Wrist/Hand Arthritis And Trauma: Diagnostic Imaging | El Paso, TX.

Wrist & Hand Trauma

• Distal Radius & Ulnar Fractures (Colles, Smith’s, Barton’s, Chauffeur’s, DiePunch)- complicated by 50% ulnar styloid Fx, TFC path, DRUJ dislocation, scapholunate lig dissociation, lunate/perilunate dislocation )
• Carpal bones Fracture & dislocations (scaphoid, triquetrum, hamate Fx &Lunate/perilunate dislocation)
• Ligaments dissociation (Scapholunate dissociation, Lunotriquetral instability)
• Metacarpal & Phalangeal fractures (Bennett, Rolando, Game keeperFx/Stener lesion, Boxer Fx)
• Pediatric wrist injury (green-stick Fx, Torus Fx, Bowing/plastic deformity, Salter-Harris injuries)
• In all cases, Orthopedic hand surgical referral is required

• Colles fx: m/c d/t FOOSH+pronation. m/c inOSP/elder women. Rare in men and if occurs need DEXA to avoid hip Fx etc. Young pts: high-energy trauma. Typically extra-articular.50%-cases show Ulna styloid (US) Fx.
• Complications: dinner fork deform, CRPS, DJD, nerve entrapment.
• Imaging: x-rad is sufficient, CT in complex Fx, MRI helps with ligament tears and TFC.
• Rx: if extra-articular and <5-mm distal radius shortening and <5-degree dorsal angulation closed reduction+casting is sufficient. ORIF in complex cases.
• �Image Dx: distal rad impaction/shortening,dorsal angulation of distal fragment, carefully examine if intra-articular extension, 50% US Fx

• Smith Fx: Goyrand in French literature. Considered as reversed Colles, otherwise almost identical, I.e., 85% extra-articular, 50%US Fx, OSP/elderly women, young pts-high-energy trauma. Differences: mechanismFOOSHwith flexed wrist thus m. Less frequent.
• Imaging steps: (see Colles Fx) C
• Complications: similar to Colles Fx
• Rad Dx: 85% extra-articular with volar(anterior) angulation of the distal fragment,radial shortening. Carefully examine cortical breach suspecting intra-articular extension that can be named as Smith type 2 or Reversed Barton Fx (next)
• Rx: similar approach as in Colles.

• Barton fx: FOOSH, impaction of distal radius similar to Colles but the Fx line extends from the dorsal radial aspect into radiocarpal joint resulting with dorsal slip/dislocation of the carpus.
• Imaging: 1st sept x-radiography often with CTto examine intra-articular Fx extension and operative planning
• Rad Dx: distal radius Fx extending from dorsal into the radiocarpal joint with a variable degree of displacement, the proximal slip of the carpus
• If Fx line extends from the volar aspect into the wrist joint named Reversed Barton aka Smith type 2 (above bottom image)
• Complications: similar to all distal radius Fx
• Rx: operative with ORIF

• Chauffeur’s/backfire Fx aka Hutchinson Fx: intra-articular Fx of Radial styloid. The name derives from the time when the car had to be started with a hand crank that could backfire inducing wrist dorsiflexion and radial deviation.
• Imaging: x-radiography is sufficient. CT may be helpful if Fx not readily shown by x-rays.
• Complications: non-union, malunion, DJD,scapholunate dissociation,lunate/perilunate dislocation
• Rx: operative with percutaneous lagscrewin all cases d/t intra-articularnature

• Die-Punch Fx: impaction Fx by the Lunate bone into distal articularLunate fossa of the Radius. IntraarticularFx. Derives its name from a technique to shape (impress) a hole in industrial machining “die-punch.”FOOSH injury.
• Imaging: 1st step x-rays, may be equivocal d/t subtle depression of the Lunate fossa then CT scanning is most informative.
• Rad Dx: impacted lunate fossa region with intra-articular Fx extension. This can present as a comminuted Fxarticular Fx of the Distal Radius.
• Rx: operative d/t intra-articular Fx

Construct arcs of Gilula when evaluating carpal injuries. An Important step required to avoid missing subtle changes in carpal alignment and cortical continuity

• Scaphoid bone Fx: m/c Fx carpal bone. D/tFOOSH wrist extended radially deviated. Location of Fx is most important to prognosis: Waist-m/c location (70%). May have 70-100%chance of AVN. Proximal pole Fx: 20-30% with a high risk of non-union. Distal pole-10%shows better prognosis. Distal pole Fx is m/c in children. Key clinical sign; pain in the snuffbox.
• Imaging: 1st step-x-radiography but 15-20%missed d/t occult Fx. Special views required. Thus MRI is the most sensitive and specific for early occult Fx. Bone scintigraphy has98/100% specificity & sensitivity esp. 2-3 days after the onset. Key rad. Dx: Fx line if evident, displacement and obscuration of scaphoid(navicular) fat pad, examine for scapholunate dissociation. If proximal bone appears sclerotic-AVN occurred. MRI: low on T1 & high on T2/STIR/FSPD d/t bone edema, a�low signalFx line can be noted.
• Rx: Spica cast should be applied if clinically suspected even w/o x-ray findings. For waistFx-cast for 3-mo for prox pole 5-mo immobilization. ORIF or percutaneous pinning with a Herbert screw.

Scapholunate Ligaments Dissociation

• SNAC wrist: scaphoid non-union advanced collapse. Often d/t non-union and dissociation of scapholunate ligaments (SLL)with progressive radiocarpal and intercarpalDJD. The Proximal scaphoid fragment is attached to Lunate with distal dissociating and rotating�signet ring� sign on x-rays.
• SNAC wrist may often result in DISI
• Rx: progressive DJD may lead to four-corner arthrodesis

• Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC wrist): SLLdissociation with progressive intercarpal and radiocarpal DJD and volar or dorsal carpal displacement (DISI & VISI). Causes: trauma, CPPD, DJD, Kienboch disease (AVN of Lunate), Preiserdisease (AVN of Scaphoid).
• SLL dissociation will lead to Dorsal or VolarIntercarlate aka Intercarpal Segmental Instability (DISIor VISI).
• Rad Dx: Dx underlying cause. X-rays demonstrate dorsal or volar angulation of the Lunate with increased or decreased scapholunate angle on the lateral view. On frontal view: Terry Thomas sign or widening of scapholunate distance 3-4-mm as the upper limit of normal.
• �MRI may help with ligament evaluation and pre-surgical planning
• Rx: often operative with late DJD. Four-corner arthrodesis

• Triquetrum Fx: 2nd m/c carpal bone Fx. M/C dorsal aspect is avulsed by the�tough Dorsal radiocarpal ligament. Cause: FOOSH.
• Imaging: x-radiography wrist series is sufficient. Best revealed on the lateral view as an avulsed bone fragment adjacent to the dorsum of the Triquetrum. CT may help if radiographically equivocal.
• Rx: conservative care
• Complications: rare, may persist as pain on the dorsum of the wrist

• Hook of the Hamate Fx: m/c occurs in batting sports (cricket, baseball, hockey, impact by a golf club, etc.) 2% of carpusFx.
• Imaging: x-radiography may fail to detect an Fx unless “carpal tunnel view” is used. CT may help if x-rays unrewarding.
• Clinically: pain, positive pull test, weak, painful grip. Deep ulnar n. Branch may be affected within the�Guyon canal.
• Rx: usually non-operative, but chronic non-union may require excision.
• DDx: bipartite hamate

• �Lunate vs. Perilunate dislocation: Lunate is m/c dislocated carpal bone. Overall infrequent carpal injury. However, often missed!
• Occurs with FOOSH and wrist extended and ulnar deviated. Imaging: 1st step x-rays. Ifunrewarding or require more complex injury evaluation CT scanning.
• Key Rad DDx: DDx Lunate from perilunate dislocation. Lunate dislocation: lunate lost its contact with distal radius �spilled teacup� on the lateral. Perilunate dislocation: Lunate maintains its contact with distal radius despite the Capitatedorsally dislocated. Lunate dislocation is additionally helped to identify a �pie sign� d/t Lunate overlapping the Capitate
• Rx: emergency reduction and operative repair of torn ligaments

Metacarpal & Phalangeal Injuries

• Bennett Fx: intra-articular but noncomminuted impact-type Fx of the base of 1st MC bone of the thumb. X-radiography is sufficient.
• Rad Dx: characteristic triangular fragment of bone on the ulnar aspect of the 1st MCbase, often with radial subluxation of the remaining radial aspect of the 1st MC
• Complications: DJD, non-union, etc.
• Rx: prone to instability/non-union requiring an operative care
• Rolando Fx: aka comminuted Bennett with Y or T-configuration. More complex injury. It is unstable requiring operative care

• Gamekeeper thumb: traditionally described as a chronic tear of the�ulnar (medial) collateral ligament at 1stMCP in English Gamekeepers’ who performed neck twisting/killing of small game. An acute injury may also be named as Skier’s thumb. This injury can be ligamentous w/o a fracture and an avulsion injury at the 1st proximal phalanx base.
• Complication: Stener lesion or displacement of torn ligament over Adductor pollicis muscle that cannot heal w/o surgical repair. MRI Dx is required.
• Avoid thumb stress views that can induce a Stenerlesion
• Imaging: x-radiography followed by MRI to Dx Stenerlesion. MSK US can be used if MRI is unavailable.
• �Stener lesion on MRI & MSUS: ulnar collateral stump is more superficial to Adductor pollicis aponeurosis and appears like a low signal mass-like stump forming so-called “yo-yo on the string sign” reported both on MRI and MSK US.
• Rx: often operative

