tears with 9 partial and two total ruptures were diagnosed by arthroscopy. Ten lesions were associated with a C1-fracture with a fracture line projected onto the scapholunate interval. The TFCC was appraisable by palmar wrist arthroscopy only in 4 patients. Three of the SL tears detected by CT-arthrography could not be confirmed by palmar wrist arthroscopy. One complete rupture and one partial lesion confirmed by palmar wrist arthroscopy were found by CT-arthrography to be intact. Palmar wrist arthroscopy affords certainty when assessing the SL ligament. In this study, an assessment of ulnocarpal structures was not possible. For assessment of the ulnocarpal structures, CT-arthrography was superior to palmar wrist arthroscopy. However, the latter is an alternative during emergency treatment or when CT-arthrography is not available.
    Handchirurgie · Mikrochirurgie · Plastische Chirurgie 10/2009; 41(5):295-9. · 0.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Clinical value of dual source computerized tomography in primary diagnosis of coronary heart disease].
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    ABSTRACT: Dual-source-CT-technology (DSCT) improves temporal resolution of cardiac computed tomography to 83 ms per heart-phase. In this study, the clinical performance of this new method is evaluated. In fifty patients (33 male, 17 female; age 50 +/- 13 years) with suspected coronary heart disease, CT angiography (slice thickness 0.75 mm, contrast-agent 60-80 ml iomeprol) was performed with a Somatom Definition scanner. Based on the coronary 15-segment-model of the AHA, scores for image quality and lumen reduction were established to enable the observer, to give recommendations for further therapy. Out of 750 possible AHA-segments, 655 were depicted (87.3%). 591 segments (90.2%) were assessed without any limitation of quality, 49 (7.5%) segments showed moderate, and 15 (2.3%) segments severe limitation in image quality. 508 (77.6%) segments were without pathological findings, 92 (14.0%) segments had minimal atherosclerotic lesions, 42 (6.4%) segments suffered from stenoses with lumen reduction less than 70%, and 13 (2.0%) showed significant stenoses of more than 70%. In 31 patients (62%), coronary heart disease was ruled out by CT angiography without any need for further non-invasive or invasive diagnostics. 8 patients (16%) underwent stress-testing for ischemia. In 11 (22%) patients coronary angiography was recommended, and DSCT findings were confirmed in 10 cases. Only one LCx stenosis was overestimated in DSCT. Contrast-enhanced DSCT is a powerful tool in diagnosis of coronary heart disease. 98% of coronary segments could be assessed in diagnostic quality, and at least 90% of haemodynamically significant coronary stenoses were detected.
    Rontgenpraxis 02/2008; 56(5):155-63.
  • Article: Carpal instability.
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    ABSTRACT: This review addresses the pathoanatomical basics as well as the clinical and radiological presentation of instability patterns of the wrist. Carpal instability mostly follows an injury; however, other diseases, like CPPD arthropathy, can be associated. Instability occurs either if the carpus is unable to sustain physiologic loads ("dyskinetics") or suffers from abnormal motion of its bones during movement ("dyskinematics"). In the classification of carpal instability, dissociative subcategories (located within proximal carpal row) are differentiated from non-dissociative subcategories (present between the carpal rows) and combined patterns. It is essential to note that the unstable wrist initially does not cause relevant signs in standard radiograms, therefore being "occult" for the radiologic assessment. This paper emphasizes the high utility of kinematographic studies, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography for detecting these predynamic and dynamic instability stages. Later in the natural history of carpal instability, static malalignment of the wrist and osteoarthritis will develop, both being associated with significant morbidity and disability. To prevent individual and socio-economic implications, the hand surgeon or orthopedist, as well as the radiologist, is challenged for early and precise diagnosis.
    European Radiology 11/2006; 16(10):2161-78. · 3.22 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Scaphoid fracture and nonunion: current status of radiological diagnostics].
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    ABSTRACT: Scaphoid fractures, which involve approximately two-thirds of all wrist injuries, are often not detected during initial radiographic examination. By using high-resolution CT and dedicated MRI, it is possible to recognize scaphoid fractures soon at the first diagnostic approach and to assess fragment stability. CT imaging provides all the relevant information of the fracture extent and of the fracture healing in the follow-up. MRI is most sensitive in the detection of scaphoid fractures; however, fracture signs must be differentiated from those of a bone bruise. Both the initially overseen scaphoid fracture and the unsuccessful healing can lead to the natural history of scaphoid nonunion. In the injured scaphoid, CT imaging is essential for depicting the osseous morphology, whereas contrast-enhanced MRI is crucial for assessing the viability of the proximal fragment.
    Der Radiologe 09/2006; 46(8):664, 666-76. · 0.61 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Early radiological diagnostics for scapholunate dissociation (SLD)].
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    ABSTRACT: The partial tear of the scapholunate ligament (pre-dynamic stage of SLD) as well as the complete tear (dynamic stage) does not lead to carpal malalignment. However, if the completely ruptured ligament is accompanied by lesions of the extrinsic ligaments, both the scaphoid and the lunate are malaligned already at rest (static stage of SLD). Later, osteoarthritis will develop, beginning in the radioscaphoid compartment, progressing to the midcarpal joint, and ending in a carpal collapse (osteoarthrotic stage of SLD). Dynamic SLD is detectable only in stress views and in cinematography. The high utility of MRI for directly visualizing the injured ligament is emphasized: reparation tissue is focally enhanced at the rupture site by intravenously applied contrast agent; the individual segments of the scapholunate ligament can be visualized in direct MR arthrography, therefore allowing differentiation of partial and complete ligamentous tears.
    Der Radiologe 09/2006; 46(8):654-63. · 0.61 Impact Factor
  • Article: Radiologische Frühdiagnostik der skapholunären Dissoziation (SLD)
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    ABSTRACT: Die Teilruptur des Lig.scapholunatum (prdynamisches Stadium) und die isolierte Komplettruptur (dynamisches Stadium) fhren zu keiner karpalen Gefgestrung in Ruhe. Erst wenn die Komplettruptur von Lsionen der extrinsischen Bandstabilisatoren begleitet wird, stehen das Skaphoid und Lunatum bereits in Ruhe in Fehlstellung (statisches Stadium). Spter kommt es zur Handgelenkarthrose, zuerst radioskaphoidal, dann mediokarpal mit Ausbildung eines karpalen Kollapses (arthrotisches Stadium). Die dynamische Instabilitt ist nur mit Stressaufnahmen und kinematographisch nachweisbar. Die MRT vermag das rupturierte Lig.scapholunatum direkt darzustellen: Intravens verabreichtes Kontrastmittel reichert sich fokal am Reparationsgewebe der Rupturstelle an; mit der direkten MR-Arthrogaphie knnen die Bandsegmente besser abgegrenzt und Partial- von Komplettrupturen unterschieden werden.The partial tear of the scapholunate ligament (pre-dynamic stage of SLD) as well as the complete tear (dynamic stage) does not lead to carpal malalignment. However, if the completely ruptured ligament is accompanied by lesions of the extrinsic ligaments, both the scaphoid and the lunate are malaligned already at rest (static stage of SLD). Later, osteoarthritis will develop, beginning in the radioscaphoid compartment, progressing to the midcarpal joint, and ending in a carpal collapse (osteoarthrotic stage of SLD). Dynamic SLD is detectable only in stress views and in cinematography. The high utility of MRI for directly visualizing the injured ligament is emphasized: reparation tissue is focally enhanced at the rupture site by intravenously applied contrast agent; the individual segments of the scapholunate ligament can be visualized in direct MR arthrography, therefore allowing differentiation of partial and complete ligamentous tears.
    Der Radiologe 07/2006; 46(8):654-663. · 0.61 Impact Factor
  • Article: Comprehensive MR angiography of the lower limbs: a hybrid dual-bolus approach including the pedal arteries.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to include the pedal vasculature into the coverage of peripheral multistation magnetic resonance angiography (3DceMRA). A total of 216 patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease were examined with a modified hybrid dual-bolus technique. The cruropedal arteries were acquired first with two sagittal slabs and time-resolved 3D sequences. Then the aortofemoral vessels were visualized using the bolus-chase technique and a second contrast injection. Interventional procedures were performed in 104 patients, and in 69 of those, the cruropedal vessels were also examined with digital subtraction angiography (iaDSA). Using 3DceMRA, the cruropedal arteries were displayed with both excellent and good quality in 95% (205/216 cases), and without any venous overlay in 94% (203/216 cases). The aortofemoral vessels were not jeopardized by the first contrast injection. With iaDSA as the standard of reference, observed sensitivity of 3DceMRA was found in ranges from 80% (29%, 99%) to 100% (86%, 100%) for assessing significant stenoses, and observed specificity ranged between 93% [80%, 98%] and 100% (82%, 100%). In conclusion, hybrid dual-bolus 3DceMRA significantly reduces the limitations of standard single-bolus 3DceMRA in anatomic coverage and temporal resolution of the cruropedal arteries, thus providing high-quality images of the entire peripheral vasculature.
    European Radiology 01/2006; 15(12):2513-24. · 3.22 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Scaphoid fractures--operative or conservative treatment? A CT-based classification].
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    ABSTRACT: Traditionally acute scaphoid fractures were treated by immobilization. As a consequence we have to deal with a high number of scaphoid non-unions or SNAC wrists. A study of 30 patients with scaphoid non-union showed that only 30% (9 patients) have not seen a doctor, while the majority of the patients (70%, 21 patients) were treated by a physician after trauma. In 15 (71.4%) of these 21 patients a missed diagnosis and in 6 (28.6%) a failed conservative treatment of the scaphoid fracture were the reasons for scaphoid non-union. Therefore, improvements in the diagnosis and therapy of scaphoid fractures are urgently needed. Herbert's classification of scaphoid fractures provides the underlying rationale for treatment according to the fracture type seen on X-ray. Differentiation between stable and unstable fractures sometimes is difficult from conventional X-rays. In these cases we recommend a CT bone scan in the long axis of the scaphoid. According to the CT scan we modified Herbert's classification: undisplaced waist fractures are classified as stable and can be treated conservatively or can be stabilized percutaneously using minimally invasive procedures. Comminuted or displaced fractures are classified as unstable and need operative treatment because of the increased risk of scaphoid non-union after plaster immobilization. Fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid should be treated operatively by internal fixation, even if they are not displaced, because of the reduced perfusion. We recommend a CT scan of the scaphoid, if there is any doubt about the diagnosis or the stability of the scaphoid fracture. In any case, a CT scan has to be ordered to justify a conservative treatment.
    Handchirurgie · Mikrochirurgie · Plastische Chirurgie 09/2005; 37(4):260-6. · 0.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Force distribution in the wrist following scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis].
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    ABSTRACT: Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis has been proposed to stabilise the radial column and to redirect the load away from the lunate. Midterm effects on force transmission are still unclear. Six patients who were treated with triscaphe arthrodesis were examined after an average of 5 years using CT osteoabsorptiometry of both wrists. STT arthrodesis had been performed in four cases with Kienböck's disease type IIIb and in two cases of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthritis. At all contralateral wrists peak mineralisations were found beyond the lunate fossa and in the scaphoid fossa of the distal radius. At the side with STT arthrodesis there was only one peak. In five cases this density maximum was beyond the scaphoid fossa and in one case half beyond the lunate and half beyond the scaphoid fossa. Triscaphe arthrodesis allows load transmission from the lunate to the radial column.
    Der Unfallchirurg 07/2005; 108(6):456-60. · 0.61 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Wrist lesions in MRI arthrography compared with wrist arthroscopy].
    R Meier, R Schmitt, H Krimmer
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    ABSTRACT: Wrist arthroscopy is routinely used for diagnosis of ligamentous lesions to the wrist. Although it is very sensitive and specific, it is also more invasive than other available diagnostic techniques. In a prospective trial, 125 patients (80 men, 45 women) 37 years old (+/- 12) with clinical evidence of wrist lesions were evaluated with direct wrist arthro MRI. Within 24 hours following direct arthro MRI wrist arthroscopy was performed. The surgeons and radiologists were not aware of the other results until completion of their investigation. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were determined. According to the MRI findings, lesions of the TFCC were suggested in 70 patients (56 % of all patients). In 65 cases this was confirmed by wrist arthroscopy. In the remaining 55 patients no TFCC lesions were detected by MRI. However in three cases TFCC lesions were found by arthroscopy. In the remaining 52 patients MRI accurately excluded TFCC lesions. There was a correlation of MRI and arthroscopy in detecting TFCC lesions in 93.6 %. Sensitivity was 94 %, specificity 89 %, positive predictive value 91 % and negative predictive value 93 %. Complete scapholunate ligament tears were detected by MRI in 12 (9.6 %) cases. Correlation with wrist arthroscopy was 99 %, sensitivity 92 %, specificity 100 %, positive and negative predictive value 100 % and 99 %, respectively. Accuracy for incomplete scapholunate lesions (n = 17, 13.6 %) and lunotriquetral tears (n = 4, 3.2 %) was poor (sensitivity 59 % and 25 %, specificity 100 % and 99 %). Though sensitivity of MRI arthrography approaches that of arthroscopy, it cannot replace it at the moment. However, it is a potent additional tool for wrist diagnosis if intraarticular contrast is used. It can facilitate diagnosis and indications for surgery of the wrist. It may make arthroscopic and more invasive interventions for diagnostic purposes avoidable in future.
    Handchirurgie · Mikrochirurgie · Plastische Chirurgie 05/2005; 37(2):85-9. · 0.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Differential diagnosis of the signal-compromised lunate in MRI].
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    ABSTRACT: To define both the underlying pathology and diagnostic criteria in lunates presenting with conspicuous signal pattern in MRI. The retrospective evaluation of 2940 MRI examinations revealed 203 patients with signal alterations of the lunate. All MRI examinations were performed on 1.5-Tesla platforms using dedicated surface coils and an intravenous contrast agent. To establish a definitive diagnosis, a total of 252 MRI examinations (49 follow-ups), 22 CT examinations and 4 arthroscopic studies were obtained in addition to the obligatory conventional radiographs. Incorporating all clinical data, radiographs and MRI examinations succeeded in assigning a diagnosis in 136 signal-compromised lunates (67.0 %), whereas additional diagnostic procedures or follow-up examinations were required for the definitive diagnosis in 57 cases (33.0 %). The most frequent entities were 51 cases of Kienbock's disease (25.1 %), 47 cases of ulnolunate-(triquetral) impaction syndromes (23.2 %) and 44 cases of intra-osseous ganglion cysts (21.7 %). Other pathologies included 23 degenerative, 19 traumatic and 10 inflammatory changes as well as 9 congenital conditions. For MRI assessment of the altered lunate, the most important parameters were location and morphology as well as involvement of the articular and osseous structures of the carpus. The lunate may be affected by different pathological states of the wrist. In total, only one quarter of the signal-compromised lunate represented Kienboeck's disease.
    RöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der R 04/2005; 177(3):358-66. · 2.76 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Osteoid osteoma of the hand and wrist].
    K Kalb, U Schlör, M Meier, R Schmitt, U Lanz
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    ABSTRACT: Osteoid osteoma is a painful benign bone tumour and very rare in the hand and wrist. Diagnosis may be very difficult and often is made after multiple previous diagnostic errors. From 1992 until 2003, 22 patients (11 men, 11 women) were operated on because of an osteoid osteoma of the hand or wrist in our hospital. The mean age was 30 years, ranging from 14 to 62 years. We retrospectively analysed patient records. A clinical examination with X-ray control was performed in 14 patients. Five patients were questioned by phone; three patients were lost to follow-up. The mean time interval between onset of symptoms and surgical removal of the tumour was approximately two years. Symptoms were often non-specific; clinical findings varied according to localisation of the tumour. Conventional X-rays did not always show typical pathological findings. Bone scanning and gadolinium-enhanced MRI proved to be very sensitive in detecting the pathological process. High-resolution CT-scan demonstrated the nidus exactly. Usually, operative removal of the nidus resulted in immediate pain relief. At follow-up, 18 patients were free of pain. However seven patients had had a revision operation; in four of those, osteoid osteoma recurred once again. In our opinion, it is important to consider osteoid osteoma as a possible cause of otherwise unexplained pain of the hand or wrist. If there is clinical suspicion, we recommend the early use of gadolinium-enhanced MRI as a sensitive screening method. Thus, it should be possible to shorten the time interval until correct diagnosis is established.
    Handchirurgie · Mikrochirurgie · Plastische Chirurgie 01/2005; 36(6):405-10. · 0.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Diagnostic angiography using multi-slice spiral CT in acute obstruction of the basilar artery].
