Delineation of extensor tendon of the hand by MRI: usefulness of "soap-bubble" mip processing technique

To evaluate the capability of the "Soap-Bubble" maximum intensity projection (MIP) processing technique in visualisation of extensor tendons of the hand, 36 intact subjects and seven patients with surgically confirmed extensor tendon rupture were examined. Three-dimensional T1-weighted turbo spin echo (3DT1TFE) MRI was performed using a sensitivity encoding flex coil, followed by Soap-Bubble MIP processing. For patients with extensor tendon ruptures, MRI findings and intraoperative findings were compared. As results, with only 3DT1TFE sequence, the entire extensor tendons that run along the arch of the hand were not shown on one image, but were visualised with addition of Soap-Bubble MIP. Although delineation of the extensor pollicis longus was poor in 27/43 subjects, it was much improved by the combination of water-suppression technique. MRI findings and intraoperative findings agreed in all patients. Soap-Bubble MIP processing with addition of water-suppression technique is considered useful for visualising the extensor tendons of the hand.