Ultrasound Findings and Treatment of Wrist and Hand Diseases

ABSTRACT

There are many wrist and hand diseases in which ultrasound can help in the diagnosis and treatment. Because many small structures are located, identifying anatomical locations and pathways is especially important. In De Quervain’s syndrome, it is necessary to find tendon lesions located in the first compartment of the wrist. If injection therapy is required, administer the regimen accurately within the tendon sheath through ultrasound. In carpal tunnel syndrome, there are several methods to diagnose a disease by measuring cross-sectional area of the median nerve. Ultrasound has the advantage of administering injection therapy without damaging the nerve. Intersection syndrome can be diagnosed by observing swelling and hypoechoic appearances at the point where the tendons of the first compartment cross over the second compartment of the wrist. Ultrasound-guided injection is also safe and efficient. If there is a trigger finger lesion, the most representative findings is to observe a nodular hypoechoic thickening of the involved A1 pulley. When injection therapy is performed, it is effective to administer medication between pulley and flexor tendons as much as possible to reduce pressure on the attached structures.