title: The role of ultrasound in the management of flexor tendon injuries.
abstract: The use of ultrasound scanning to establish tendon pathologies was assessed retrospectively in 17 patients in 18 digits. The ultrasound scan demonstrated four patterns: (1) normal intact tendons in four, (2) ruptured tendons in three, (3) tendons in continuity but attenuated in five and (4) tendons in continuity but thickened with fibrosis and decreased movement representing adhesions in five patients. Surgery was undertaken in only three cases, confirming the ultrasound diagnosis in two. Surgery was offered to all three patients with ruptures but was declined by two. Ultrasound imaging helped to avoid surgery in 14 cases by excluding flexor tendon re-ruptures. This allowed on-going mobilisation, leading to recovery of function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jeyapalan
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bisson
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bhatt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult