Purpose
Traumatic dislocation of the extensor tendon over the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is a rare problem in patients without rheumatoid disorders.
The common extensor tendon is stabilized on the metacarpal head by components of the extensor hood.
A tear in the extensor hood,
more particular,
in the sagittal bands,
allows (sub)luxation of the tendon.
These injuries need accurate diagnosis,
because the loss of function of even one MCP joint can seriously impair overall hand function.
To ensure appropriate treatment,
the identification of the damaged structures is...
Methods and Materials
Ultrasound was performed by a radiologist experienced in musculoskeletal ultrasound in 2 patients with a traumatic injury of the index.
One year after the trauma,
the patients underwent an additional ultrasound in order to evaluate the lesion.
The sonographic examinations were executed in flexion and extension of the MCP joint.
Results
There was a good visualization of the sagittal bands.
The injuries of the sagittal bands were seen as a hypoechoic thickening at the side of the extensor tendons.
Dislocation of the extensor tendons could be observed.
The ultrasound examination one year after the trauma revealed an instability of the extensor tendons.
Conclusion
Ultrasound is a valuable method in the evaluation of dorsal hood injuries.
Dynamic ultrasound is of great importance in the evaluation of the stability of the tendons.
References
-Kichouh M,
Vanhoenacker F,
Jager T,
Van Roy P,
Pouders C,
Marcelis S,
Van Hedent E,
de Mey J.
Functional anatomy of thedorsalhoodof the hand: correlation of ultrasound and MR findings with cadaveric dissection.
Eur Radiol.
2009;19(8):1849-56
-Kichouh M,
De Maeseneer M,
Jager T,
Marcelis S,
Van Hedent E,
Van Roy P,
de Mey J.
Ultrasound findings in injuries of dorsal extensor hooed: Correlation with MR and follow-up findings.
Eur J Radiol.
2011;77(2):249-53