Soft tissue masses of the extremities and torso are a common problem encountered by orthopaedic surgeons. Although these soft tissue masses are often benign, orthopaedic surgeons need to recognize the key features differentiating benign and malignant masses. An understanding of the epidemiology and clinical presentation of soft tissue masses is needed to develop a practical approach for evaluation and surgical management. Size and depth are the two most important factors on which triage decisions should be based. In a differential diagnosis of a tumor, it is important to know the characteristics of the soft tissue mass through detailed history taking and physical examinations before the diagnostic procedures. A variety of imaging studies, such as simple radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, computed tomography, bone scan, and angiography can be used to diagnose tumors. Know the ledge of advantages and disadvantages of each imaging study is essential for confirming the characteristics of the tumor that can be observed in the image. In particular, ultrasonography is convenient because it can be performed easily in an outpatient clinic and its cost is lower than other image studies. On the other hand, the accuracy of the test is affected by the skill of the examiner. A biopsy should be performed to confirm the tumor and be performed after all imaging studies have been done but before the final treatment of soft tissue tumors. When a biopsy is to be performed, careful attention to detail with respect to multidisciplinary coordination beforehand, cautious execution of the procedure to minimize complications, and expedient follow-up and referral to a musculoskeletal oncologist when appropriate, are essential.
Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Angiography ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Epidemiology ; Extremities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Physical Examination ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Radiography ; Referral and Consultation ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms ; Surgeons ; Torso ; Triage ; Ultrasonography

No abstract available.
Hand* ; Radiography*

PURPOSE: Pseudoepiphysis originates from the secondary ossification center of the non-ossification end during the normal pediatric growth process. It is not uncommonly found in the course of metacarpal and metatarsal ossification. We investigated the radiologic prevalence and features of pseudoepiphysis in normal Korean children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sex and age distribution following radiologic prevalence as well as the features of metacarpal pseudoepiphysis of 2,320 Korean children aged below 15 years of age and younger who underwent hand radiography between January 2009 and February 2016 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 304 out of 2,320 patients had pseudoepiphysis on metacarpal bone, which is a prevalence of 13.1%. Male showed higher prevalence (16.6% for male and 10.5% for female). The peak age was 11 years for boys and 5 years for girls. The first metacarpal bone was most prevalent, with 9.6% of the total population, followed by the second metacarpal bone (5.2%) and fifth metacarpal bone (2.5%). The prevalence of single pseudoepiphysis was 9.4%, and that of multiple pseudoepiphysis was 3.7%. The prevalence of incomplete pseudoepiphysis was 8.9% and was higher than complete pseudoepiphysis (5.6%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of metacarpal pseudoepiphysis in normal Korean children was 13.1%. It is necessary to be aware of the radiologic features and distributions of pseudoepiphysis to avoid misinterpretation as a bone disease or traumatic fracture in pediatric patients.
Age Distribution ; Bone Diseases ; Child* ; Female ; Hand ; Humans ; Male ; Metatarsal Bones ; Prevalence* ; Radiography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical significance and usefulness of a bone scan in accessory navicular bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five patients with foot pain and accessory navicular bone on radiography, who underwent bone scan from 2012 to 2015, were analyzed retrospectively. The subjects was divided into a symptomatic and asymptomatic group according to the presence of navicular bone tenderness. The grade of bone scan uptake was divided into 3 grades. Age, gender, grade of bone scan and size of the accessory navicular bone were analyzed. The symptomatic group were divided into a low (grade 0, 1) and high uptake (grade 2) group to determine the appropriate treatment. The low uptake group was treated conservatively for 3 months. The high uptake group was initially treated conservatively for 3 months and surgery was performed if pain persisted. For the clinical evaluation, the visual analogue scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot scale were evaluated in the first examination and last follow-up date. The patient's satisfaction grade was also evaluated at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The asymptomatic group mostly showed no uptake in the bone scan. On the other hand, some patients in the asymptomatic group showed an increase in uptake. In these patients, the size of accessory navicular bone was related to the grade of bone scan uptake, showing that the bone scan uptake grade can be predicted when applying different cut off values for the bone size. The symptomatic group mostly showed uptake in the bone scan and the grade of uptake had a positive correlation with the size of the accessory navicular bone (p<0.05). Age and gender were not related to the bone scan uptake. In the clinical evaluation, conservative and surgical treatment showed a good outcome. CONCLUSION: The bone scan uptake grade alone cannot be used to completely predict the symptoms. On the other hand, the size of the accessory bone can increase the bone scan uptake. Therefore, the size of the accessory bone, and patient symptoms should be considered in patients with a high uptake when deciding treatment.
Ankle ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Hand ; Humans ; Prognosis* ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: Pes planovalgus is one of the most common foot deformities among pediatric orthopedic diseases and is divided into idiopathic and neuromuscular planovalgus according to its etiology. This study evaluated the radiologic and pedobarographic outcomes of the treatment for pes planovalgus in children treated with lateral column lengthening, compared the outcomes according to the etiology, and investigated the correlation between the radiologic and pedobarographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients (97 feet), who underwent lateral column lengthening, were divided into groups of 30 patients (47 feet) with neuromuscular disease and 33 patients (50 feet) with idiopathic etiology. The preoperative, immediately postoperative, 1 year, and 3 year follow-up radiographic measurements on the plain radiograph antero-posterior (AP) and lateral view were compared. In pedobarography, the foot pressures were subdivided into 4 areas to measure the contact time, contact area, peak pressure, and maximum force. The pre- and postoperative pedobarographic measurements were compared and the correlations between the radiographic and pedobarographic measurements were evaluated. RESULTS: The radiographic index at the 1st postoperative year and 3rd postoperative follow-up did not show significant differences according to the etiology. In pedobarography, idiopathic planovalgus showed a significant increase in the maximum force in the hindfoot and forefoot. The correlation between the radiologic findings and pedobarographic findings was statistically significant between the tibiocalcaneal angle in the lateral view and the maximum force, and the contact area of hindfoot on pedobarography, between tibiocalcaneal angle in the lateral view and the contact area of the toes in idiopathic planovalgus. In neuromuscular planovalgus, the peak pressure in the hindfoot had a strong negative correlation with talonavicular coverage angle in the AP view and talo-1st metatarsal angle, and the talohorizontal angle in the lateral view. CONCLUSION: Lateral column lengthening is an effective surgical procedure for flatfoot patients. On the other hand, the radiographic examination has limitations for accurate assessments of the postoperative results and prognosis. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations are available by pedobarography and it is a useful instrument for an evaluation of planovalgus when used in conjunction with radiography.
Child ; Evaluation Studies as Topic ; Flatfoot ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Foot Deformities ; Hand ; Humans ; Metatarsal Bones ; Neuromuscular Diseases ; Orthopedics ; Prognosis ; Radiography ; Toes

