Sonographic evaluation of scapholunate ligament: value of tissue harmonic imaging.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and conventional (fundamental) sonography in the evaluation of the scapholunate ligament (SLL).


METHODS
The bilateral SLL of 3 patients with unilateral SLL rupture and the bilateral SLL of 20 volunteers without history of trauma were examined. THI findings were compared with conventional sonographic findings.


RESULTS
On conventional sonographic evaluation of 43 normal wrists, the dorsal component of the SLL was partially visible in 10 of the 43 normal wrists (23%) and was completely visible in 33 of 43 (77%) normal wrists. Using THI, the SLL was visible in its entirety in 39 of 43 normal wrists (91%) and was partially visible in 4 of 43 normal wrists (9%). The mean scapholunate distance was 3.3 mm (range, 2.9-4.5 mm) in normal wrists. THI improved visualization of SLL continuity and demonstration of its fibrillar echotexture. In the 3 wrists with clinical and/or radiological evidence of SLL rupture, the SLL was not visible with conventional sonography nor THI; the mean scapholunate distance was 6.1 mm (range, 5.6-6.8 mm).


CONCLUSIONS
THI improves visualization of the SLL.
Department of Radiology, Kirikkale University School of Medicine, Turkey.
Ayşe Tuba Karagülle
AT
Kendi
Eftal
E
Güdemez
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D012667:Lunate Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012421:Rupture; D021361:Scaphoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*