Joseph Coyle, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Nora Nugent, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Denis Kelly MBChB, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael O'Shaughnessy BMBCh, MRCS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cressida Brennan, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Josephine Barry MBBCh, FRCR, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Injuries to the palmar flexor tendons occur due to deep laceration or acute avulsion. High Resolution Ultrasound (US) is useful in patients with poor clinical progress post tendon repair, or when tendon repair integrity is questioned. This study aims to assess the utility of US evaluation of Zone 1 and 2 flexor tendon repairs and correlate imaging findings with clinical measurements of progress  

A series of patients, who had undergone Adelaide four-strand flexor tendon repairs were contacted six to eight weeks postoperatively and invited to attend for ultrasound scanning of the injured digit. Patients had participated in an early active mobilisation and protective splintage regime. A 12-megahertz high-resolution linear array probe was used to attain still and real time cine loop images. Ultrasonic findings were correlated to the Strickland mobility score assessed by physiotherapy from the same time period.

Twenty patients with a total of twenty-two injured digits participated in our study. Mean age was 31 years (20-68 years). Strickland scores at six weeks ranged from 20 to 75%. Ultrasound findings were seen to correlate well with clinical scores. High resolution scanning allowed assessment of integrity of repair, scar tissue formation, presence of adhesions, tendon-glide (on cine loop) and local anatomical structures. Low Strickland scores were associated with increased levels of adhesions and reduced tendon glide on dynamic scanning.

Ultrasound is a useful, tool for non-invasive evaluation of flexor tendon outcomes and may allow for more accurate tailoring of postoperative mobilisation regimes.  

High Resolution Ultrasound (US) is useful in patients with poor clinical progress post tendon repair, or when tendon repair integrity is questioned.

Coyle, J, Nugent, N, Kelly, D, O'Shaughnessy, M, Brennan, C, Barry, J, Ultrasound of the Palmar Flexor Tendons: Pictorial Review of Methodology and Findings following Surgical Repair.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8016476.html