Abstract

THE ROLE OF ULTRASOUND IN THE EVALUATION OF THE TENDON ABNORMALITIES OF THE WRIST AND THE HAND

Dr. Ruqea Jassim Muhammed*, Dr. Sulaiman Ahmed Salo Qolmani and Dr. Sundus Mohammed Ahmed Al Ghannam

ABSTRACT

Tendons abnormalities of the hand and the fingers are common disorders, particularly among athletes and in the elderly. They may be symptomatic degenerative changes, inflammatory, or rupture. Tendon disorders are a common cause of pain and loss of function. Chronic tendon disorders are much more common than acute injuries and are the result of overuse or age-related tendon degeneration. The quality of ultrasonographic (USG) assessment of anatomical structures in the hand has highly improved over the last time. The development of high resolution with the highest possible frequency of modern ultrasound equipment and the superficial location of most tendons allows the spectrum of tendon abnormalities to be easily depicted with USG. The role of USG in the assessment of tendon disorders is steadily increasing due to its low cost, fast, wide-spread availability, and noninvasively together with the possibility it offers a dynamic assessment of the flexor and extensor tendons, collateral ligaments, and supporting structures of the finger, such as the extensor hood and the volar plate, as well as spaceoccupying lesions The current work aimed to study the etiological spectrum of tendon pathologies of the hands and fingers and their work-up with USG and correlate imaging findings with clinical and MRI diagnosis. Background: Characterization of tendon pathologies of the hand and fingers remains problematic, despite advances in imaging. By using clinical history and imaging appearance, one can determine the diagnosis. Ultrasonography (USG) may be used as the first imaging modality when MRI unavailable or has a higher cost for patients. Aim: Assessment of role of USG in evaluation of tendons abnormalities in hand and fingers Results: Show tables. Conclusion: Ultrasound is an efficient and accurate imaging method for evaluation of common tendon abnormalities. Once the basic technique and appearances are mastered, disease detection and management can be rapid.

Keywords: Hand pain, Magnetic resonance imaging, Tendons abnormalities, Ultrasonography.