[Arthrography of the wrist: procedures and normal results (author's transl)]

The results of 31 opaque arthrographies of the wrist carried out under two different circumstances are reported. --In a first group the investigation was made immediately after or within a longer period following injury to the wrist or forearm. The results supply information to the surgeon on the condition of the triangular ligament in dislocation and partial dislocations of the inferior radioulnar joint, caused by an architectural fault in the radius after trauma (fracture of the head, diaphysis, or lower extremity). Simple reduction of the radius, without intervention on the inferior radio-ulnar joint, provides an excellent functional result when the triangular ligament is simply stretched. When it is torn (sprains, dislocation locally or at a distance) results are not very convincing in spite of the many possible procedures available. Arthrography easily reveals the presence of a reflex dystrophy complicating the injury. Both the radiological and clinical signs give characteristic pictures of the condition. --This examination is still only used infrequently for the diagnosis of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The arthrographic images appear very early, however, and are characteristic of an inflammatory synovial lesion. Examinations were carried out mainly for evaluation before therapy, surgical in the case of a synovectomy, medical for a chemical or isotopic synovial treatment. Arthrography in a acutely inflammed joint is followed by an injection of corticoid, sometimes associated with a local antibiotic. This rapidly relieves the patient and prevents worsening of the acute inflammatory process. Arthrography of the wrist is a simple, painless, rapidly performed examination. There has never been a failure, any incident, or accident. It appears to be the only direct exploratory procedure for this joint. A precise anatomical evaluation can be made from the image which gives a true picture of the different anatomical structures.