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Injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint are of both historic and modern interest for athletes and non-athletes alike. The thumb metacarpophalangeal joint requires stability in both flexion and extension utilizing a combination of static and dynamic stabilizers. This article reviews the magnetic resonance imaging categorization of thumb ulnar collateral ligament injuries and proposes two additional injury patterns seen in high-level and professional athletes who play American football. In addition to the direct magnetic resonance imaging findings in collateral ligament tears, secondary findings of rotation and subluxation can be seen at the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint due to the altered physiologic forces on the joint. Internal brace augmentation via suture tape of a traditional ulnar collateral ligament repair is a novel surgical technique that provides protection during initial healing and the ensuing remodeling phase following repair or reconstruction, resulting in a faster return to play., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to International Skeletal Society (ISS).)

Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a rare benign tumor of the cartilaginous tissue that frequently affects large joints intra-articularly. Characteristic imaging findings were reported for the diagnosis of SC. Herein, we report a case of SC of the metacarpophalangeal joint with atypical MRI findings. Considering the clinical presentation, erosion, absence of calcification on X-ray and CT, and low intensity on short tau inversion recovery (STIR), tenosynovial giant cell tumor was the initially diagnosis. However, histopathological findings revealed SC with fibrosis, which was confirmed using Elastica Van Gieson (EVG) staining. In general, low intensity on STIR in SC indicate calcification; however, it can also represent fibrosis in SC. In this case, the diagnosis of SC using MRI was limited highlighting the importance of histopathological findings for an accurate diagnosis of SC., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to International Skeletal Society (ISS).)

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) causes unbalanced iron deposition in many organs including the joints leading to severe cartilage loss and bone damage in the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJ). High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and its joint space width (JSW) quantification algorithm quantifies in vivo 3D joint morphology. We therefore aimed to (i) determine feasibility and performance of the JSW algorithm in HH, (ii) quantify joint space morphology, and (iii) investigate the relationship between morphological and clinical parameters in HH. Here, we performed an exploratory study on 24 HH patients and sex- and age-matched controls using HR-pQCT imaging of MCPJ. Mineralized bone structure was automatically segmented from the grayscale image data and periosteal surface bone masks and joint space masks were generated. Mean, minimal, and maximal joint space width (JSW; JSW.MIN; JSW.MAX), JSW heterogeneity (JSW.SD), JSW asymmetry (JSW.AS), and joint space volume (JSV) were computed. Demographics and, for HH patients, disease-specific parameters were recorded. Segmentation of JS was very good with 79.7% of MCPJs successfully segmented at first attempt and 20.3% requiring semi-manual correction. HH men showed larger JSV at all MCPs (+ 25.4% < JSV <  + 41.8%, p < 0.05), larger JSW.MAX at MCP 3-4 (+ 14%, 0.006 < p < 0.062), and wider JSW (+ 13%, p = 0.043) at MCP 4 relative to HH women. Compared to controls, both HH men and HH women showed larger JSW.AS and smaller JSW.MIN at all MCP levels, reaching significance for HH men at MCP 2 and 3 (JSW.AS: + 323% < JSW.AS <  + 359%, 0.020 < p < 0.043; JSW.MIN: - 216% < JSW.MIN < - 225%, p < 0.043), and for women at MCP 3 (JSW.AS: + 180%, p = 0.025; JSW.MIN: - 41.8%, p = 0.022). Time since HH diagnosis was correlated positively with MCP 4 JSW.AS and JSW.SD (0.463 < ρ < 0.499, p < 0.040), and the number of phlebotomies since diagnosis was correlated with JSW.SD at all MCPs (0.432 < ρ < 0.535, p < 0.050). HR-pQCT-based JSW quantification in MCPJ of HH patients is feasible, performs well even in narrow JS, and allows to define the microstructural joint burden of HH., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Thumb metacarpophalangeal joint instability can have a considerable functional impairment. Acute injuries are usually overlooked in children due to the high pain threshold and the presence of ligamentous laxity. Chronicity of the injury results in failure of conservative treatment. Literature is poor in defining such injuries. The purpose of our study is to determine the clinical and radiological tools for the diagnosis of metacarpophalangeal joint instability and we propose a simple surgical technique for their management., Methods: From 2015 till 2019, we present a case series of four patients with chronic post-traumatic thumb metacarpophalangeal joint instability. Patients were assessed for palmar plate avulsion clinically and radiologically using plain X-ray and sonography. Surgical repair through a palmar approach with direct repair of the palmar plate was done in all patients. Patient demographics, complications, and clinical outcomes were recorded., Results: Mean follow-up was 22.5 months. At the latest follow-up the metacarpophalangeal joint was stable in all patients. They were all pain free except one patient suffered from temporary pain at the dorsum of the metacarpal due to prominence of the suture anchor, which disappeared at 1-year follow-up. They had improvement in pinch strength. Full range of motion was obtained and all the patients have returned to full activity without limitations., Conclusion: Chronic post-traumatic thumb metacarpophalangeal joint instability results in functional impairment. Clinical suspicion and sonographic assessment can verify the diagnosis. Surgical repair with transosseous sutures or anchors yields satisfactory results in the paediatric age group with the preservation of normal range of motion., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Due to the exposed situation of the extension side of the metacarpophalangeal joint when the fingers are bent, injuries in this region are not uncommon. The extensor apparatus lies directly below the skin and the various parts can be easily injured. Due to the complex anatomical structure, the different clinical appearances and the various forms of treatment, injuries of the extensor tendons in the region of the metacarpophalangeal joint must be examined in a very differentiated manner. The not uncommonly occurring deviation phenomenon makes all injuries in zone V suspicious and special attention must be paid to them. The alarming multitude of revision surgeries with tenolysis, arthrolysis and restoration of the balance of extensor tendons or centering show that these operations are much more demanding than the way they are appreciated in the literature and by many surgeons (beginner's operation). The article presents the surgical treatment with suture techniques and reconstruction possibilities as well as the aftercare, in addition to the special anatomy and diagnostics.

