Quantitative Bone SPECT/CT in Varus-Type Ankle Osteoarthritis: Association With Radiographic Stage and Preoperative Pain
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the potential clinical relevance of quantitative bone single-photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in patients with ankle osteoarthritis (AOA), focusing on the relationship between radiotracer uptake and disease severity, as well as its correlation with preoperative subjective pain levels.
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients with varus-type AOA who underwent preoperative bone SPECT/CT between July 2018 and October 2024. All patients were classified according to the Takakura-Tanaka classification: stage 2 (n = 5), stage 3a (n = 15), stage 3b (n = 13), and stage 4 (n = 11). Quantitative parameters included the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), SUVpeak, and total bone uptake (TBU), calculated at thresholds of 20% and 40% of SUVmax. Pain severity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) within 1 month of imaging. Group comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn post hoc analysis. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess associations between uptake values and VAS scores.
RESULTS: Both SUV and TBU values showed a general increase in accordance with advancing radiographic stage. In post hoc comparisons with Bonferroni correction, SUVmax and SUVpeak showed significant differences between stages 2 and 3b, stages 2 and 4, and stages 3a and 4 (all P < .0125), whereas 20%TBU and 40%TBU showed significant differences between stages 2 and 4 and stages 3a and…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 44 participants or records.
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