ABSTRACT
A previous ultrasound study showed inflammation around the extensor pollicis longus tendon and surrounding structures at 6 weeks after manipulation, with or without pin fixation, and immobilization for distal radius fracture. Ultrasound examination after plating of distal radius fracture followed by early active mobilization of the wrist showed a short-lived inflammatory response, evident at 2 weeks but not at 6 weeks, around the extensor pollicis longus tendon (26 wrists examined) and flexor pollicis longus tendon (18 wrists examined). Early active mobilization of the wrist appears to limit the duration of inflammation around these tendons.
Subject(s)
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Intra-Articular Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Intra-Articular Fractures/surgery , Radius Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Radius Fractures/surgery , Tendon Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Tendon Injuries/physiopathology , Tendons/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Aged , Bone Plates , Bone Wires , Female , Humans , Inflammation/diagnostic imaging , Inflammation/physiopathology , Intra-Articular Fractures/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Radius Fractures/physiopathology , Statistics, Nonparametric , Time Factors , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
Traumatic, degenerative and rheumatological injuries of the foot are common and can be managed by an ever increasing number of treatments and surgical interventions. High-frequency sonography is inexpensive, portable and is unique in allowing true dynamic assessment of the ligamentous, muscular and tendinous structures. The ultrasound technique demonstrates a steep learning curve and requires detailed knowledge of the foot anatomy. Ultrasound assessment plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of injuries of these structures by guiding rehabilitation and surgical intervention without delay. However, intimate knowledge of the ultrasound appearances of the foot anatomy and normal variants is paramount to correctly identify pathological conditions. We describe the normal sonographic appearances of the foot musculoskeletal structures with MR correlation including joints and their ligaments, dorsal and plantar surfaces of the foot, and the arches of the foot and their supporting structures.
Subject(s)
Foot Bones/diagnostic imaging , Foot/diagnostic imaging , Muscle, Skeletal/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography/methods , Humans , Reference ValuesABSTRACT
Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon rupture is a recognised complication of distal radial fractures and their fixation with dorsal radial plates and pins. A number of other conditions including internal fixation of wrist fractures and inflammatory arthropathies have also been reported as aetiological factors of EPL tendon rupture. We report a case of extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture following avulsion fracture of the third metacarpal and review the radiographic and sonographic features.