Detection of the palmaris longus tendon: physical examination versus sonography

This study investigated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of physical examination compared with high resolution sonography for the detection of the palmaris longus tendon in 136 wrists. The incidence of tendon absence was 10% by sonography and 14% by physical examination. The sensitivity of the physical examination was 94% and the specificity 86% compared with sonography as the reference standard. Accurate identification of the palmaris longus tendon through physical examination was not influenced by body mass index or wrist circumference. Upon review of the sonography images, none of the palmaris longus tendons missed on physical examination were considered to be adequate for grafting based on expert opinion. While physical exam was 93% accurate for detection of the palmaris longus tendon compared with ultrasound, our study suggests that it is sufficient for detection of those tendons that can be used as donors clinically.