The radial and ulnar collateral ligaments of the wrist are true ligaments.

PURPOSE: Our hypothesis in this study is that the radial and ulnar collateral ligaments of the wrist exist and are true ligaments which can be visualized by high-resolution ultrasonography (US). METHODS: High-resolution US examination of the radial and ulnar collateral ligaments of the wrist was performed on 56 fresh cadaveric wrists. The visibility of these ligaments was assessed by four observers who classified the ligaments in consensus as well seen, adequately seen, or not seen. Surgical dissections of 12 radial collateral ligaments and 12 ulnar collateral ligaments were then performed and the ligaments were classified as present or absent. The US and dissection results were then compared. To confirm that the dissected structures represent true ligaments a histologic examination of the ligaments was performed. RESULTS: All examined radial and ulnar collateral ligaments were seen on the US examination. The radial collateral ligament was seen between the radial styloid and radial aspect of the scaphoid. The ulnar collateral ligament was seen between ulnar styloid process and the triquetrum. On all surgical dissections, the radial collateral ligament was present at the floor of the first extensor compartment and the ulnar collateral ligament was at the floor of the sixth extensor compartment. Both ligaments were proven to be true capsular ligaments on both dissection and histologic examinations. CONCLUSION: The radial and ulnar collateral ligaments of the wrist are true ligaments and can be seen at the floor of the first and the sixth extensor compartments, respectively, using high-resolution US. Based on their anatomic location, they most likely provide static stability to the wrist joint.

Web Page Content and Quality Assessed for Shoulder Replacement.

The Internet has become a major source for obtaining health-related information. This study assesses and compares the quality of information available online for shoulder replacement using medical (total shoulder arthroplasty [TSA]) and nontechnical (shoulder replacement [SR]) terminology. Three evaluators reviewed 90 websites for each search term across 3 search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing). Websites were grouped into categories, identified as commercial or noncommercial, and evaluated with the DISCERN questionnaire. Total shoulder arthroplasty provided 53 unique sites compared to 38 websites for SR. Of the 53 TSA websites, 30% were health professional-oriented websites versus 18% of SR websites. Shoulder replacement websites provided more patient-oriented information at 48%, versus 45% of TSA websites. In total, SR websites provided 47% (42/90) noncommercial websites, with the highest number seen in Yahoo, compared with TSA at 37% (33/90), with Google providing 13 of the 33 websites (39%). Using the nonmedical terminology with Yahoo's search engine returned the most noncommercial and patient-oriented websites. However, the quality of information found online was highly variable, with most websites being unreliable and incomplete, regardless of search term.

Accuracy of High-Resolution Ultrasonography in the Detection of Extensor Tendon Lacerations.

BACKGROUND: Lacerations to the extensor mechanism are usually diagnosed clinically. Ultrasound (US) has been a growing diagnostic tool for tendon injuries since the 1990s. To date, there has been no publication establishing the accuracy and reliability of US in the evaluation of extensor mechanism lacerations in the hand. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of US to detect extensor tendon injuries in the hand. METHODS: Sixteen fingers and 4 thumbs in 4 fresh-frozen and thawed cadaveric hands were used. Sixty-eight 0.5-cm transverse skin lacerations were created. Twenty-seven extensor tendons were sharply transected. The remaining skin lacerations were used as sham dissection controls. One US technologist and one fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist performed real-time dynamic US studies in and out of water bath. A second fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologist subsequently reviewed the static US images. Dynamic and static US interpretation accuracy was assessed using dissection as "truth." RESULTS: All 27 extensor tendon lacerations and controls were identified correctly with dynamic imaging as either injury models that had a transected extensor tendon or sham controls with intact extensor tendons (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 100%, positive predictive value = 1.0; all significantly greater than chance). Static imaging had a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 89%, and accuracy of 88% (all significantly greater than chance). The results of the dynamic real time versus static US imaging were clearly different but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic US is a very accurate noninvasive study that can identify extensor mechanism injuries. Clinically suspected cases of acute extensor tendon injury scanned by high-frequency US can aid and/or confirm the diagnosis, with dynamic imaging providing added value compared to static. Ultrasonography, to aid in the diagnosis of extensor mechanism lacerations, can be successfully used in a reliable and accurate manner.

