Experience with arthrography of the first metacarpophalangeal joint

Arthrography of the first metacarpophalangeal joint at various times after trauma involving suspected rupture of the joint capsule or collateral ligaments has been performed since 1975 and the first four and a half years experience is reviewed. More variations in arthrogram appearance were found than previously reported and the appearance recorded elsewhere as being typical of a Stener lesion was not seen in the forty-one arthrograms examined. The selection of patients for surgery produced satisfactory results subjectively and objectively and the arthrographic appearance agreed with the operative findings up to twenty-one days after injury. Some patients were saved from unnecessary surgery by arthrography.