Open AccessSensitivity and Specificity of Radiographs in the Diagnosis of Little and/or Ring Carpometacarpal Joint Injuries
Author(s) -
Sami Hassan,
Abdul Aziz,
N. D. Downing,
Ryan W Trickett
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of hand and microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0974-6897
pISSN - 0974-3227
DOI - 10.1055/s-0040-1709213
Subject(s) - medicine , radiography , carpometacarpal joint , orthodontics , radiology , physical therapy , osteoarthritis , alternative medicine , pathology
Little and ring finger carpometacarpal joints (CMCJs) injuries are commonly missed due to misinterpretation of radiographs. We aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of four different radiographic views. Materials and Methods Radiographs (posteroanterior [PA], lateral [LAT], pronated oblique [POL], and supinated oblique [SOL] views) showing normal findings or little/ring finger CMCJ injuries were shown to two cohorts of orthopaedic trainees and a cohort of emergency nurse practitioners. Results The POL view performed best in all three testing scenarios. The SOL view performed least well. The combination of a PA, true LAT, and POL identified 78% of injuries correctly. In no cases did the SOL view correctly identify an injury when the other three views had been interpreted as normal. Conclusion We recommend a combination of the PA, POL, and LAT views in diagnosing these injuries. Where doubt remains, cross-sectional imaging is essential.