Distal ulna leiomyosarcoma treated with custom polymethylmethacrylate prosthesis with a 4-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Intraosseous leiomyosarcoma is a rare neoplasm having an aggressive biologic behavior. The distal end of the ulna is a very uncommon site for this type of primary bone tumor frequently mistaken for benign lesions. En bloc resection of the distal ulna with reconstruction is a valid option as a limb salvage procedure for the treatment of this difficult problem, minimizing local recurrence while preserving hand function. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present an unusual case of a 63-year-old woman with a primary leiomyosarcoma arising from the distal end of the ulna treated successfully with a wide excision and custom distal ulna, with 4-year follow-up and no recurrence. LITERATURE REVIEW: Tumors to develop at the distal end of the ulna have been reported as part of large series such as Dahlin and few case reports. According to Cooney, Exner, and Mankin, reconstruction for distal ulnar neoplasms is not necessary to maintain function. However, Noble and Laurentin-Perez disagree because stabilization of the distal ulna following large resection, as in our case, can be a significant problem with associated pain and weakness due to a decreased interosseous space with ulnar stump impingement on the radial metaphysis and ulnar translation of the carpus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Custom methacrylate in situ radioulnar joint prosthesis for reconstruction of a large segment of the distal ulna can be a valid option to reestablish the mechanical continuity of the forearm, reducing pain and improving strength and function.

Imaging and management of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.

Primary osteoarthritis (OA) involving the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a common and frequently debilitating disease. Clinical examination and radiographs are usually sufficient for diagnosis; however, familiarity with the cross-sectional anatomy is useful for diagnosis of this condition. The most widely used classification system for the radiographic staging of thumb carpometacarpal joint OA was first presented by Eaton and Littler, ranging from mild (stages I and II) to severe (stage IV) disease. If conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is considered. A variety of surgical techniques have been developed and implemented for the management of this pervasive and disabling condition. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy of the basal joints of the thumb, pathophysiology, preoperative imaging, and various surgical techniques that are utilized in the treatment of OA of the basal joints of the thumb with emphasis on normal postoperative radiographic findings and possible postoperative complications.

Evidence-based Comprehensive Approach to Forearm Arterial Laceration.

INTRODUCTION: Penetrating injury to the forearm may cause an isolated radial or ulnar artery injury, or a complex injury involving other structures including veins, tendons and nerves. The management of forearm laceration with arterial injury involves both operative and nonoperative strategies. An evolution in management has emerged especially at urban trauma centers, where the multidisciplinary resource of trauma and hand subspecialties may invoke controversy pertaining to the optimal management of such injuries. The objective of this review was to provide an evidence-based, systematic, operative and nonoperative approach to the management of isolated and complex forearm lacerations. A comprehensive search of MedLine, Cochrane Library, Embase and the National Guideline Clearinghouse did not yield evidence-based management guidelines for forearm arterial laceration injury. No professional or societal consensus guidelines or best practice guidelines exist to our knowledge. DISCUSSION: The optimal methods for achieving hemostasis are by a combination approach utilizing direct digital pressure, temporary tourniquet pressure, compressive dressings followed by wound closure. While surgical hemostasis may provide an expedited route for control of hemorrhage, this aggressive approach is often not needed (with a few exceptions) to achieve hemostasis for most forearm lacerations. Conservative methods mentioned above will attain the same result. Further, routine emergent or urgent operative exploration of forearm laceration injuries are not warranted and not cost-beneficial. It has been widely accepted with ample evidence in the literature that neither injury to forearm artery, nerve or tendon requires immediate surgical repair. Attention should be directed instead to control of bleeding, and perform a complete physical examination of the hand to document the presence or absence of other associated injuries. Critical ischemia will require expeditious surgical restoration of arterial perfusion. In a well-perfused hand, however, the presence of one intact artery is adequate to sustain viability without long-term functional disability, provided the palmar arch circulation is intact. Early consultation with a hand specialist should be pursued, and follow-up arrangement made for delayed primary repair in cases of complex injury. CONCLUSION: Management in accordance with well-established clinical principles will maximize treatment efficacy and functional outcome while minimizing the cost of medical care.

Spectrum of carpal dislocations and fracture-dislocations: imaging and management.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this article are to discuss the imaging of carpal dislocations and fracture-dislocations and to review the ligamentous anatomy of the wrist, mechanisms of injury, and routine management of these injuries. CONCLUSION: Perilunate dislocations, perilunate fracture-dislocations (PLFDs), and lunate dislocations are high-energy wrist injuries that can and should be recognized on radio-graphs. These injuries are a result of important sequential osseous and ligamentous injuries or failures. Prompt and accurate radiographic diagnosis aids in the management of patients with perilunate dislocations, PLFDs, and lunate dislocations while assisting orthopedic surgeons with subsequent surgical planning. CT may better show the extent of the injury and help in treatment planning particularly in cases of delayed treatment or chronic perilunate dislocation. A CT examination with coronal, sagittal, and 3D reformatted images is ordered at our institution in cases in which the extent of the carpal injuries is poorly shown on radiographic examination.

Sonographic assessment of the medial ulnar collateral ligament distal ulnar attachment.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the long distal attachment of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) can be delineated on sonography. METHODS: We used 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows for this study. We performed sonography of the elbow using a coronal-equivalent long-axis view of the MUCL. All sonographic examinations and measurements were performed by a board-certified, fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist. Measurements were performed from the anteroinferior aspect of the medial epicondyle to the sublime tubercle and then from the sublime tubercle to the terminal fibers of the MUCL long ulnar attachment. We then measured the length of the MUCL from its attachment at the medial epicondyle of the humerus to the sublime tubercle and then from the sublime tubercle to the distal extent of its terminal fibers at the ulnar attachment with digital calipers. RESULTS: On sonography, the average length of the MUCL from its humeral attachment to the sublime tubercle (transarticular) was 19.6 mm. The average length of the ulnar attachment was 27.9 mm. The MUCL was thickest (mediolateral dimension) at its humeral attachment and tapered as it coursed distally along the ulnar attachment. The MUCL was clearly identified on sonography and in all anatomic specimens. On gross measurement, the average lengths of the transarticular portion of the MUCL and its ulnar footprint were 21.5 and 30.2 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We have successfully shown that the distal ulnar attachment of the MUCL can be visualized on high-resolution sonography. This preliminary work provides a framework for developing protocols for diagnosis of injuries to the distal ulnar collateral ligament.

Normal anatomy of the extrinsic capsular wrist ligaments by 3-T MRI and high-resolution ultrasonography.

The anatomy of the extrinsic capsular wrist ligaments is complex. These ligaments are probably as important as the intrinsic interosseous ligaments for the maintenance of carpal stability. The extrinsic capsular wrist ligaments are frequently divided into dorsal, palmar, and collateral depending on their anatomical location. They have known origin and attachment sites with recognized anatomical variants. However, there is controversy in the literature related to their anatomy and nomenclature. In the past two decades, imaging has gained an important role in the evaluation of the extrinsic capsular wrist ligaments. Both 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance arthrography can provide good evaluation of the extrinsic capsular wrist ligaments; 3-T MRI with improved resolution provides better visualization of the same anatomical structures. Ultrasonography using high-resolution linear transducers allows good visualization of the extrinsic capsular wrist ligaments with results that are comparable with MRI. This article describes the normal anatomy of the dorsal, palmar, and collateral extrinsic capsular wrist ligaments on 3-T MRI and high-resolution ultrasonography.

Imaging and treatment of scaphoid fractures and their complications.

The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone, with frequent complications that are predisposed by its anatomical location, anatomical configuration (shape and length), and vascular supply. The most common mechanism of injury is a fall onto an outstretched hand. Imaging plays a significant role in the initial evaluation and treatment of scaphoid fractures and their complications. Radiography should be the first imaging modality in the initial evaluation and follow-up of scaphoid fractures. Computed tomography with its superb spatial resolution enables better visualization and characterization of the fracture line, and the amount of displacement and angulation of the fracture fragments. Using the metal reduction artifact with computed tomography allows good follow-up of scaphoid fractures despite surgical hardware. Magnetic resonance imaging without contrast is the imaging modality of choice for depiction of radiographically occult scaphoid fracture, bone contusion, and associated soft tissue injury; contrast-enhanced imaging aids assessment of scaphoid fracture nonunion, osteonecrosis, fracture healing after bone grafting, and revitalization of the necrotic bone after bone grafting. Proper identification and classification of scaphoid fracture and its complications is necessary for appropriate treatment. This article describes the normal anatomy, mechanism of injury, and classification of stable and unstable fractures, together with the imaging and treatment algorithm of scaphoid fractures and their complications with an emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging.

Quantitative analysis of the medial ulnar collateral ligament ulnar footprint and its relationship to the ulnar sublime tubercle.

BACKGROUND: The medial ulnar collateral ligament is the major soft tissue restraint to valgus displacement of the elbow. Currently, little has been published regarding the medial ulnar collateral ligament's ulnar footprint. HYPOTHESIS: The medial ulnar collateral ligament has a long attachment onto the ulna and the anatomy of the footprint is consistent. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: The authors studied the morphologic characteristics of the ulnar footprint of the medial ulnar collateral ligament in 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, 100 osseous specimens, and with 3-dimensional computed tomography in an additional 10 osseous specimens. They measured the length of the anterior band's ulnar attachment and the entire ligament length. They also measured the length of the osseous ridge, which extends distally from the sublime tubercle in both osseous specimens and on computed tomography. RESULTS: The mean length of the medial ulnar collateral ligament was 53.9 mm and the mean length of the ulnar soft tissue footprint was 29.2 mm. The authors identified an osseous ridge that extended distally from the sublime tubercle to just medial to the ulnar insertion of the brachialis muscle tendon. This osseous ridge was present in all osseous and fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. The mean length of this osseous ridge was 24.5 mm. CONCLUSION: The medial ulnar collateral ligament has a long attachment along the proximal ulna. The ligament attaches to a previously undescribed ridge of bone located on the medial aspect of the proximal ulna, the medial ulnar collateral ligament ridge. This ridge is present in all skeletal specimens. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Injuries to the medial ulnar collateral ligament are common. Published success rates after reconstruction of the medial ulnar collateral ligament are highly variable. The present study illustrates how current reconstruction techniques fail to fully restore the true anatomy of the native ligament. Further studies are needed to investigate this issue.

