Eric Bacqueville MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: To assess the value of ultrasound in the detection of occult traumatic lesions of the wrist. Methods and Materials: Thirty two patients aged 19 to 64 years were included in this prospective study during a 12 months period. On presentation, they demonstrated wrist pain following injury. All patients had negative radiographs. An ultrasound (Siemens Sonoline Advanced Elegra scanner) and CT scan examination (Volume Zoom, Siemens) were then performed and interpreted independently by two different musculoskeletal radiologists. The radiologists had to analyse bony structures, tendons, wrist intrinsic ligaments, and to look for joint effusion. A consensus opinion was achieved in each case. Results: In thirty five percent of cases, ultrasound demonstrated the following features, not depicted on the initial radiographs: bone fractures (scaphoid, capitate, hamulus, radial epiphysis) confirmed on multislice-CT imaging, dorsal component scapholunar and lunotriquetral ligaments tears surgically confirmed, radiocarpal and midcarpal joint effusions, hypoechoic area within the substance of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon and soft tissue hematoma. Conclusion: Ultrasound allows improvent of the detection of occult traumatic lesions of the wrist as it shows bones fractures, ligamentous lesions, joint effusions and tendons abnormalities. Ultrasound could modify the early therapeutic management of these lesions.       Questions about this event email: eric.bacqueville@voila.fr

Bacqueville MD, E, The Value of Ultrasound in the Detection of Occult Traumatic Lesions of the Wrist.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3105939.html