Ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection of the trapeziometacarpal joint: description of technique.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a new technique to perform an ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint.


METHODS
Ultrasound-guided injection of the TMC joint was completed on fresh frozen cadaver hand specimens using diatriazoate meglumine contrast. A fluoroscopic posteroanterior image of the TMC joint was then obtained to verify intra-articular placement of the contrast.


METHODS
Anatomy lab in a medical college.


METHODS
Seventeen fresh frozen cadaver hand specimens.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Verification of this technique was confirmed using fluoroscopy and contrast.


RESULTS
Sixteen (94%) of 17 joints injected showed contrast material within the TMC joint with a single cutaneous puncture. One intra-articular injection was initially misplaced into the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound may be used to accurately perform intra-articular TMC injections. Ultrasound provides a viable alternative to fluoroscopy when accurate injection into the TMC joint is required for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Umphrey
Gregory L
GL
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. umphrey.gregory@mayo.edu
Brault
Jeff S
JS
Hurdle
Mark-Friedrich B
MF
Smith
Jay
J
D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D050823:Hand Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular / Q000379:methods*; D014159:Transducers; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine