Diagnostic and Interventional US of the Wrist and Hand: Quadrant-based Approach

Diagnostic and interventional US of the wrist and hand can be challenging due to the small size and superficial location of structures and various disorders that need to be considered. A quadrant-based approach (volar, ulnar, dorsal, and radial) provides a rational method for performing a focused examination and joint positioning during both diagnostic imaging and intervention. Volar wrist disorders primarily involve the median nerve and the digital flexor system comprised of the flexor tendons and pulleys. The ulnar nerve and extensor carpi ulnaris tendon are chiefly responsible for ulnar-sided wrist pain. The differential diagnosis for dorsal-sided symptoms typically involves the extensor tendon compartments and includes distal intersection syndrome, extensor pollicis longus tear, and digital extensor apparatus injury. The soft-tissue ganglion is the most common abnormality in the dorsal wrist, typically associated with wrist ligaments or joint capsule. Radial-sided pain may be secondary to de Quervain tenosynovitis and must be differentiated from the more proximal intersection syndrome. US is an important tool for assessing the ulnar collateral ligament of the first metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and differentiating between displaced and nondisplaced tears, thereby influencing management. Despite the complexity of the anatomy and potential pathologic features within the wrist, a focused quadrant-based examination can permit the sonologist to focus on the structures of relevance. In conjunction with a systematic approach, this can aid in precise and efficient diagnostic scanning and intervention of the wrist and hand. ^©RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.