The reliability and validity of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of chronic XXXX .

@entity1 @entity2633 @entity924 @entity158
PURPOSE: @entity2633 is a @entity158 affecting the proximal enthesis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been highlighted as an important diagnostic tool, to our knowledge no previous study has established the observer reliability of MRI for @entity2633 or the relationship between MRI abnormalities of the common extensor origin and the @entity1 's clinical assessment. METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive subjects with a clinical diagnosis of chronic @entity2633 were assessed. An MRI scoring system was used to grade the degree of @entity924 and @entity924 of the common extensor origin from the lateral epicondyle. Three independent musculoskeletal radiologists, who were blinded to @entity1 clinical severity, scored images separately. Each scored the images on 3 separate occasions. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) and Upper Extremity Functional Scale clinical measures. Maximum pain levels were scored on a visual analog scale, and objective assessment was made with grip strength. RESULTS: Moderate or severe signal changes consistent with @entity924 were observed in 18 of 21 @entity1 . Significant inter-observer reliability and intra-observer agreement were demonstrated for MRI interpretation of grade of @entity924 and @entity924 . Significant negative correlation was found between the @entity924 and both the QuickDASH and maximum pain levels. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging is a reliable tool in determining radiological severity of @entity2633 . However, the severity of MRI signal changes does not positively correlate with symptoms. These findings question the validity of MRI in the assessment of @entity2633 .