As many people keep small dogs as pets, dog bites are common injuries, accounting for approximately 80%–90% of all animal bite injuries. These injuries usually occur on the upper extremities, most commonly on the fingers. Most of these injuries appear as simple lacerations or abrasions of the skin. Common symptoms include inflammatory reactions of the soft tissue, such as pain, swelling, erythema, and cellulitis. However, the complications of small dog bites may include joint or cartilage injuries, including acute osteomyelitis. Once osteomyelitis develops, it is difficult to diagnose since it has a latency period of approximately 2 weeks. Plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 3-phase bone scans should be performed when acute osteomyelitis is suspected, and broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic treatment should be administered for approximately 8–12 weeks. We report 3 very rare cases of acute osteomyelitis that occurred after a dog bite injury.
Animals ; Cartilage ; Cellulitis ; Dogs* ; Erythema ; Fingers ; Hand* ; Joints ; Lacerations ; Latency Period (Psychology) ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Osteomyelitis* ; Radiography ; Skin ; Upper Extremity

As many people keep small dogs as pets, dog bites are common injuries, accounting for approximately 80%–90% of all animal bite injuries. These injuries usually occur on the upper extremities, most commonly on the fingers. Most of these injuries appear as simple lacerations or abrasions of the skin. Common symptoms include inflammatory reactions of the soft tissue, such as pain, swelling, erythema, and cellulitis. However, the complications of small dog bites may include joint or cartilage injuries, including acute osteomyelitis. Once osteomyelitis develops, it is difficult to diagnose since it has a latency period of approximately 2 weeks. Plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 3-phase bone scans should be performed when acute osteomyelitis is suspected, and broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic treatment should be administered for approximately 8–12 weeks. We report 3 very rare cases of acute osteomyelitis that occurred after a dog bite injury.
Animals ; Cartilage ; Cellulitis ; Dogs* ; Erythema ; Fingers ; Hand* ; Joints ; Lacerations ; Latency Period (Psychology) ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Osteomyelitis* ; Radiography ; Skin ; Upper Extremity

