Fluoroscopic identification of torn intercarpal ligaments after injection of contrast material

Abstract

Wrist arthrography is often used to evaluate the integrity of the scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments. This may be difficult when the ligaments are obscured by contrast material in standard radiographic projections, despite filming under fluoroscopic observation during the injection of contrast material. When superimposition occurs, we recommend fluoroscopic positioning of the wrist to optimally visualize the individual ligaments in profile. We applied this technique in performing 240 wrist arthrograms, 88 (37%) of which had scapholunate and/or lunotriquetral ligament tears. As a result, a definite diagnosis of the specific site of ligamentous disruption was possible in all but one case. Using this technique, we also identified six short-segment or "pinhole" ligamentous tears. Identification of commonly interrupted ligaments in profile by using fluoroscopy after contrast material has been injected may allow identification of specific ligamentous disruptions or short-segment tears, as well as a diagnosis of a specific anatomic abnormality that otherwise would not be possible.