Skip to main content

Abstract

This chapter deals with the clinical value of nuclear medicine, in particular SPECT/CT, in patients with knee injuries. A thorough overview of nuclear medicine imaging protocols, diagnostic algorithms and the clinical value for different knee pathologies is given. These knee pathologies or variants include patients with anterior knee pain; jumper’s knee; runner’s knee; patellar dislocation; patellar maltracking; patellar fractures; meniscal lesions; ligament tears such as anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament or collaterals; Stieda-Pellegrini lesion; cartilage lesions; osteochondral lesions; overloading of a knee compartment; osteoarthritis and fractures. The clinical value is further illustrated by images and typical instructional case descriptions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 279.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

CT:

Computerized tomography

SPECT:

Single-photon emission computerized tomography

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

PPV:

Positive predictive value

References

  • Adams WB (2004) Treatment options in overuse injuries of the knee: patellofemoral syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome, and degenerative meniscal tears. Curr Sports Med Rep 3:256–260

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amarasekera HW, Costa ML, Parsons N et al (2011) SPECT/CT bone imaging after hip resurfacing arthroplasty: is it feasible to use CT attenuation correction in the presence of metal implants? Nucl Med Commun 32:289–297

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basdekis G, Christel P, Anne F (2009) Validation of the position of the femoral tunnels in anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction with 3-D CT scan. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 17:1089–1094

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Biersack HJ, Wingenfeld C, Hinterthaner B et al (2012) SPECT-CT of the foot. Nuklearmedizin 51:26–31

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Breunung N, Barwick T, Fernando R et al (2008) Additional benefit of SPECT-CT in investigating heel pain. Clin Nucl Med 33:705–706

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buck FM, Hoffmann A, Hofer B et al (2009) Chronic medial knee pain without history of prior trauma: correlation of pain at rest and during exercise using bone scintigraphy and MR imaging. Skeletal Radiol 38:339–347

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bybel B, Brunken RC, DiFilippo FP et al (2008) SPECT/CT imaging: clinical utility of an emerging technology. Radiographics 28:1097–1113

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Collier BD, Johnson RP, Carrera GF et al (1985) Chronic knee pain assessed by SPECT: comparison with other modalities. Radiology 157:795–802

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cook GJ, Fogelman I (1996) Lateral collateral ligament tear of the knee: appearances on bone scintigraphy with single-photon emission tomography. Eur J Nucl Med 23:720–722

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Geeter F, De Neve J, Van Steelandt H (1995) Bone scan in iliotibial band syndrome. Clin Nucl Med 20:550–551

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Delbeke D, Schoder H, Martin WH et al (2009) Hybrid imaging (SPECT/CT and PET/CT): improving therapeutic decisions. Semin Nucl Med 39:308–340

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dorchak JD, Barrack RL, Alexander AH et al (1993) Radionuclide imaging of the knee with chronic anterior cruciate ligament tear. Orthop Rev 22:1233–1241

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dye SF, Boll DA (1986) Radionuclide imaging of the patellofemoral joint in young adults with anterior knee pain. Orthop Clin North Am 17:249–262

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dye S, Chew MH (1993) The use of scintigraphy to detect increased osseous metabolic activity about the knee. J Bone Joint Surg 75:1388–1406

    Google Scholar 

  • Etchebehere EC, Etchebehere M, Gamba R et al (1998) Orthopedic pathology of the lower extremities: scintigraphic evaluation in the thigh, knee, and leg. Semin Nucl Med 28:41–61

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Even-Sapir E, Arbel R, Lerman H et al (2002) Bone injury associated with anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal tears: assessment with bone single photon emission computed tomography. Invest Radiol 37:521–527

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Franc BL, Myers R, Pounds TR et al (2012) Clinical utility of SPECT-(low-dose)CT versus SPECT alone in patients presenting for bone scintigraphy. Clin Nucl Med 37:26–34

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gnanasegaran G, Barwick T, Adamson K et al (2009) Multislice SPECT/CT in benign and malignant bone disease: when the ordinary turns into the extraordinary. Semin Nucl Med 39:431–442