PURPOSE: There has been few published on arthroscopy of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) despite increasingly being used worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopy for pathologies around MCPJ of the thumb. METHODS: Between September 2007 and June 2015, 56 patients (56 thumb) who underwent arthroscopy of the MCPJ were retrospectively studied. Preoperative diagnoses, which were made through physical examination, plain radiograph, stress radiography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance images (MRI), were compared with arthroscopic findings. Therapeutic arthroscopic surgeries were performed according to the needs of each patient. Functional outcomes were assessed with physical examination as well as disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and Michigan Hand outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) score at an average 7.3 months follow-up. RESULTS: Six patients who suspected with collateral ligament injuries in MRI confirmed different diagnoses under arthroscopy. At final follow-up, the mean range of flexion contracture of the MCPJ was 5°, and the mean range of further flexion was 52.7°. Grip and pinch strength averaged 87.2% and 79.3% of contralateral side. Mean DASH and MHQ score were improved from 48.1 and 44.6, preoperatively to 14.9 and 26.3, postoperatively (p<0.001, p=0.012, respectively). All patients were satisfied with their outcomes at final follow-up, except 4 patients who noted joint stiffness or chronic pain around the thumb. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that arthroscopy is helpful for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes of acute and chronic painful MCPJ of the thumb. However, further studies are needed to expand the applications of arthroscopy of MCPJ of the thumb.
Arm ; Arthroscopy* ; Chronic Pain* ; Collateral Ligaments ; Contracture ; Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Joints ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint* ; Michigan ; Pathology ; Physical Examination ; Pinch Strength ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder ; Thumb* ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To assess the maturation disparity of hand-wrist bones using the BoneXpert system and Greulich and Pyle (GP) atlas in a sample of normal children from China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 229 boys and 168 girls aged 2-14 years. The bones in the hand and wrist were divided into five groups: distal radius and ulna, metacarpals, proximal phalanges, middle phalanges and distal phalanges. Bone age (BA) was assessed separately using the automatic BoneXpert and GP atlas by two raters. Differences in the BA between the most advanced and retarded individual bones and bone groups were analyzed. RESULTS: In 75.8% of children assessed with the BoneXpert and 59.4% of children assessed with the GP atlas, the BA difference between the most advanced and most retarded individual bones exceeded 2.0 years. The BA mean differences between the most advanced and most retarded individual bones were 2.58 and 2.25 years for the BoneXpert and GP atlas methods, respectively. Furthermore, for both methods, the middle phalanges were the most advanced group. The most retarded group was metacarpals for BoneXpert, while metacarpals and the distal radius and ulna were the most retarded groups according to the GP atlas. Overall, the BAs of the proximal and distal phalanges were closer to the chronological ages than those of the other bone groups. CONCLUSION: Obvious and regular maturation disparities are common in normal children. Overall, the BAs of the proximal and distal phalanges are more useful for BA estimation than those of the other bone groups.
Age Determination by Skeleton ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Bone and Bones ; Child* ; China ; Developmental Disabilities ; Female ; Hand ; Humans ; Metacarpal Bones ; Pattern Recognition, Automated ; Radiography ; Radius ; Ulna ; Wrist

BACKGROUND: The goals of this study were to compare maximal metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) flexion angles after application of a volar short arm splint at 3 different locations and verify the relations between the three different physical and radiological locations. METHODS: Forty dominant hands of healthy subjects were analyzed in the study. We defined a transverse skin folding line as a line drawn from the radial aspect of the thenar crease to the ulnar aspect of the distal transverse palmar crease. The distal end of the volar short arm splint was applied on 3 parallel locations to this line. Location A was on this transverse skin folding line; location B was 1 cm proximal to location A; and location C was 1 cm distal to location A. Two orthopedic surgeons measured the maximal MCPJ flexion angles of each finger except the thumb with the application of a volar short arm splint at 3 different locations as well as without a splint as a control. Radiological locations of the 3 different distal ends of the volar short arm splint were also assessed by anteroposterior radiographs of the wrist. RESULTS: When the splint was applied at location A and C, the maximal MCPJ flexion angle decreased to a mean of 83° (91% of control value) and 56° (62% of control value), respectively (compared to the control, p < 0.001). At location B, the maximal MCPJ flexion angle was a mean of 90° (99% of control value); no significant difference was observed compared to the control or without the splint (p = 0.103). On radiography, the average length from the metacarpal head to the distal end of the splint at all fingers decreased in the order of location B, A, and C (29 mm, 19 mm, and 10 mm, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend applying the distal end of a volar short arm splint at proximal 1 cm to the transverse skin folding line to preserve MCPJ motion perfectly, which is located at distal 44% of the whole metacarpal bone length radiologically.
Arm* ; Fingers ; Hand ; Head ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint* ; Orthopedics ; Radiography ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Skin ; Splints* ; Thumb ; Wrist