Imaging of Distal Radioulnar Joint Focused on Four-dimensional Computed Tomography: Toward a New Imaging Standard?

Romain Gillet; Samy Obeid; Fatma Boubaker; Nicolas Douis; Maxime Clara; Pierre Gillet; Pedro Augusto Gondim Teixeira; Alain Blum

doi:10.1055/s-0045-1811205

Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, Inhaltsverzeichnis

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2025; 29(06): 827-841
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1811205

Review Article

Imaging of Distal Radioulnar Joint Focused on Four-dimensional Computed Tomography: Toward a New Imaging Standard?

Autor*innen

Romain Gillet

¹Guilloz Imaging Department, Central Hospital, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France

²Université de Lorraine, CIC, Innovation Technologique, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France

³Université de Lorraine, INSERM, IADI, Nancy, France
Samy Obeid

¹Guilloz Imaging Department, Central Hospital, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France
Fatma Boubaker

¹Guilloz Imaging Department, Central Hospital, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France
Nicolas Douis

¹Guilloz Imaging Department, Central Hospital, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France

²Université de Lorraine, CIC, Innovation Technologique, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France

³Université de Lorraine, INSERM, IADI, Nancy, France
Maxime Clara

¹Guilloz Imaging Department, Central Hospital, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France
Pierre Gillet

⁴Université de Lorraine, CNRS, IMoPA, Nancy, France
Pedro Augusto Gondim Teixeira

¹Guilloz Imaging Department, Central Hospital, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France

²Université de Lorraine, CIC, Innovation Technologique, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France

³Université de Lorraine, INSERM, IADI, Nancy, France
Alain Blum

¹Guilloz Imaging Department, Central Hospital, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France

²Université de Lorraine, CIC, Innovation Technologique, University Hospital Center of Nancy, Nancy, France

³Université de Lorraine, INSERM, IADI, Nancy, France

Abstract

The distal radioulnar joint is essential for forearm rotation and wrist stability. Instability of the distal radioulnar joint, often resulting from trauma, ligamentous injury, or degeneration, can lead to pain, functional impairment, and progressive joint damage. Accurate diagnosis relies on a thorough imaging assessment due to the complex joint anatomy, especially the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Standard radiographs are useful to evaluate bone alignment but have limited soft tissue sensitivity. Ultrasound provides dynamic real-time assessment of superficial structures, although it is operator dependent. Computed tomography offers excellent spatial resolution for bony abnormalities and joint congruity, with a static and pseudo-dynamic approach, considered the gold standard.

Magnetic resonance imaging is the reference standard for soft tissue evaluation, particularly the triangular fibrocartilage complex and surrounding ligaments. Emerging dynamic imaging techniques, including real-time magnetic resonance imaging and four-dimensional computed tomography, allow visualization of joint kinematics and detection of subtle instabilities not seen on static images. This review outlines the role of each modality in assessing distal radioulnar joint instability.

Keywords

distal radioulnar joint - instability - four-dimensional computed tomography - dynamic magnetic resonance imaging - triangular fibrocartilage complex

Volltext

Referenzen

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