Ultrasound diagnosis and follow-up of a locked thumb metacarpophalangeal joint caused by radial sesamoid entrapment: A case report

Kyung Sik Ahn, In Cheul Choi, Chang Ho Kang, Jong Woong Park

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    2 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: A locked thumb metacarpophalangeal joint is a rare condition that presents as restricted joint motions with mild hyperextension deformity, usually after a relatively minor hyperextension injury. Owing to the limitations of radiographs, computed tomography is a useful diagnostic imaging modality for assessing sesamoid displacement. However, despite its convenience, ultrasound findings of the locked thumb have rarely been reported. Here, we report a case of a locked thumb metacarpophalangeal joint diagnosed and followed-up using ultrasound. Case presentation: A 15-year-old boy with a locked thumb metacarpophalangeal joint presented to our hospital. On physical examination, the 1st metacarpophalangeal joint was found to be hyperextended, and active and passive flexions were not possible. While radiographs were inconclusive, ultrasound revealed radial sesamoid entrapment at the 1st metacarpophalangeal joint causing locking. After closed manual reduction, metacarpophalangeal motions recovered. Success of the reduction was also confirmable by ultrasound. Conclusions: Ultrasound can be a feasible modality to diagnose a locked thumb metacarpophalangeal joint and immediately judge the success or failure of the reduction.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number509
    JournalBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
    Volume21
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2020 Jul 31

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2020 The Author(s).

    Keywords

    • Locked thumb
    • Metacarpophalangeal joint
    • Sesamoid
    • Ultrasound

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Rheumatology
    • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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