US of the intrinsic and extrinsic wrist ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage complex--normal anatomy and imaging technique.

Injuries of the intrinsic and extrinsic wrist ligaments can lead to chronic wrist pain and carpal instability, while injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex are a frequent cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Currently, magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography is the preferred imaging modality for the evaluation of these structures, but good results can also achieved with MR imaging without preceding arthrography and computed tomographic (CT) arthrography. Promising results have been published on ultrasonography (US) and sonoarthrography of the intrinsic wrist ligaments and the triangular fibrocartilage complex and on US of the majority of extrinsic wrist ligaments. Visualization of these structures can be achieved by using high-frequency linear transducers. US has the advantages of MR imaging and MR arthrography: lower cost, no known contraindication for imaging, and real-time technique with possible dynamic evaluation. This technique does not require imaging guided intraarticular injection of contrast medium prior to MR arthrography or CT arthrography and does not use ionizing radiation; however, US is operator dependent, which can be compensated for by using standardized imaging techniques. Supplemental material available at http://radiographics.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/rg.e44/-/DC1.

Transstyloid, translunate fracture-dislocation of the wrist: case report.

Earlier reports have described characteristic fracture-dislocation patterns of the carpus and distal radius. Most result from a fall onto an outstretched arm, with an applied force directed in a radial-to-ulnar direction across the wrist. We present the clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic findings noted with an unusual pattern of injury resulting from a force applied at the ulnar side of the wrist.

Olecranon osteotomy repair: the tensioned locking plate technique.

The tensioned locking plate technique takes advantage of two fracture healing modalities. A direct healing effect from osteon bridging due to lag screw compression is combined with axial and angular stability provided by a locking plate construct.

Sonography and sonoarthrography of the scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage disk: initial experience and correlation with arthrography and magnetic resonance arthrography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of sonography and sonoarthrography in evaluation of dorsal bands of the scapholunate ligament (SLL), lunotriquetral ligament (LTL), and triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) disk in correlation with arthrography and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA). METHODS: High-resolution sonography of the SLL, LTL, and TFC disk was performed on symptomatic wrists in 16 patients referred by a hand surgeon for MRA of the symptomatic wrists. All patients then underwent arthrography and an MRA study of the same wrist. After MRA, sonography was repeated. The imaging findings of these different techniques were then compared. Four patients (25%) underwent surgery of their wrists. In these 4 patients, the surgical and imaging findings were correlated. RESULTS: For the SLL, the results were concordant for all imaging modalities in 15 patients (93.75%) and partially concordant in 1 (6.25%). For the LTL, the results were concordant for all imaging modalities in 12 patients (75%), partially concordant in 3 (18.75%), and discordant in 1 (6.25%). For the TFC disk, the results were concordant for all imaging modalities in 13 patients (81.25%), partially concordant in 2 (12.5%), and discordant in 1 (6.25%). The arthroscopic and imaging findings were concordant for 3 SLLs, 3 LTLs, and 3 TFC disks. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results are encouraging. Sonography may be used at least as a screening imaging modality in evaluation of the SLL and TFC disk. Sonoarthrography improves evaluation of the LTL.

Coccidioides immitis osteomyelitis of the radius presenting as Ewing's sarcoma.

Coccidioides immitis osteomyelitis is a relatively rare manifestation of a disease that most commonly presents with pulmonary infection. Disseminated disease occurs in approximately 1% of infected individuals, with bony involvement in 10% to 50% of those patients with extrapulmonary infection. Diagnosis and treatment of patients with primarily osteoarticular complaints is frequently delayed, which may result in progression of disease and suboptimal results. This article discusses the successful treatment of a patient whose initial presentation was suggestive of Ewing's sarcoma of the proximal radius, but was found on biopsy to have coccidioidomycosis osteomyelitis. The patient was treated with surgical debridement and systemic as well as intralesional antifungal therapy.

The combined olecranon osteotomy, lateral paratricipital sparing, deltoid insertion splitting approach for concomitant distal intra-articular and humeral shaft fractures.

Fractures of the distal humerus involving the articular surface can be challenging. The complexity of these fracture patterns increases when the distal fracture is associated with a concomitant humeral shaft fracture with significant proximal extension. The combined exposure technique described here allows for consistent and controlled posterior humeral exposure proximally from the traverse of the axillary nerve to the distal trochlear tip. It is especially useful for complex segmental fracture patterns where distal intra-articular involvement is present and a single approach is desired.