Sonographic evaluation of scapholunate ligament: Value of tissue harmonic imaging
Abstract
Purpose:
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. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:109–112, 2006
