3T MRI of wrist ligaments and TFCC using true plane oblique 3d T2 Dual Echo Steady State (DESS) – a study of diagnostic accuracy

Objectives: This study was designed to assess the accuracy of unenhanced 3T MRI supplemented with dedicated true plane reformats of 3d T2DESS, in assessing tears of scapholunate, lunotriquetral ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage complex, using arthroscopy as gold standard. Methods: In a retrospective cohort review, patients who underwent wrist arthroscopy and MRI over 2 years (n=46) were identified. Dedicated axial and coronal reformats were obtained from 3d T2 DESS sequence for assessing intrinsic ligaments and TFCC. At arthroscopy tears were classified using Geissler’s classification and compared to MRI findings. Results: The sensitivity of unenhanced 3T MRI in detecting scapholunate ligament tears was 87% and specificity was 90% and negative predictive value of 93%. The lunate triquetral ligament was assessed with a high specificity (97%) and negative predictive value (93%), sensitivity was 63%. Triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) tears were assessed with a sensitivity of 100%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of unenhanced 3T MRI of wrist in detecting ligament tears was 91%. Conclusion: 3T wrist MRI with dedicated reformats from 3d T2 DESS have a high diagnostic accuracy in assessing acute intrinsic ligament and TFCC injuries. High strength 3T MRI with good technical quality isotropic 3d T2 DESS is critical for accurate wrist ligament assessment. Negative predictive values of 3T MRI of 95% can lead to reduced need for diagnostic arthroscopy of the wrist. Advances in knowledge: This study assesses the diagnostic performance of unenhanced 3T MRI with 3dT2 DESS in assessing traumatic wrist ligament tears. The accuracy of T2 DESS in wrist imaging has not been previously reported.

Dynadesis for Treatment of Dynamic Scaphoid Instability with 20-Year Results

Background Even though the scapholunate interosseous ligament is the most common wrist ligament injury, its treatment remains a challenge for hand surgeons. We report on a surgical treatment (Dynadesis) for dynamic scaphoid instability (DSI) with a 20-year follow-up period. Description of Technique Dynadesis utilizes antagonist forearm muscles in order to synergistically provide dynamic stabilization to the scaphoid when the wrist is loaded. It is a tendon-to-tendon transfer with the following two components: 1) Dorsal—The extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) is passed through a hole in the reduced, distal scaphoid, providing the scaphoid with an independent extension force. 2) Volar—A dynamic checkrein is created by tension-locking the ECRL tendon around the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon. The portion of the FCR distal to the scaphoid tethers and tightens with contracture of the ECRL and FCR muscles. Patients and Methods Twenty patients (21 wrists) were treated with Dynadesis and reevaluated 20 years later (range: 20–27 years). Results Average grip strength improved by 8 kg. The average wrist flexion-extension arc decreased by 3°. Wrist X-rays showed no radiocarpal arthritis. On the Mayo wrist score, 81% reported excellent to good results (average: 89). Pain levels improved by 90%, with 76% of patients reporting no pain. All patients (100%) were satisfied with their results and would recommend the procedure. Conclusions Dynadesis is specifically designed for the treatment of DSI. It avoids the eventual complication of osteoarthritis and does not sacrifice wrist motion. A predictable and satisfactory long-term result is obtainable with correct patient selection based on clinical staging and arthroscopic findings.

Diagnostic accuracy of history taking, physical examination and imaging for non-chronic finger, hand and wrist ligament and tendon injuries: a systematic review update

ObjectiveThe diagnostic work-up for ligament and tendon injuries of the finger, hand and wrist consists of history taking, physical examination and imaging if needed, but the supporting evidence is limited. The main purpose of this study was to systematically update the literature for studies on the diagnostic accuracy of tests for detecting non-chronic ligament and tendon injuries of the finger, hand and wrist.MethodsMedline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar ProQuest and Cinahl were searched from 2000 up to 6 February 2019 for identifying studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 checklist, and sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were extracted.ResultsNone of the studies involved history taking. Physical examination, for diagnosing lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), showed Se, Sp, accuracy, PPV and NPV ranging from 58% to 90%, 20% to 69%, 56% to 73%, 53% to 71% and 55% to 65%, respectively. Physical examination in hand and finger injuries the Se, Sp, accuracy, PPV and NPV ranged from 88% to 99%, 75% to 100%, 34% to 88%, 91% to 100% and 75% to 95%, respectively. The accuracy of MRI with high-resolution (3 T) techniques for TFCC and interosseous ligaments of the proximal carpal row ranged from 89% to 91% and 75% to 100%, respectively. The accuracy of MRI with low-resolution (1.5 T) techniques for TFCC and interosseous ligaments of the proximal carpal row ranged from 81% to 100% and 67% to 95%, respectively.ConclusionsThere is limited evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of history taking and physical examination for non-chronic finger, hand and wrist ligament and tendon injuries. Although some imaging modalities seemed to be acceptable for the diagnosis of ligament and tendon injuries in the wrist in patients presenting to secondary care, there is no evidence-based advise possible for the diagnosis of non-chronic finger, hand or wrist ligament and tendon injuries in primary care.