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of associated findings at the first metacarpophalangeal joint on radiographs and MRI following acute ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 25 patients with an injury of the UCL at MRI. Presence of associated injuries to the volar ligaments (checkrein and phalangoglenoid ligaments and volar plate) was assessed on radiographs and MRI independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare frequencies of injuries between both modalities (p < 0.05). Interreader variability was calculated., Results: Complete tears of the UCL (48%/60%, reader 1/2) were more common than partial tears (24%/16%) on MRI. Dislocation of the UCL ≥ 3 mm was detected in 40%/56% on MRI. UCL avulsion fractures were more frequently seen on MRI (28%) compared with radiographs (12%) for reader 1. Associated avulsion injuries of the phalangoglenoid ligament were evident in 12%/8% on radiographs and in 80%/76% on MRI. Almost all patients (100%/79%) with a dislocated UCL tear showed a concomitant volar ligament injury; and even two-thirds (66%/72%) of the non-displaced UCL tears had an injury to the volar ligaments. Interreader agreement was moderate to excellent (κ = 0.60-1.0)., Conclusion: UCL tears are often associated with volar ligament injuries, even in lesser degrees of an UCL injury.

Purpose: Acute grade III tears of the radial collateral ligament (RCL) of the thumb as well as certain bony avulsion fractures receive early surgical repair at our institution. The aim of this study was to evaluate if patients would benefit from this treatment algorithm at long-term., Methods: 47 patients with RCL bony avulsion fracture or grade III RCL tear were evaluated at a median follow-up of 4.5 years (range 1-17.3 years). Grade III RCL tears were treated operatively when presenting >30° angulation in stress X-ray together with palmar subluxation of ≥3 mm. Further, avulsed bony fragments with diastasis >2 mm or fragment rotation >30°-45° in conventional X-ray underwent surgery. 6 patients with grade III RCL tear as well as 9 patients with bony avulsion underwent surgical repair., Results: At follow-up, metacarpophalangeal joint stability and pain free ROM did not differ significantly between the groups. Subjective satisfaction based on the Catalano grading system revealed excellent results in operatively and conservatively treated patients., Conclusions: This retrospective analysis indicates that early surgical repair in severe RCL injuries is associated with unrestricted ROM, persistent joint stability, and subjective patient satisfaction. This data suggest that surgical treatment in certain RCL injuries might be a feasible therapeutic option in order to avoid chronic instability.