• Boxer Fx: m/c MC Fx. An extra-articular usually non-comminuted or minimal comminuted Fx through m/c the 5th and sometimes the 4th MCneck-head junction (occasionally through the shaft) resulting in volar head angulation. Mechanism: direct impact as in clenched fist punching hard surface (e.g., facial bones/wall punching) hence 95% in young males.
• Imaging: x-radiography hand series is sufficient
• Rad Dx: Fx line transverse or oblique through MCneck with volar head angulation. Evaluate the degree of displacement, critical to report.
• Rx: typically non-operative with short �arm gutter splint and digits flexed. (www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0101/p16.html)
• N.B. If the same mechanism fractures the 2ndand 3d MC in the same anatomic area, it may require operative care.

• Phalangeal hand Fx: m/c skeleton Fx (10% of all Fx). Sports and industrial injuries dominate
• Imaging: x-radiography with hand series or PA/lateral finger views will suffice
• Rad Dx: if prox phalanx Fx, distal fragment is angled volarly with prox fragment dorsally. Distal phalanx may be angled dorsally. Key observation: nail bed injury, which considered an open Fx with a�risk of infection.
• Rx: if <10-degree angulation-buddy-taping with motion rehab. CRPP vs. ORIF can be considered in complex cases-Orthopedic hand surgeon referral
• Complication: loss of motion, necrosis, infection.May result with amputation
• For additional common injuries: PIP is m/c dislocated joint. Mullet (Baseball) finger, Jersey finger and other injury refer to:
• www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0415/p805.html

 

 

• Felon: septic infection of the fingertip pulp typically with Staph.Aureus. Causes: needle prick(diabetics), paronychia, nail splinters, etc. m/c in index and thumb, presenting with pain, swelling, etc.
• D/t specific pulp anatomy theinfection>swelling leads to pulp compartment syndrome-pressure and necrosis.
• Rx: operative with incision distal to DIP, irrigation/debridement

Pediatric Wrist Injury

• Incomplete Fx: Greenstick Fx, Torus (Buckle)Fx, Bowing (Plastic) deformity/Fx. D/t FOSHe.g. fell off the monkey bar. m/c affects <10-years-old.
• Key Imaging diagnosis: degree of angulation/displacement, epiphyseal growth plate injury (Salter-Harris classification)
• Rx: usually non-operative (closed reduction and casting)

• Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Instability-common injury following trauma as in FOOSHwith wrist hyperextension and rotation and disruption of DRUJ ligaments and TFCcomplex. Avulsion of ulnar styloid with the�dorsal or volar displacement of distal ulnar should be noted.
• Imaging steps: x-rays initially, MRI may identify ligaments and TFC damage, MSKUScan help with ligaments tearing.
• Note: isolated DRUJ volar (top image) and dorsal (bottom image) dislocation.

Wrist & Hand Arthritis

• Wrist DJD-typically is secondary to trauma, scapholunate dissociation, SLAC, SNAC wrist, CPPD, Keinboch or Preiser Disease and others.
• May lead to major functional loss
• Imaging: typically presents as radiocarpal JSL, subchondral sclerosis,osteophytosis, subcortical cysts, and loose bodies. Typically additional induces intercarpal degeneration and particularly Tri-scaphe joint.
• MRI may be helpful with early recognition of scapholunate dissociation, Lunate/Navicular AVN.
• Rx: conservative vs. operative.

• DJD Hand: Extremely common. True primary OA. MCP-never affected w/o DIP & PIP
• If isolated MCP OA noted considerCPPD & Hemochromatosis (Hook-like osteophytes)
• Clinically:
• Mid-age females
• Typically painless except 1st CMC OA
• DIPs-Heberden nodes, PIPs-Bouchard nodes
• Erosive OA (occasionally called�inflammatory OA�)
• A Spectrum of OA but producing central proximal erosions at DIPs and PIPsresulting with very characteristic �gullwing� appearance. No systemic inflammation (no CRP, RF, Anti-CCP Ab)typically in middle-aged/elderly females, like Hand OA, often seen in families

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)-chronic systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, targeting synovial joints, tendons with multiple systemic involvement (lung, CVS, Ocular, Skin, etc.) Pathology: Tcell>Macrophage/APC>mediatedautoimmune process resulting in pannus formation and gradual destruction of ST, cartilage, bone,�and other tissues. 3% FemalesVS.1% Males. Environmental triggers: infection, trauma, smoking,�and others in a genetically susceptible individual. 20-30%may be disabled after 10-years.
• Dx: clinical, labs, imaging.Symmetrical Polyarthritis esp. in MCP, wrists (2nd & 3RD MCP)