What does a thumb MRI show?
Images show ulnar collateral ligament (straight black arrows) and overlaying aponeurosis of adductor pollicis tendon (black arrowheads) on ulnar side and radial collateral ligament (straight white arrow) and aponeurosis of abductor pollicis brevis tendon (white arrowheads) on radial side of metacarpophalangeal joint.
Which ligament is most commonly sprained in the thumb?
Most thumb sprains involve your ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which is located on the inside of your thumb at the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint.
Can a torn ligament heal on its own in thumb?
A torn ligament cannot fully heal itself. Surgery for the thumb collateral ligaments is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will probably go home the same day as the surgery.
What tendons are in the thumb?
Flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon The FPL tendon bends the thumb. It is unique to humans. It starts as a muscle in the forearm and then travels as a tendon in the wrist through the carpal tunnel. It is then covered by a tunnel, or sheath, and inserts into the most distal (farthest from your body) bone in the thumb.
Can you see tendons on an MRI?
Both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonography are well suited to tendon imaging. A normal tendon on MRI demonstrates low signal intensity and on sonography, an echogenic fibrillar pattern. MRI is considered the imaging gold standard, providing an anatomic overview and excellent soft tissue contrast.
How do you check for a torn UCL thumb?
Often thumb UCL injuries can be detected on physical exam, and special x-rays called stress views can also help to confirm the diagnosis. These will also show if arthritis is present. Occasionally and MRI is ordered to visualize if the torn ligament.
How do I know if I tore my UCL in my thumb?
Symptoms of a UCL tear include pain in the webbing between thumb and index finger, bruise-like discoloration on the thumb’s skin, and swelling of the thumb that develops over the hours immediately following the injury.
How do I know if I tore my ulnar collateral ligament thumb?
Symptoms of a UCL injury include pain, bruising and tender swelling on the inside base of the thumb, at the web space between the thumb and index finger. People may also experience pain and weakness when gripping or pinching something. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor.
How do you fix a torn thumb ligament?
Surgical Treatment Surgery involves reconnecting the ligament to the bone and/or repairing the avulsion fracture using a pin, screw, or special bone anchor. After surgery, you may have to wear a short arm cast or a splint for 6 to 12 weeks to protect the thumb ligament while it heals.