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M u s c u l o s k e l e t a l I m a g i n g • V i d e o A r t i c l e
Ultrasound of the Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament: Technique and Pathology David M. Melville1, Jon A. Jacobson2 , David P. Fessell2 Melville DM, Jacobson JA, Fessell DP OBJECTIVE. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) serves an important role in stabilizing the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. The adductor pollicis aponeurosis lies superficial to the UCL, and plays an important role in the pattern of injury and treatment of UCL tears. Ultrasound is a cost-effective and accurate method to evaluate the UCL, allowing dynamic imaging and contralateral comparison in the setting of acute injury. The purpose of this video article is to show the optimal technique for sonographic evaluation of the UCL.
CONCLUSION. UCL tears are common injuries involving the base of the thumb, and correct diagnosis of a Stener lesion aids in timely surgical management. Performing ultrasound evaluation in the long axis with use of dynamic imaging allows excellent visualization of the UCL and adductor pollicis aponeurosis. With application of appropriate technique, ultrasound is highly accurate in diagnosing Stener lesions.
Keywords: hand, Stener lesion, thumb, trauma, ultrasound DOI:10.2214/AJR.13.11335 Received June 3, 2013; accepted after revision July 13, 2013. WEB This is a web exclusive article. 1 Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona Health Network, 1501 N Campbell Ave, PO Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724-5067. Address correspondence to D. M. Melville ([email protected]). 2
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
W168
AJR:202, February 2014
M u s c u l o s k e l e t a l I m a g i n g • V i d e o A r t i c l e
Ultrasound of the Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament: Technique and Pathology David M. Melville1, Jon A. Jacobson2 , David P. Fessell2 Melville DM, Jacobson JA, Fessell DP OBJECTIVE. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) serves an important role in stabilizing the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. The adductor pollicis aponeurosis lies superficial to the UCL, and plays an important role in the pattern of injury and treatment of UCL tears. Ultrasound is a cost-effective and accurate method to evaluate the UCL, allowing dynamic imaging and contralateral comparison in the setting of acute injury. The purpose of this video article is to show the optimal technique for sonographic evaluation of the UCL.
CONCLUSION. UCL tears are common injuries involving the base of the thumb, and correct diagnosis of a Stener lesion aids in timely surgical management. Performing ultrasound evaluation in the long axis with use of dynamic imaging allows excellent visualization of the UCL and adductor pollicis aponeurosis. With application of appropriate technique, ultrasound is highly accurate in diagnosing Stener lesions.
Keywords: hand, Stener lesion, thumb, trauma, ultrasound DOI:10.2214/AJR.13.11335 Received June 3, 2013; accepted after revision July 13, 2013. WEB This is a web exclusive article. 1 Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona Health Network, 1501 N Campbell Ave, PO Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724-5067. Address correspondence to D. M. Melville ([email protected]). 2
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
W168
AJR:202, February 2014
