“HSS Ultrasound of the Month Case 134

Clinical History 28 year old female with dorsal wrist pain radiating to the thumb after ORIF of distal radius.

Ultrasound of the Month – Case 134

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Ultrasound of the Month – Case 134

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Ultrasound of the Month – Case 134

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Diagnosis: EPL tendon impingement by screw tip

Fracture of the distal radius is often treated with hardware, most commonly volar plate and screws.

If a tip of one of the screws is proud with respect to the dorsal cortex, it can impinge on or irritate one or more of the dorsal extensor tendons.

If the impingement is severe and it is not addressed, it can lead to tendon rupture.

Ultrasound is an ideal modality for assessing the relationship of a tendon with hardware, superior to MRI, CT, or radiographs.

Ultrasound allows direct visualization of the impingement and secondary changes to the tendon such as tendinosis, split tear, tenosynovitis, and tendon rupture

Ultrasound of the Month – Case 134

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