Functional outcome in patient with giant cell tumour distal radius after reconstruction by en-bloc resection and non-vascularized fibular bone graft: a case report

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a relatively common benign primary bone tumor, commonly seen in end of long bones. Treatment goals for GCT of the distal radius are complete excision of the tumor and preservation of wrist function. Usually it can be treated by en-bloc resection and reconstruction using autogenous non vascularized ipsilateral proximal fibular graft. Authors present a case of twenty two years old female complaining of pain and lump in left wrist since two years ago. The pain worsened since 1 month before consultation, but did not radiate elsewhere. Pain was aggravated by movement and decreased with rest. Physical examination revealed a 3 cm mass with tenderness over left wrist. With clinical suspicion of benign bone tumor on left wrist, further evaluation was needed. Plain radiograph revealed an expansile, lytic lesion and soap bubble appearance on her left distal radius like a GCT. Open biopsy result revealed similar morphology with GCT. Reconstruction by en-bloc surgical excision, followed with non-vascularized fibular bone graft fixed with dynamic compression plate (DCP) and wrist ligament reconstruction and fixation of the head of the fibula with carpal bones and distal end of the ulna using K-wires along with palmaris longus tendon were performed. En-bloc resection of giant cell tumors of the lower end radius is a widely accepted method. Reconstruction with non-vascularized fibular graft, internal fixation with DCP with trans fixation of the fibular head and wrist ligament reconstruction minimizes the problem and gives satisfactory functional results.

How Close Are the Volar Wrist Ligaments to the Distal Edge of the Pronator Quadratus? An Anatomical Study

Background: This cadaveric study defines the interval distance between the proximal insertion of the volar wrist ligaments and the distal edge of the pronator quadratus on the distal radius. It is important to be aware of this distance during surgical dissection for placement of volar locking plates for wrist fractures. Disruption of the volar wrist ligament insertion may have adverse biomechanical consequences such as carpal instability, which can lead to pain and eventually wrist arthritis. Methods: Thirteen cadaveric wrists were dissected using the trans-flexor carpi radialis volar approach to identify relevant anatomy. The distance between the distal border of the pronator quadratus and the most proximal insertion of the volar wrist ligaments was measured. Results: The average distance between the pronator quadratus and the proximal insertion of the volar wrist ligaments was 5 mm, with a standard deviation of 2 mm. Conclusions: The volar wrist ligaments insert quite near the distal end of the pronator quadratus. Surgeons should be cognizant of the proximity of the volar wrist ligaments and be judicious with subperiosteal stripping of the distal fragment during volar plating procedures.

Accuracy of Pre- and Postcontrast, 3 T Indirect MR Arthrography Compared with Wrist Arthroscopy in the Diagnosis of Wrist Ligament Injuries

Background Magnetic resonance (MR) is the most important imaging technique to assess intra-articular pathology of the wrist. Among various MR imaging protocols, the diagnostic performance of indirect MR arthrography needs further investigation. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of pre- and postcontrast, 3 T indirect MR arthrography in the diagnosis of scapholunate intrinsic ligament (SLIL) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries, using wrist arthroscopy as reference standard. Patients and Methods We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with suspected SLIL or TFCC injury, who had indirect MR arthrography done before arthroscopy. Images were assessed independently by two senior radiologists. Results Arthroscopy of the 53 wrists demonstrated 16 Geissler stages II and III partial tears and 6 stage IV total SLIL ruptures. Central perforation of the TFCC was found in 24 wrists, and 12 wrists had an ulnar class 1B lesion. To detect any SLIL tear, accuracy was higher for the two observers using postcontrast indirect MR arthrography (0.77 and 0.72) than for precontrast MR imaging (0.60 and 0.60). No difference was found for total SLIL ruptures “0.85 and 0.89” versus “0.85 and 0.89.” To diagnose class 1B TFCC injuries, accuracy was higher using postcontrast indirect MR arthrography (0.85 and 0.75) than for precontrast MR imaging (0.70 and 0.72). No difference in accuracy was demonstrated for TFCC central tears “0.75 and 0.75” versus “0.70 and 0.77.” Conclusion Postcontrast images at 3 T indirect MR arthrography, compared with precontrast images, have an improved diagnostic performance for the overall detection of SLIL injuries and as well as class 1B TFCC tears. Level of Evidence This is a Level II, diagnostic study.