Imaging of the Proximal and Distal Radioulnar Joints

Eric C Ehman; Joel P Felmlee; Matthew A Frick

doi:10.1016/j.mric.2015.04.011

Imaging of the Proximal and Distal Radioulnar Joints

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2015 Aug;23(3):417-25. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2015.04.011.

Authors

Eric C Ehman¹, Joel P Felmlee², Matthew A Frick²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. Electronic address: eric.ehman@ucsf.edu.
² Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

PMID: 26216772
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2015.04.011

Abstract

The proximal and distal radioulnar joints form a unique articular arrangement between the radius and ulna, allowing pivot motion of the forearm and positioning the hand in space. Typically imaged in conjunction with the elbow, radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and MR imaging of the proximal radioulnar joint contribute unique diagnostic information. Because dysfunction of the distal radioulnar joint is often a result of instability, dynamic CT protocols stressing the joint in addition to anatomic imaging with radiographs and MR imaging is valuable. Detailed knowledge of the patient's clinical condition and careful selection of imaging protocols will maximize the benefits.

Keywords: CT; Elbow; MR imaging; Radiology; Radius; Ulna; Wrist.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Image Enhancement / methods
Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
Joint Instability / diagnosis*
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / instrumentation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Radius / anatomy & histology*
Radius / injuries*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Ulna / anatomy & histology*
Ulna / injuries*
Wrist Injuries / diagnosis*
Wrist Joint / anatomy & histology*