[Ultrasonographic evaluation of joints and tendons in the normal hand]

Ultrasonography (US) using high frequency probes (7.5 and 10MHz) was applied to the anatomical observation of joints and tendons of the hands of 12 normal volunteers, and in some cases comparison with MR imaging and detection by double-contrast arthrography of internal joint structure was made. Dorsal scanning of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) and proximal interphalangeal joint in the flexed position clearly demonstrated the cartilage and bone heads of the metacarpal and proximal phalange. By US, the structure of such connective tissues as synovial bursa, sagittal band, expansion hood, volar plate and fibrous digital sheath around the MPJ could be identified. By dorsal scanning in the long axis between the ulnar and carpal bone, a part of the triangular fibrous cartilage could be observed. Long and short axis scans of the hand demonstrated the flexor and extensor tendons as having a fibrillar texture with high echogenicity. In dynamic examinations including color Doppler imaging, the movability of the tendons could be evaluated. The result of the present study indicated that US can be effectively applied for diagnostic imaging of the joints, structures surrounding the joints, and tendons of the hand.