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    ABSTRACT: To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of CT angiography in case of clinical signs of acute brainstem infarction for the therapeutic management of catheter-based local thrombolysis. 3 patients (2 males, 1 female) suffering from an acute onset of brainstem symptoms and being suspicious of an occluded basilar artery were included into this report. 1 patient underwent selective vertebral arteriography. 2 patients were initially examined with CT angiography using a 4-row scanner and 100 ml intravenous contrast agent. In one patient, an occlusion of the basilar artery was excluded with catheter-based angiography. Subsequently, the patient was treated with systemic thrombolysis using r-tPA because of a thalamus infarction seen in MRI. 2 patients who have been initially examined with CT angiography presented with complete occlusions of the basilar arteries. These patients underwent r-tPA thrombolysis by means of superselective micro-catheter approaches of the vertebrobasilar vessels. CT angiography was very useful for determinating the occlusion length of the basilar artery pre-therapeutically, and in 1 case for ruling out an occluded vertrebral artery for catheterization. All patients recovered well under thrombolytic therapy applied systemically or selectively. Cerebral multi-slice CT angiography is a fast and save technique for detecting or ruling out an acute basilar artery occlusion. Thus, in cases of equivocal clinical signs CT angiography is recommended before the decision of thrombolytic therapy is made.
    Rontgenpraxis 02/2004; 55(5):184-91.
  • Article: [Direct MR arthrography of the wrist in comparison with arthroscopy: a prospective study on 125 patients].
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    ABSTRACT: In literature the diagnostic value of MRI for detecting lesions of the carpal ligaments and the TFCC is judged controversially. The aim of the following study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of direct MR arthrography for depicting and staging of intraarticular lesions of the wrist. One day before undergoing arthroscopy, 125 patients suffering from wrist pain were examined with direct MR arthrography in a prospective and blinded study. A mixture of contrast medium (iodine-containing contrast medium and gadopentetate in relation 200 : 1) was injected into both radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. The following sequences were acquired on a 1.5T scanner: coronal T1-weighted SE, coronal fat-saturated T1-weighted SE, coronal T1-/T2*-DESS-3D, and sagittal T2*-weighted MEDIC. MRI results were compared with arthroscopic findings using statistical analysis (SEN = sensitivity, SPE = specificity, PPV = positive predictive value, NPV = negative predictive value, ACC = accuracy). In comparison to arthroscopy as the accepted diagnostic gold standard, the following results were found for MR arthrography. Detection of TFCC lesions: SEN 97.1 %, SPE 96.4 %, PPV 97.1 %, NPV 96.4 %, ACC 96.8 %. Detection of complete tears of the scapholunate ligament: SEN 91.7 %, SPE 100 %, PPV 100 %, NPV 99.1%, ACC 99.2%. Detection of partial tears: SEN 62.5 %, SPE 100 %, PPV 100 %, NPV 94.8 %, ACC 95.2 %. Detection of cartilage defects: SEN 84.2 %, SPE 96.2 %, PPV 80 %, NPV 97.1 %, ACC 94.4 %. In total, only three lesions of the lunotriquetral ligament were present. Direct MR arthrographic imaging is well suited for detecting intraarticular lesions of the wrist. The presented diagnostic results of MR arthrography are superior to the results of unenhanced MRI reported in the literature. Direct MR arthrography as a reliable diagnostic tool is strongly recommended if lesions of the scapholunate ligament and the triangular fibrocartilage complex are suspected. In contrast, an attitude of caution must be adopted in diagnosing lesions of the articular cartilage of the wrist.
    RöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der R 08/2003; 175(7):911-9. · 2.76 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2011
    • Universität Heidelberg
      • Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology
      Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
    • Medical University of Graz
      Graz, Styria, Austria
  • 2010
    • Herz- und Gefäß-Klinik
      Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Bavaria, Germany
    • Cardiovascular Center Bethanien
      Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany
  • 2005
    • Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
      • Trauma Department
      Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
    • Medizinische Universität Innsbruck
      Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
  • 1997–1998
    • Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
      • Department of Diagnostic Radiology
      Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
    • Universität Regensburg
      • Institut für Soziologie
      Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
  • 1994–1997
    • Landesnervenklinik Linz
      Linz, Upper Austria, Austria