[Contribution of echography to the study of the tendinous structures of the small joints].
The authors describe the US patterns of normal small-joint tendons and of soft-tissue masses, together with the inflammatory and traumatic changes in tendon echogenicity. The relationship of small-joint tendons to surrounding structures is also reported. Sixteen patients aged 1-60 years were examined. The indications for US examination were: pain, impaired motion, or evidence of a palpable mass. The normal contralateral region was always studied for comparison. US showed 13 pathologic conditions and 3 normal patterns. 6 patients underwent surgery, while the other 10 were treated by medical therapy. US diagnosis was confirmed in 15/16 cases (13/13 pathologic conditions and 2/3 normal patterns); surgery demonstrated a partial tendon rupture in the only false negative at US. Sonography proved thus useful also in the imaging of small-joint tendons. This technique, which demonstrates normal and pathologic tendon patterns, helps make a correct diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment.
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Servizio di Radiologia, Ospedale Maria Vittoria, Torino.
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013710:Tendons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography
Contributo dell'ecografia nello studio delle strutture tendinee delle piccole articolazioni.