Evaluation of finger A3 pulley rupture in the crimp grip position-a magnetic resonance imaging cadaver study

Bayer T, Adler W, Schweizer A, Schoeffl I, Uder M, Janka RM (2015)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Skeletal Radiology Springer Verlag (Germany)

Book Volume: 44

Pages Range: 1279-85

Journal Issue: 9

DOI: 10.1007/s00256-015-2160-2

Abstract

The correct diagnosis of an A3 pulley rupture is challenging for musculoskeletal radiologists. An A3 pulley rupture should in theory influence the shape of the proximal interphalangeal joint volar plate (VP) and the amount of bowstringing at level of the VP during finger flexion. The purpose of this study was to perform MRI with metric analysis of the VP configuration and VP bowstringing in cadaver fingers in the crimp grip position and to determine cut points for A3 pulley rupture.MRI in the crimp grip position was performed in 21 cadaver fingers with artificially created flexor tendon pulley tears (fingers with A3 pulley rupture n = 16, fingers without A3 pulley rupture n = 5). The distances of the translation of the VP relative to the middle phalanx base, the distances between the flexor tendons and the VP body, and the distances between the flexor tendon and bone (TB) were measured.Statistical analysis showed significantly lower VP translation distances and significantly higher VP tendon distances if the A3 pulley was ruptured. A2 TB and A4 TB distances did not differ significantly in specimens with and without A3 pulley rupture. The optimal cut points for A3 pulley rupture were a VP translation distance <2.8 mm and a VP tendon distance >1.4 mm.Reduction of the VP translation distance and augmentation of the VP tendon distance are suitable indirect signs of A3 pulley rupture.

Authors with CRIS profile

Werner Adler Lehrstuhl für Biometrie und Epidemiologie Michael Uder Lehrstuhl für Diagnostische Radiologie Rolf Matthias Janka Institute of Radiology

Involved external institutions

University of Zurich / Universität Zürich (UZH) CH Switzerland (CH) Klinikum Bamberg DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Bayer, T., Adler, W., Schweizer, A., Schoeffl, I., Uder, M., & Janka, R.M. (2015). Evaluation of finger A3 pulley rupture in the crimp grip position-a magnetic resonance imaging cadaver study. Skeletal Radiology, 44(9), 1279-85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-015-2160-2

MLA:

Bayer, Thomas, et al. "Evaluation of finger A3 pulley rupture in the crimp grip position-a magnetic resonance imaging cadaver study." Skeletal Radiology 44.9 (2015): 1279-85.

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