Radiologic evaluation of hand and wrist motion

Abnormal motion due to instability at the carpus and distal radioulnar joint can be difficult to diagnose clinically, and radiologic evaluation can be very helpful. The anatomy and kinematics are complex, and a directed approach is necessary to detect the findings that may be subtle and transient. Plain radiographic evaluation of the distal radioulnar joint is very sensitive to slight variations in patient position, and CT is more accurate when pain or cast immobilization make positioning difficult or when there is associated distal radial deformity. Static carpal instability patterns are present on routine radiographs where examination of the lateral view provides the key to diagnosis. The relations between the longitudinal axes of the radius, lunate, capitate, and scaphoid form the basis for classification of these instabilities. In dynamic carpal instability, routine radiographs are normal. The instability is demonstrated only with positional change or manipulation. Motion views can be very helpful, although direct observation of wrist motion on videotape fluoroscopy is the key to the diagnosis of dynamic instability. MR imaging motion studies provide better soft tissue definition and may show subtle changes in the triangular-fibrocartilage-associated distal radioulnar instability, as well as periarticular tendon subluxation about the wrist. The clinical role of MR imaging in the evaluation of wrist motion has yet to be clearly defined.