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Graute V, Feist M, Lehner S et al (2010) Detection of low-grade prosthetic joint infections using 99mTc-antigranulocyte SPECT/CT: initial clinical results. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 37:1751–1759

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gregory PL, Batt ME, Kerslake RW et al (2004) The value of combining single photon emission computerised tomography and computerised tomography in the investigation of spondylolysis. Eur Spine J 13:503–509

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grevitt MP, Taylor M, Churchill M et al (1993) SPECT imaging in the diagnosis of meniscal tears. J R Soc Med 86:639–641

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hart R, Konvicka M, Filan P et al (2008) SPECT scan is a reliable tool for selection of patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 128:679–682

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hayashi D, Roemer FW, Guermazi A (2012) Osteoarthritis year 2011 in review: imaging in OA–a radiologists’ perspective. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 20:207–214

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschmann MT, Adler T, Rasch H et al (2010a) Painful knee joint after ACL reconstruction using biodegradable interference screws- SPECT/CT a valuable diagnostic tool? A case report. Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol 2:24

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschmann MT, Iranpour F, Konala P et al (2010b) A novel standardized algorithm for evaluating patients with painful total knee arthroplasty using combined single photon emission tomography and conventional computerized tomography. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 18:939

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschmann MT, Davda K, Iranpour F et al (2011a) Combined single photon emission computerised tomography and conventional computerised tomography (SPECT/CT) in patellofemoral disorders: a clinical review. Int Orthop 35:675–680

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschmann MT, Davda K, Rasch H et al (2011b) Clinical value of combined single photon emission computerized tomography and conventional computer tomography (SPECT/CT) in sports medicine. Sports Med Arthrosc 19:174–181

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschmann MT, Konala P, Iranpour F et al (2011c) Clinical value of SPECT/CT for evaluation of patients with painful knees after total knee arthroplasty–a new dimension of diagnostics? BMC Musculoskelet Disord 12:36

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschmann MT, Schmid R, Dhawan R et al (2011d) Combined single photon emission computerized tomography and conventional computerized tomography: clinical value for the shoulder surgeons? Int J Shoulder Surg 5:72–76

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschmann MT, Mathis D, Afifi FK et al (2012a) Single photon emission computerized tomography and conventional computerized tomography (SPECT/CT) for evaluation of patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a novel standardized algorithm combining mechanical and metabolic information. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 21(4):965–974

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschmann MT, Schon S, Afifi FK et al (2012b) Assessment of loading history of compartments in the knee using bone SPECT/CT: a study combining alignment and 99mTc-HDP tracer uptake/distribution patterns. J Orthop Res 31:268–274

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirschmann MT, Wagner CR, Rasch H et al (2012c) Standardized volumetric 3D-analysis of SPECT/CT imaging in orthopaedics: overcoming the limitations of qualitative 2D analysis. BMC Med Imaging 12:5

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hogervorst T, Pels Rijcken TH, van der Hart CP et al (2000a) Abnormal bone scans in anterior cruciate ligament deficiency indicate structural and functional abnormalities. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 8:137–142

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hogervorst T, van der Hart CP, Pels Rijcken TH et al (2000b) Abnormal bone scans of the tibial tunnel 2 years after patella ligament anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: correlation with tunnel enlargement and tibial graft length. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 8:322–328

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hogervorst T, Pels Rijcken TH, Rucker D et al (2002) Changes in bone scans after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective study. Am J Sports Med 30:823–833

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Horger M, Eschmann SM, Pfannenberg C et al (2007) Added value of SPECT/CT in patients suspected of having bone infection: preliminary results. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 127:211–221

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jeer PJ, Mahr CC, Keene GC et al (2006) Single photon emission computed tomography in planning unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. A prospective study examining the association between scan findings and intraoperative assessment of osteoarthritis. Knee 13:19–25

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kim HR, So Y, Moon SG et al (2008) Clinical value of (99m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 16:212–218

