High-resolution ultrasound evaluation of the trapeziometacarpal joint with emphasis on the anterior oblique ligament (beak ligament).
(2011) Skeletal Radiology : journal of radiology, pathology and orthopedics —
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- INTRODUCTION: The anterior oblique ligament is one of the main stabilizers of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Insufficiency of this ligament is closely linked to degenerative joint disease. High-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound has advantages over magnetic resonance imaging (availability, dynamic nature, cost, patient comfort). This study evaluates the feasibility of ultrasound of the anterior oblique ligament. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten cadaveric thumb specimens and 10 volunteers with normal trapeziometacarpal joints underwent imaging with high-frequency ultrasound. An ultrasound-guided, progressive dissection technique was used to confirm the ultrasound findings. Two radiologists reviewed the images in consensus. The detectability of the ligament was rated. RESULTS: The anterior oblique ligament was identified and measured in 90% of the specimens and 100% of the volunteers. The ultrasound findings correlated well with the dissections. This ligament appeared as a thin hypoechogenic structure in the ulnar-most part of the trapeziometacarpal joint, with a thickness that varied from 1.0 to 2.0 mm. Detectability of this ligament was good in 66% of the specimens and 100% of the volunteers. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound evaluation of the anterior oblique ligament of the trapeziometacarpal joint is feasible with state of the art equipment
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Gondim Teixeira, P. A., Omoumi, P., Trudell, D. J., Ward, S. R., Blum, A., & Resnick, D. L. (2011). High-resolution ultrasound evaluation of the trapeziometacarpal joint with emphasis on the anterior oblique ligament (beak ligament). Skeletal Radiology : journal of radiology, pathology and orthopedics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-010-1068-0