Is this joint effusion or tenosynovitis of the finger?

Описание: How can you differentiate between joint effusion and tenosynovitis on your #MSK ultrasound exam of the #hand when fluid is visualized on the volar surface of the #finger?

Joint #effusion will be visualized on ultrasound as an increased amount of fluid seen within the #joint capsule overlying the articulation of the two #bones that form the joint. It is normal to have a small physiological amount of fluid present within a joint. Effusion will be compressible with #transducer pressure and there will not be any #hyperemia present when using power #doppler. A joint effusion can derive from trauma, inflammation, or infection.

Tenosynovitis will be visualized on #ultrasound as an increased amount of fluid within the #tendon sheath that surrounds the flexor tendons on the volar aspect of the finger. There may also be thickening of the tendon sheath and hyperemia present using power doppler. It is normal to have a small amount of fluid visualized in the tendon sheath. When there is fluid seen fully surrounding the #tendons, this is indicative of #tenosynovitis. Tenosynovitis is considered #inflammation of the synovial membrane surrounding a tendon as a result of trauma, repetitive strain, or #disease. The #synovial membrane surrounding the tendon is barely noticeable unless there is fluid present.

It is important to #scan the area of interest in two planes before deciding the #diagnosis. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a joint effusion and flexor tendon tenosynovitis when #scanning the volar aspect of the finger in the long axis. Although joint fluid is typically seen close to the #bone, and tenosynovitis is typically seen close to the #tendon, It is easiest to determine the diagnosis by doing a sweep through the entire area in the short axis from proximal to distal to delineate the precise location of the fluid.

If you are interested in increasing your knowledge of #mskultrasound and perfecting your scan technique, join our hands-on workshop this September in NYC, virtual attendance is also available. It’s a perfect opportunity to gain more #skills and earn #CME. Visit www.learnmsksono.com for more info!

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