Tendon Anatomy and Tendon Disorders of the Wrist

Wrist pain is common and can be attributed to tendon pathologies.This review aims to give a structured review of tendon anatomy, discuss anatomical pitfalls, and provide an overview of typical tendon pathologies of the wrist based on the current literature.Typical tendon pathologies of the wrist include de Quervain tenosynovitis, proximal and distal intersection syndrome, extensor and flexor pollicis longus tendon ruptures, and extensor carpi ulnaris subsheath injury. Typical pitfalls are multiple bundles of the abductor pollicis longus tendon or the centrally increased signal of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon.Both ultrasound and MRI are appropriate modalities for assessing the tendons of the wrist. Knowledge of normal anatomy, variants, pathologies, as well as appropriate imaging is crucial to determine the diagnosis. · Multiple tendon bundles of the abductor pollicis longus are a common anatomical feature and should not be mistaken for tendon splitting.. · An anatomical pitfall resembles the frequently found centrally increased signal of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon caused by fibrovascular tissue.. · In order to visualize the diagnosis of a proximal intersection syndrome, the MR scan field needs to include the area approximately 4 to 8 cm proximal to Lister's tubercle.. · The tendons of the thumb, i.e., extensor and flexor pollicis longus, are most commonly torn after distal radial fracture (EPL) and osseous hardware fixation (FPL).. · Marth T, Grob NA, Jacobson JA et al. Tendon Anatomy and Tendon Disorders of the Wrist. Rofo 2025; 197: 1148-1161.