Diagnosis of isolated extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendon avulsion fracture using ultrasound: a paradigm shift. 2018

N Alnaif, and S Alrobaiea, and Alain J Azzi, and S Thibaudeau, and M H Martin
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Room L9.317, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada.

Isolated avulsion fracture of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendon is a rare and poorly understood injury. We present a unique case of a 45-year-old male who fell on his flexed right hand. He presented with a subtle but extremely painful mass on the dorsum of his wrist. Ultrasound (U/S) imaging of the mass revealed an avulsed bone fragment attached to the ECRL tendon, confirming the clinical suspicion of an ECRL avulsion injury. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are well-documented imaging modalities to detect tendon avulsions. As demonstrated by this case report, U/S is an excellent diagnostic tool for ECRL rupture, a cost-effective alternative that provides real-time dynamic examination of hand injuries. To our knowledge, this is the first case of ECRL avulsion diagnosed by U/S. The purpose of this case report is to educate the reader on detection and diagnosis of ECRL tendon avulsion using U/S, a time-efficient and cost-effective imaging modality that is infrequently used for this purpose.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D011859 Radiography Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of X-RAYS or GAMMA RAYS, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film). Radiology, Diagnostic X-Ray,Roentgenography,X-Ray, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X-Ray,Diagnostic X-Ray Radiology,X-Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X Ray,Diagnostic X Ray Radiology,Diagnostic X-Rays,Radiology, Diagnostic X Ray,X Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,X Ray, Diagnostic,X-Rays, Diagnostic
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000071562 Fractures, Avulsion Tearing away of the CORTICAL BONE fragment at the location of a strong ligament or tendon attachment. The bone fragment detachment site often occurs near a soft site (e.g., GROWTH PLATE) at the base where LIGAMENTS; TENDONS; or JOINT CAPSULES attach. In younger patients it is most often caused by a sudden forceful pull on a tendon in the opposite direction of the bone movement. In the elderly it is associated with osteoporotic INSUFFICIENCY FRACTURES. Sprain Fracture,Avulsion Fracture,Avulsion Fractures,Fracture, Avulsion,Fracture, Sprain,Fractures, Sprain,Sprain Fractures
D012421 Rupture Forcible or traumatic tear or break of an organ or other soft part of the body. Ruptures
D013708 Tendon Injuries Injuries to the fibrous cords of connective tissue which attach muscles to bones or other structures. Injuries, Tendon,Injury, Tendon,Tendon Injury
D014463 Ultrasonography The visualization of deep structures of the body by recording the reflections or echoes of ultrasonic pulses directed into the tissues. Use of ultrasound for imaging or diagnostic purposes employs frequencies ranging from 1.6 to 10 megahertz. Echography,Echotomography,Echotomography, Computer,Sonography, Medical,Tomography, Ultrasonic,Ultrasonic Diagnosis,Ultrasonic Imaging,Ultrasonographic Imaging,Computer Echotomography,Diagnosis, Ultrasonic,Diagnostic Ultrasound,Ultrasonic Tomography,Ultrasound Imaging,Diagnoses, Ultrasonic,Diagnostic Ultrasounds,Imaging, Ultrasonic,Imaging, Ultrasonographic,Imaging, Ultrasound,Imagings, Ultrasonographic,Imagings, Ultrasound,Medical Sonography,Ultrasonic Diagnoses,Ultrasonographic Imagings,Ultrasound, Diagnostic,Ultrasounds, Diagnostic
D050279 Metacarpal Bones The five cylindrical bones of the METACARPUS, articulating with the CARPAL BONES proximally and the PHALANGES OF FINGERS distally. Metacarpals,Bones, Metacarpal

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