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Konala P, Iranpour F, Kerner A et al (2010) Clinical benefit of SPECT/CT for follow-up of surgical treatment of osteochondritis dissecans. Ann Nucl Med 24:621–624

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee A, Emmett L, Van der Wall H et al (2008) SPECT/CT of femeroacetabular impingement. Clin Nucl Med 33:757–762

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lorberboym M, Ami DB, Zin D et al (2003) Incremental diagnostic value of 99mTc methylene diphosphonate bone SPECT in patients with patellofemoral pain disorders. Nucl Med Commun 24:403–410

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Madsen MT (2007) Recent advances in SPECT imaging. J Nucl Med 48:661–673

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Madsen JL (2008) Bone SPECT/CT detection of a sequestrum in chronic-infected nonunion of the tibia. Clin Nucl Med 33:700–701

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marks PH, Goldenberg JA, Vezina WC et al (1992) Subchondral bone infractions in acute ligamentous knee injuries demonstrated on bone scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging. J Nucl Med 33:516–520

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mohan HK, Gnanasegaran G, Vijayanathan S et al (2010) SPECT/CT in imaging foot and ankle pathology-the demise of other coregistration techniques. Semin Nucl Med 40:41–51

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Molnar TJ, Fox JM (1993) Overuse injuries of the knee in basketball. Clin Sports Med 12:349–362

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murray IP, Dixon J, Kohan L (1990) SPECT for acute knee pain. Clin Nucl Med 15:828–840

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Naslund JE, Odenbring S, Naslund UB et al (2005) Diffusely increased bone scintigraphic uptake in patellofemoral pain syndrome. Br J Sports Med 39:162–165

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Connor MK, Kemp BJ (2006) Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography: basic instrumentation and innovations. Semin Nucl Med 36:258–266

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pagenstert GI, Barg A, Leumann AG et al (2009) SPECT-CT imaging in degenerative joint disease of the foot and ankle. J Bone Joint Surg Br 91:1191–1196

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Petersson IF, Boegard T, Dahlstrom J et al (1998) Bone scan and serum markers of bone and cartilage in patients with knee pain and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 6:33–39

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Purnell ML, Larson AI, Clancy W (2008) Anterior cruciate ligament insertions on the tibia and femur and their relationships to critical bony landmarks using high-resolution volume-rendering computed tomography. Am J Sports Med 36:2083–2090

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan PJ, Fogelman I (1994) The role of nuclear medicine in orthopaedics. Nucl Med Commun 15:341–360

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scharf S (2009) SPECT/CT imaging in general orthopedic practice. Semin Nucl Med 39:293–307

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • So Y, Chung JK, Seong SC et al (2000) Usefulness of 99Tcm-MDP knee SPET for pre-arthroscopic evaluation of patients with internal derangements of the knee. Nucl Med Commun 21:103–109

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strobel K, Steurer-Dober I, Huellner MW et al (2012) Importance of SPECT/CT for knee and hip joint prostheses. Radiologe 52:629–637

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taunton JE, Clement DB, Smart GW et al (1987) Non-surgical management of overuse knee injuries in runners. Can J Sport Sci 12:11–18

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Den Eeckhaut A, Walgraeve N, De Geeter F (2003) Bone SPECT findings in runner’s knee. Clin Nucl Med 28:492–493

    Google Scholar 

  • Vellala RP, Manjure S, Ryan PJ (2004) Single photon emission computed tomography scanning in the diagnosis of knee pathology. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 12:87–90

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yildirim M, Gursoy R, Varoglu E et al (2004) 99mTc-MDP bone SPECT in evaluation of the knee in asymptomatic soccer players. Br J Sports Med 38:15–18

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael T. Hirschmann MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Hirschmann, M.T., Forrer, F., Testa, E., Rasch, H. (2015). Nuclear Medicine Imaging of Knee Injuries. In: Glaudemans, A., Dierckx, R., Gielen, J., Zwerver, J. (eds) Nuclear Medicine and Radiologic Imaging in Sports Injuries. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46491-5_30

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46491-5_30

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-46490-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-46491-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics