Ultrasound Evaluation of the Transverse Movement of the Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon on the Distal Radius during Wrist and Finger Motion in Healthy Volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant relationship between the transverse movement of the FPL at the distal radius and wrist and finger motions. Our findings indicated that the irritation of the FPL caused by the movement of both the FPL itself and of the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus is most induced with the wrist in dorsal flexion with all 5 fingers at full flexion compared to other wrist positions during finger motion. This wrist position might be the optimum one at which to evaluate the irritation of the FPL from volar locking plates in patients with distal radius fracture. We believe that our transverse ultrasound results can play a role in the gaining of a better understanding of the kinematics of the FPL. Moreover, they have potential to lead to improved diagnosis of and treatment for fractures of the distal radius and help to minimize the risk of FPL rupture related to volar locking plates. PMID: 26568388 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Journal of Nippon Medical School - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Tags: J Nippon Med Sch Source Type: research