Arthrography of the Hand and Wrist

Abstract

Arthrography of the wrist and hand is easy to perform, but accurate diagnosis requires meticulous technique and thorough knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and imaging principles. Wrist arthrography is usually performed to assess pain or instability after trauma; a complete examination usually requires injection of the RC, midcarpal, and distal radioulnar joints. Abnormalities that can be detected include interosseous ligament tears, capsular tears, triangular fibrocartilage perforations and separations, cartilaginous defects, loose bodies, and synovial abnormalities including adhesive capsulitis. Arthrography can also be useful in the evaluation of masses and scaphoid nonunion. Finger arthrography can demonstrate capsular injury, ligament tears, tendon derangement, volar plate disruption, cartilage abnormalities, fibrous ankylosis, synovial abnormalities, and ganglia. Tenography is seldom performed; this technique can delineate synovial abnormalities and can be used to evaluate tendon subluxation.