Jean Luc Drape MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Henri Guerini MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean Louis Brasseur MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bernard Montalvan MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Dominique Le Viet MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alain Chevrot MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

the tear of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon retinaculum is an acute injury more common since the evolution of the technique game (2 hands shot) in professional tennis players. We study the value of US and MRI for the diagnosis and follow-up of this pathology.

21 professional tennis players presenting an acute injury of the wrist during a match play with suspicion of ECU tendon or retinaculum lesions were investigated by US and MRI. All patient underwent a dynamic assessment with pronosupination sequences. Follow-up imaging was performed after 2 to 3 months.

Most common injury combined a medial tear of the ECU retinaculum and an avulsion pouch along the medial aspect of the ulnar head (n=17). Sometimes, it extended volarly to the pronator teres muscle (n=5). The radial avulsion was less common (n=4) with a risk of interposition of the retinaculum beneath the tendon resulting in lack of healing. Tendonitis was commonly associated with chronic lesions (n=17) as well as tenosynovitis (n=8) in these professional players. The supination maneuver was essential to highlight a dislocation of the ECU tendon (n=15), which could be minor. Severe tendinopathies demonstrated a strong tendon deformity during the stress maneuver. Follow-up imaging showed the decrease of the gadolinium enhancement and volume of the avulsion pouch.

Diagnosis and healing of acute injuries of the ECU retinaculum may be assessed by US and MRI and particularly using stress maneuvers.

Drape, J, Guerini, H, Brasseur, J, Montalvan, B, Le Viet, D, Chevrot, A, Acute Dislocation of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon in Tennis Player: Ultrasonography (US) and MRI Evaluation.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4414016.html