Arthrography as a method of diagnosing tear of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb ("gamekeeper's thumb").
Arthrography of the metacarpo-phalangeal (MP) joint of the thumb was performed on 47 thumbs. The normal arthrographic appearance shows a closed joint space, whereas leakage of contrast material indicates tear of the joint capsule with or without an associated tear of a stabilizing ligament. Arthrographic demonstration of the heads of the adductor pollicis muscle was found to be specific for tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the MP joint, a tear which is commonly responsible for its instability. Arthrography is suggested as a safe and accurate diagnostic examination for the early detection of tears of the UCL of the MP joint.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013933:Thumb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*