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Methodology of ultrasound of the wrist joint and hand
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Ultrasound of the wrist and hand joints is performed strictly according to clinical indications. The patient usually sits opposite the researcher. Depending on the area of interest, the palm or the back of the hand lies on the knees. Longitudinal and transverse sections of the structures of interest are obtained. Performing functional tests helps in assessing the localization of the corresponding groups of tendons. When examining the palmar surface of the wrist joint, the sensor is installed transversely, the flexor tendons, medial nerve, and ulnar nerve are assessed.
Next, the back of the wrist joint is examined: the extensor tendons are assessed in the transverse plane.
During longitudinal scanning from the palmar surface, the flexor tendons of the fingers are assessed.
From the dorsal surface, the extensor tendons are examined.
The medial nerve can be traced from the cubital region to the wrist. If we mentally divide the cubital region into 3 parts, the nerve will pass on the border between the medial and middle thirds. Then it goes down to the wrist, located medial to the long palmar tendon. On the wrist, it is located almost subcutaneously on the palmar surface under the tendon retainer in the tunnel. If we mentally draw a line between two eminences (thenar and hypothenar), and then divide it into 3 parts, then the medial nerve passes between the medial and middle thirds,
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