Abstract
BACKGROUND: With the improvement of the ultrasound technology, there has been an increasing ability to image the soft tissues of the hand and wrist. This means structures such as tendon, ligaments and soft tissues can be visualized both statically and dynamically.
AIM: The aim of our study was to audit the types of cases who have undergone ultrasound imaging in different hand conditions in last two years.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 123 ultrasound and looked for its use in different hand and wrist conditions. These were categorized in different groups such as diagnostic, anatomical and therapeutical.
RESULTS: In our 123 patients, 49 had lumps out of which 30 ganglions, 7 vascular, 4 glomus tumours, 2 granulomas, 4 neuromas, 1 lipomas and 1 sarcoma. In another 30 patients it was useful to diagnose tendon conditions such as inflammation, rupture, triggering. Furthermore, in 31 patients it was used for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, it was used for many miscellaneous conditions.
DISCUSSION: Ultrasound is a useful tool for imaging of soft tissues in the hand. It can differentiate between solid and cystic swellings and can be used to aspirate and / or inject the later. It allows dynamic viewing thus making it an important tool in assessing complex tendon problems. We feel that it is a convenient, dependable and useful aid in diagnosing various hand conditions and should be available for widespread use.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Bimal Singh, BOSA at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