Objective: Hyperechoic microfoci are sometimes visualized in normal joints. We hypothesized that these microfoci may correspond to gas microbubbles produced by a vacuum phenomenon. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the possibility of generating intraarticular hyperechoic microbubbles by creating a vacuum phenomenon through traction on a metacarpophalangeal joint., Materials and Methods: We applied manual traction to the second metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of 22 volunteer subjects to separate articular surfaces with the aim of producing a vacuum. For one subject, the production of a vacuum was verified on a radiograph performed during the traction maneuver. For all subjects, ultrasonographic examination of the MCP joints was performed before, during, and after traction maneuvers. Two radiologists evaluated the presence of intraarticular hyperechoic microfoci and measured the widening of the joint space during traction., Results: In the first subject, the widening of the joint space and the production of an intraarticular gas-like cavity by traction was confirmed on the radiograph. In 10 out of the 22 volunteers, the widening of the joint space was immediately followed by the appearance of a large intraarticular hyperechoic band, which disappeared when the traction was stopped, followed by the appearance of hyperechoic microfoci that persisted several minutes. The widening of the joint during the traction maneuver was greater in the group where hyperechoic foci were produced than in the group with no hyperechoic foci (mean 2.5 vs. 1.2 mm and 2.2 vs. 0.8 mm, respectively, for observers 1 and 2; P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U test)., Conclusion: Intraarticular hyperechoic microfoci may be produced and persist in normal joints after a traction maneuver. They are presumed to correspond to microbubbles created by a transient vacuum phenomenon.

Introduction: The anterior oblique ligament is one of the main stabilizers of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Insufficiency of this ligament is closely linked to degenerative joint disease. High-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound has advantages over magnetic resonance imaging (availability, dynamic nature, cost, patient comfort). This study evaluates the feasibility of ultrasound of the anterior oblique ligament., Material and Methods: Ten cadaveric thumb specimens and 10 volunteers with normal trapeziometacarpal joints underwent imaging with high-frequency ultrasound. An ultrasound-guided, progressive dissection technique was used to confirm the ultrasound findings. Two radiologists reviewed the images in consensus. The detectability of the ligament was rated., Results: The anterior oblique ligament was identified and measured in 90% of the specimens and 100% of the volunteers. The ultrasound findings correlated well with the dissections. This ligament appeared as a thin hypoechogenic structure in the ulnar-most part of the trapeziometacarpal joint, with a thickness that varied from 1.0 to 2.0 mm. Detectability of this ligament was good in 66% of the specimens and 100% of the volunteers., Conclusion: Ultrasound evaluation of the anterior oblique ligament of the trapeziometacarpal joint is feasible with state of the art equipment.

Stress test is a commonly used diagnostic examination to evaluate the radial collateral ligament (RCL) tear of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint to indicate the surgical intervention. We experienced a locked MCP joint after stress test in a patient with the RCL and volar plate injury.

Double dislocations of the thumb are rare injuries. Those reported in the English literature have all been treated operatively except one. We report the second case of a double dislocation of a thumb involving the metacarpophalangeal joint and carpometacarpal joint treated nonoperatively. Two-year results reveal a stable, pain free thumb with no evidence of arthritis or subluxation.

Increasingly, implants in the region of hand joints and the wrist represent an alternative for the treatment of post-traumatic, inflamed, or degenerative joint damage. The diversity of hand functions also results in varied solutions, which are effective in their stability, mobility, and distraction. Different materials are necessary for this, and they require subtile radiological control. The native X-ray represents the substantial method to observe migration of the implants. Each interface between titanium, ceramic, zirconium, pyrocarbon, and silicon to the bone has to be assessed differently in order to obtain a relevant statement. The finger joints and to a limited extent the wrist represent the artificial joints with limited alternative therapy. Other implants in the hand should only be applied after strict indication and patient compliance, as arthrodesis and resection arthroplasty have shown very good long-term results.

Radiology plays a key role when the indications for arthroplasties of the hand and finger joints are determined and for the postoperative follow-up. On the one hand, the degree of inflammatory changes in all affected compartments is to be evaluated and graded; on the other hand, conventional radiograms allow for a first assessment of possible joint instability and impaired biomechanics. Both aspects influence the choice of the proper surgical therapeutic strategy. Osteolysis, deformity, fracture, prosthesis loosening or failure, heterotopic ossification, and foreign body-associated formation of granulation tissue are complications which can be detected on follow-up radiographs early on.

Purpose: To determine if ultrasound (US) of selected joints in the hands and feet can detect more erosions than radiography and establish the presence of erosive disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)., Methods: Eighty joints in ten patients with RA and 40 joints in five healthy control subjects, who were age, gender and ethnicity-matched to the patients with arthritis, were prospectively studied with radiographs and sonography. Conventional radiographs of the hands and feet were obtained. US examinations of the 2nd and 5th metacarpal-phalangeal (MCP) joints of the hands, and the 1st and 5th metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joints of the feet were performed. Radiographs and US exams were independently graded for the presence of erosions., Results: None of the control subjects had erosions. US detected erosions in 17/80, and radiographs detected erosions in 6/80 joints assessed with both modalities. US detected all erosions seen by radiographs in these selected joints. Erosive disease was present in the radiographs of seven of ten RA patients. US established erosive disease in eight of ten RA patients. US determined erosive disease in two of the three patients without radiographic erosions., Conclusions: US of the MTP and MCP joints in RA can detect erosions not seen with radiography and may be complementary to radiography in establishing the presence of erosive disease in early RA.

Aim of the Study: To evaluate the usefulness of a self-constructed holding device for standardized, investigator-independent radiodiagnostics for ulnar capsulo-ligamentous lesions of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint compared to the uninjured side., Material and Methods: A holding device for stress roentgenograms was constructed. Normal abduction arcs were evaluated in 20 degrees flexion in 28 healthy volunteers. The investigator-dependent variance was assessed. The study group comprised 123 consecutive patients (68 male, 55 female, aged 7 to 68 years, mean age 30 years)., Results: The normal arc of abduction was calculated to be 12 degrees (range 3 degrees to 24 degrees), while the mean individual difference in side by side comparison in volunteers was 0.3 degree (SD 2.69 degrees, range 0 degree-8 degrees). A rupture was diagnosed in 47 patients; 41 were operated. The preoperative diagnoses confirmed correct in all operated patients. A difference of greater than 6 degrees is indicative of a rupture with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 96.9%., Conclusions: In summary, the holding device is useful for the practical work. Individual differences of less than 4 degrees are negative, between 4 degrees and 7 degrees questionable positive, between 7 degrees and 12 degrees are positive and over 12 degrees proof indicator of a rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.

We present a splint system for a protected mobilization program after closed reduction of articular proximal phalangeal base fractures. This therapy consists of the periarticular soft tissue and functional anatomy. The soft-tissue around the base of the proximal phalanx leads to a circular stabilization effect. This so called Zancolli Complex (Metacarpophalangeal Retention Apparatus) can be used with the effect of a brace treatment. Treating 31 patients with articular fractures of the proximal phalanx way we found good functional results within a mean follow up period of 2 years after the accident.

A patient who suffered from severe deforming arthritis secondary to chronic tophaceous gout with multilobular, solid, tender, enlarged subcutaneous nodules and draining tophi in both hands was evaluated and treated by second ray amputation of the most deformed second finger to provide a more functional result.

Isolated palmar ulnar dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a rare injury which often yields only subtle radiographic findings that may be easily overlooked, especially when there is no associated fracture. We reported a case of an isolated palmar dislocation of the fifth CMC joint, diagnosed correctly by means of simple stress X-rays (traction and axial compression stress views). This method proved to be useful and needs no special equipment.

A 39-year-old man with acromegaly exhibited locking of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of both index fingers. Large osteophytes were found at the metacarpal heads by radiography and computerized tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance (MR) images revealed hypertrophy of volar plates. We suggest that these characteristic acromegalic features caused locking of MCP joints. Surgery was required on one of the joints to release the locking.

A consecutive series of 40 trapeziectomies in 30 patients with basal thumb joint osteoarthritis was reviewed. Sixteen thumbs had pan-trapezial and 24 thumbs trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Simple excision without soft tissue interposition was performed by the same surgeon using an identical surgical technique. Twenty-eight patients were female (mean age 57 years) with a mean follow-up of 11 (3-19) years. Twenty-eight patients were satisfied with their operation, with 26 thumbs being pain free. Thumb pinch strength was improved by 40% compared to preoperative values, but still remained 22% weaker than the non-operated side.

A case of simultaneous dorsal dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) and carpometacarpal (CMC) joints in the little finger is presented. The patient required a second surgical intervention for volar subluxation of the MP joint which occurred while wearing a dorsal splint following open reduction of the MP joint and closed reduction of the CMC joint. Two years postoperatively, the patient was asymptomatic but was left with mild stiffness of the MP joint.

In the pathology of simple complete dislocation involving the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, whether or not the palmar plate is interposed within the joint is controversial. Nine cases of complete dorsal dislocation of the joint were reviewed, and cadaver dissection was performed to study the pathology of this injury. Eight of the nine patients were seen within 4 days of injury and treated successfully by closed manipulation. One patient treated 7 days after the injury required open reduction. We were able to reproduce the pathological anatomy of the dislocation, wedging of the palmar plate in the joint of the cadaver. In this cadaver and in all clinical cases, radiographs showed a complete dislocation with an increased distance between the palmar edge of the base of the proximal phalanx and the metacarpal head, indicating an interposition of the palmar plate. Our study suggests that in simple complete dislocations of this joint, the palmar plate is interposed between the displaced bones.

We report a case of congenital extension contracture of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joints in a 15-year-old boy who had no associated anomalies and was successfully treated by surgery. Congenital extension contracture of bilateral metacarpophalangeal joints has not been reported previously, and the entity can be considered to be a new subgroup of distal arthrogryposis with congenital distal limb contracture.

Objective: To assess ultrasound findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hand and wrist compared to normal volunteers., Design: Metacarpophalangeal and carpal articulations were imaged ultrasonically. Two readers reviewed static images for synovial, cartilaginous, and bony abnormalities using severity and probability scales. Ultrasound findings were correlated with disease activity., Patients: Ten normal volunteers and 29 patients with known rheumatoid arthritis., Results: Synovial abnormalities and erosions were most commonly identified in the rheumatoid hand and wrist (p < 0.01). Criteria used for normal and abnormal cartilage did not predict normal and disease states. Significant differences in synovial abnormalities and erosions were observed between the inactive and mildly active disease groups as well as the active and mildly active disease groups (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Ultrasound can detect abnormalities of the hand and wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to normal volunteers. Normal articular anatomy is well demonstrated ultrasonically.

The gradient in prevalence of idiopathic osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints from the index to the little finger was used to test three theories. Trauma was correlated by analysis of fracture incidence in the four rays in 142 patients. Correlation with utilisation of arc was assessed by goniometric measurement of mean MCP flexion in five hand positions in a sample of 200 activities, and recording utilisation of these positions by behavioural observation techniques in the course of 2831 actions, 2746 domestic and 85 nondomestic. Both correlations were negative. The hypotheses of excessive loading and incomplete use were compared and tested against external evidence. It is suggested that the gradient in MCP prevalence of osteoarthritis is consistent with a bifactorial aetiology, with site and incidence determined by incomplete use, and with the rate of progress by cartilage loading.

A study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the clinical and radiological findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and combined osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (OA/RA) affecting the hands. Fifty patients were selected for each group from those attending a rheumatology clinic. The study showed a good correlation between the clinical and radiological diagnosis of combined OA/RA and that marginal erosive changes in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints occur more commonly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have coexisting osteoarthritis.

Between 1970 and 1987, 94 patients received 208 silicone implants at the Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital, Vienna. Of these, 62.5% were clinically followed up. At follow-up after an average of 116 months, the implant bed was found to be intact in only 41% of cases; in all others we observed lyses around the implant and cysts even in bones at a distance from the operated joint. Histological findings obtained from revision arthroplasty showed a homogeneous picture with foreign-body granulation tissue. These changes were usually clinically inconspicuous and had little effect on patients' subjective well-being. Despite the low discomfort caused, however, the use of such implants in only recommended in critical and severe causes because of the progressive destruction of the osseous bed during the time the implant is in the body.

In 22 of 35 patients (63%) with idiopathic hemochromatosis arthropathy could be demonstrated. In 20 patients the metacarpophalangeal joints (mainly II and III) with preference of the right hand were affected. Chondrocalcinosis of the wrist and knee was found both in two patients with metacarpophalangeal joint disease and in two patients without metacarpophalangeal disease. Further joints affected were the wrists (14), the other finger joints (11), and the knees (6). The dominant clinical complaint was pain in motion. Swelling and redness were rare findings only in case of acute exacerbations. The radiologic changes in the metacarpophalangeal joints were narrowing of the joint spaces, subchondral cysts, sclerosis of subchondral bone of metacarpal heads, and marginal osteophytic appositions at the joints. In one third of the patients arthropathy was evident before the diagnosis of idiopathic hemochromatosis was made. Histocompatibility testing confirmed that HLA-A3 is significantly more frequent in patients with idiopathic hemochromatosis than in normal persons. A statistically significant difference concerning HLA-phenotypes between patients with arthropathy and patients without arthropathy could not be detected. There was no case of arthropathy when 98 relatives of the patients were examined. However, idiopathic hemochromatosis was first detected in ten persons of this group.

Traction on wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints during radiography produces 'vacuum phenomenon' due to the release of intra-articular gas. The resultant pneumoarthrogram clearly portrays the articular cartilage. Manual traction radiography of the wrist and the metacarpophalangeal joints has the following potential uses. 1. Detection of joint effusion; increased interosseous space during traction without release of intraarticular gas is indicative of joint disease with effusion. 2. Separation of the carpal bones; the traction separates the carpal bones and allows evaluation. 3. Differentiation of arthralgia from arthritis. 4. Evaluation of midcarpal, radiocarpal compartments, and the metacarpophalangeal joints can be performed before the secondary ossification centers are ossified. 5. Evaluation of the integrity of the joint cartilage.