Imaging in Musculoskeletal Disorders

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 4674

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Guest Editor
Department of Radiology CCM, Charité-University Medicine, Charitepl 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
Interests: imaging of joints and arthritis; magnetic resonance imaging; computed tomography; plain radiography; medical e-learning; mobile learning
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Musculoskeletal disorders are currently one of the fastest-growing areas in diagnostic radiology. We delve into the intricate world of diagnosing and understanding musculoskeletal conditions through the lens of advanced imaging techniques. This Special Edition explores the latest advancements in radiological imaging, including MRI, CT, and ultrasound, and their critical role in revealing the complexities of musculoskeletal diseases. We feature cutting-edge research, clinical case studies, and expert insights that highlight the evolving landscape of imaging in this field. Whether you're a radiologist, clinician, researcher, or simply interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare, this Special Edition offers a comprehensive overview of the exciting progress in imaging musculoskeletal disease.

Prof. Dr. Kay Geert A. Hermann
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • advanced imaging techniques
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • MRI and CT imaging
  • ultrasound imaging
  • clinical case studies
  • diagnostic accuracy

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 990 KiB  
Article
The Immediate Effect of a Single Treatment of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation with the StimaWELL 120MTRS System on Multifidus Stiffness in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain
by Daniel Wolfe, Geoffrey Dover, Mathieu Boily and Maryse Fortin
Diagnostics 2024, 14(22), 2594; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14222594 - 19 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1233
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) have altered lumbar multifidus stiffness properties compared to healthy controls. Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) application to the multifidus might affect stiffness, this has never been investigated. The aims of this study were to examine [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) have altered lumbar multifidus stiffness properties compared to healthy controls. Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) application to the multifidus might affect stiffness, this has never been investigated. The aims of this study were to examine the effect of a single NMES treatment on multifidus stiffness and pain intensity in CLBP patients. Methods: 30 participants (13 male, 17 female) were randomized to one of two intervention (‘phasic’ and ‘combined’) protocols with the StimaWELL 120MTRS system. Multifidus stiffness at L4 and L5 was measured via shear-wave elastography (SWE) at rest and in standing prior to, and 15 min after, a 20 min NMES treatment. Pain intensity was measured pre- and post-treatment with the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). Results: There were significant increases in resting shear modulus at right L4 (p = 0.001) and bilaterally at L5 (p = 0.017; p = 0.020) in the ‘combined’ intervention group, and a significant between-group difference at right L4 (p < 0.001). There were significant decreases in standing shear modulus at right L4 (p = 0.015) and left L5 (p = 0.036) in the ‘combined’ intervention group, and a significant between-group difference at left L5 (p = 0.016). Both groups experienced significant decreases in pain intensity (MD combined group = 1.12, 95% CI [0.34, 1.90], p = 0.011) (MD phasic group = 1.42, 95% CI [0.68, 2.16], p = 0.001). Conclusions: There were multiple significant changes in multifidus stiffness in the combined group, but not in the phasic group. Both groups experienced significant decreases in low back pain intensity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Musculoskeletal Disorders)
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Review

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14 pages, 1234 KiB  
Review
Diagnostic Dilemmas in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cervical Spine Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
by Yuki Hara and Yuichi Yoshii
Diagnostics 2025, 15(2), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15020122 - 7 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1521
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and cervical spondylosis (CS) are both common diseases, yet differentiation between the two is sometimes necessary. However, there are few evidence-based reviews on the differentiation of these conditions. This review examined the literature on the diagnosis of CTS and [...] Read more.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and cervical spondylosis (CS) are both common diseases, yet differentiation between the two is sometimes necessary. However, there are few evidence-based reviews on the differentiation of these conditions. This review examined the literature on the diagnosis of CTS and CS, focusing on how to distinguish between them. The analysis is divided into four categories: clinical symptoms, physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and electrodiagnosis. A total of 281 studies are reviewed, revealing a major issue: the inclusion criteria for defining each disease varies widely across studies. Understanding this limitation, the conclusion drawn is that no single clinical symptom, test, or imaging evaluation can be deemed uniquely reliable for diagnosing CTS or CS. Therefore, it is essential to apply the most up-to-date knowledge, conduct thorough examinations, and perform necessary tests for each patient to achieve a confident and accurate diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Musculoskeletal Disorders)
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Other

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4 pages, 3127 KiB  
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Dynamic Ultrasound Assessment and Guided Medial Plantar Nerve Hydrodissection for Master Knot of Henry Syndrome
by Wei-Ting Wu, Levent Özçakar and Ke-Vin Chang
Diagnostics 2024, 14(20), 2266; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14202266 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1432
Abstract
A 27-year-old female presented with persistent right medial plantar pain that developed over six months following an ankle sprain. The pain, described as sharp and radiating to the toes, progressively worsened, affecting her ability to walk. An initial ultrasound examination suggested medial plantar [...] Read more.
A 27-year-old female presented with persistent right medial plantar pain that developed over six months following an ankle sprain. The pain, described as sharp and radiating to the toes, progressively worsened, affecting her ability to walk. An initial ultrasound examination suggested medial plantar nerve compression by a lipoma, prompting her referral for ultrasound-guided hydrodissection. During the pre-procedure assessment, sono-palpation (palpation using the ultrasound transducer) localized the pain to the Master Knot of Henry—where the medial plantar nerve, artery, and flexor tendons intersect. No lipoma but a normal fat pad was observed. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection with 5% dextrose mixed with lidocaine and saline was performed. After two sessions, her pain significantly decreased, with her visual analogue scale score dropping from 8 to 5 after the first session and to 2 after the second, allowing her to resume normal activities. This case highlights the value of ultrasound in accurately diagnosing and treating conditions involving the Master Knot of Henry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Musculoskeletal Disorders)
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